---

Recreation Workers in Illinois

Considering working as a Recreation Workers in Illinois? Below are the key facts. Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.

What do Recreation Workers Make in Illinois?

For recreation workers working in Illinois, wages run about $33,830 per year (or about $16.26/hour).Pay can range from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $45,270 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$29,120	$14.00
25th percentile	$30,480	$14.65
Median (50th)	$33,830	$16.26
75th percentile	$36,870	$17.72
90th percentile	$45,270	$21.77

The job concentration index in Illinois nationwide is 1.33, meaning that recreation workers are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, recreation workers earn a median of $41,302 per year ($19.86/hour), lower than the Illinois median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 74,944 recreation workers nationwide. In Illinois alone, about 16,150 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 3,430 recreation workers.

Top Illinois Metros for Recreation Workers

The metro areas below employ the most recreation workers in Illinois.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	12,260	$34,100
Peoria, IL	600	$31,510
Bloomington, IL	330	$31,910
Springfield, IL	280	$30,070
Champaign-Urbana, IL	270	$30,420
Rockford, IL	220	$31,270
Kankakee, IL	120	$30,040
Decatur, IL	80	$31,200

Top States for Recreation Workers Employment

The table below shows the states where the most recreation workers work.

State	Number Employed
California	48,580
New York	19,550
Florida	16,720
Texas	16,590
Illinois	16,150
Ohio	12,310
Arizona	11,820
Michigan	11,370
Massachusetts	10,730
Pennsylvania	10,540
North Carolina	9,020
Virginia	8,260
New Jersey	8,040
Georgia	7,610
Minnesota	6,430
Wisconsin	6,320
Indiana	6,150
Utah	5,950
Missouri	5,530
Colorado	4,900

Highest-Paying States for Recreation Workers

These states pay the most for recreation workers.

State	Annual Median Salary
District of Columbia	$45,760
Washington	$43,850
South Dakota	$41,380
Alaska	$39,830
North Dakota	$37,920
California	$37,580
Minnesota	$37,500
Oregon	$37,440
New York	$37,270
Vermont	$37,160

Skills

The most important recreation workers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

Top abilities for recreation workers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Recreation Workers typically:

• Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
• Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
• Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
• Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
• Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
• Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
• Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
• Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
• Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
• Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.

Work Activities

• Getting Information
• Thinking Creatively
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Scheduling Work and Activities
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Processing Information
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Tools & Technology

Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software

Related Careers

Other careers like recreation workers include:

• Training and Development Managers
• Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
• Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Also Known As

Activities Aide, Activities Assistant, Activities Associate, Activities Coordinator, Activities Counselor, Activities Director, Activities Leader, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Activity Leader, Activity Specialist, Camp Advisor, Camp Counselor.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-9032.00