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Recreation Workers in Wisconsin

Thinking about a career as a Recreation Workers in Wisconsin? Here’s what the data says. 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 Wisconsin?

For a recreation workers working in Wisconsin, wages run about $33,910 per year (or roughly $16.30/hour).Pay can range from $23,290 at the 10th percentile to $44,710 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$23,290	$11.20
25th percentile	$29,240	$14.06
Median (50th)	$33,910	$16.30
75th percentile	$37,060	$17.82
90th percentile	$44,710	$21.49

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Wisconsin relative to the national average — is 1.08.

National Wage Comparison

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

Employment Outlook

National employment for 74,944 recreation workers nationwide. In Wisconsin alone, around 6,320 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 3,430 recreation workers.

Top Wisconsin Metros for Recreation Workers

The largest metro-area employers of recreation workers in Wisconsin.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI	1,620	$34,100
Madison, WI	840	$33,500
Green Bay, WI	720	$33,280
Appleton, WI	280	$33,740
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN	240	$33,520
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI	190	$34,190
Sheboygan, WI	180	$30,750
Eau Claire, WI	170	$31,830
Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI	170	$34,630
Kenosha, WI	160	$36,930
Fond du Lac, WI	110	$28,380
Janesville-Beloit, WI	100	$33,150
Wausau, WI	70	$35,720

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

Where recreation workers earn the most: 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

Key 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

Day-to-day, 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

Software and systems commonly involved: 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