Recreation Worker

A Recreation Worker recreation Workers plan, organize, and lead recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts, games, music, and drama. They work with individuals and groups of all ages and abilities in community centers, parks, camps, and care facilities, adjusting programs to meet diverse needs and promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Promotes physical activity, social interaction, and mental well-being within communities, fostering a sense of belonging and improving quality of life for participants of all ages and abilities.

A Recreation Worker earns a median of $38,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $28,000 to $55,000.

To become a Recreation Worker, high school diploma is often sufficient, with on-the-job training. An associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field is increasingly preferred for advancement.

Recreation Worker roles tend to suit people who are warm and cooperative — tuned in to the people around them (Agreeableness 78/100) and outgoing — energised by people, visibility and quick social contact (Extraversion 75/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Outgoing, Empathetic, Organized and Adaptable. Naturally energetic and enjoys interacting with diverse groups of people, making them feel comfortable and engaged. On interests, Recreation Worker maps to a SER Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy helping others, leading and organizing group activities, and engaging in hands-on, active work tend to thrive as Recreation Workers.

A Recreation Worker role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Social (S) and Enterprising (E) alignment: the role is centered around helping and leading people in engaging ways. Offers a dynamic work environment with significant time spent leading activities and interacting directly with participants. High levels of team interaction and stakeholder exposure suit individuals who thrive in collaborative, people-focused settings.

Recreation Worker roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires regular weekend and evening work to accommodate program schedules. Can be physically demanding, involving active participation and supervision of groups.

Work as a Recreation Worker is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 28% of the week is focused deep work.

Core skills for a Recreation Worker include Activity planning and coordination, Group leadership, Adaptability and flexibility, First aid and safety and Interpersonal communication.

Common entry routes into Recreation Worker roles include Volunteer Recreation Assistant, Camp Counselor and Sports Coach.

From a Recreation Worker role, common next steps include Recreation Supervisor and Program Director; lateral moves include Youth Worker.

The outlook for Recreation Worker roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Traitstack rates automation risk for Recreation Worker roles at 33 out of 100, which is low. While AI can assist with program planning and scheduling, the dynamic leadership, safety supervision, and empathetic adaptation to participants remain human-centric. AI is most likely to take on generating ideas for new recreational activities, scheduling and booking facilities for programs and managing participant registration and communication lists. Leading and motivating diverse groups of people, adapting activities spontaneously to participant needs and energy and ensuring the physical safety and well-being of all participants stay with people. More time fostering engagement. Less time on program setup and administrative tasks. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.