Recreation Manager

Your Fit

Income

$77K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

8.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Recreation Manager?

Recreation Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing recreational activities and programs for a community, resort, or park. They ensure these activities are accessible, enjoyable, and safe for participants of all ages.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Recreation Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Recreation Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$58K per year	$77K per year	$102K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $28K above the national average.

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What does a Recreation Manager do?

Work environment

Recreation Managers typically work in community recreation centers, parks, resorts, or cruise ships. Their environment can vary from offices to outdoor settings, depending on the activity they are overseeing. The role may include irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Quick task list

Plans and implements recreational programs and activities.
Manage budgets and resources for recreational facilities and programs.
Trains and supervises staff and volunteers.
Ensures safety standards and compliance with regulations.
Coordinates with other community organizations and stakeholders.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Community Recreation: Focus on community-based programs and facilities.
Outdoor Recreation Management: Specialize in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and water sports.
Resort and Hospitality Recreation: Oversee recreation activities in resorts or on cruise ships.
Therapeutic Recreation: Develop and manage programs for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Sports Management: Manage sports-related activities and programs.

Description

Recreation Managers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in communities by providing and managing recreational activities. They need to be creative in program development, ensuring a diverse range of activities that appeal to various age groups and interests. Strong organizational and management skills are crucial, as they often handle multiple programs and facilities simultaneously.

Their job requires excellent interpersonal skills, as they interact with staff, participants, and community members regularly. An understanding of community needs, along with a passion for health and well-being, is essential for this role.

Recreation Managers also need to stay updated on safety regulations and best practices in recreation management. They might be involved in grant writing and fundraising activities to secure funds for their programs and facilities. This career offers the fulfillment of directly impacting community wellness and happiness.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting community health and well-being.
Seeing the enjoyment and development of participants.
Being involved in a variety of activities and events.

You might make a good Recreation Manager if you are...

Passionate about promoting health and wellness through recreational activities.
Skilled in organizing and managing events and programs.
A strong leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Creative in developing engaging and inclusive recreational programs.
Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors.

Pros:

Rewarding work in enhancing community life.
Diverse and dynamic work environment.
Opportunities for creativity in program development.

Cons:

May involve irregular working hours, including weekends and evenings.
Budget constraints can be challenging.
Outdoor work may be affected by weather conditions.

How to become a Recreation Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, leisure studies, physical education, or a related field is common. Some positions may require a master's degree, especially for higher-level administrative roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to understand the basics of fitness and health.
Business Studies for foundational knowledge in management and budgeting.
Psychology to learn about motivation and group dynamics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports teams or outdoor clubs.
Volunteering for community events and programs.
Leadership roles in student organizations to develop management skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in recreation management, leisure studies, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in recreational facilities.
Consider certifications in areas like first aid, CPR, or specific sports coaching.

More resources

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) - Provides resources, certification information, and professional development opportunities.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) - Offers resources and certification for therapeutic recreation specialists.
World Leisure Organization - Promotes leisure as integral to social, cultural, economic, and sustainable environmental development.
Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) - Provides insights into sports and fitness industry trends and opportunities.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.