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Activity Aide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Center for Elders' Independence

Activity Aide

Oakland, CA

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

ACTIVITY AIDE The Center for Elders' Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and care ...

Center for Elders' Independence

Activity Aide

Oakland, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Description ACTIVITY AIDE The Center for Elders' Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and ...

Center for Elders' Independence

Activity Aide

Oakland, CA

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

ACTIVITY AIDE The Center for Elders' Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and care ...

Center for Elders Independence

Activity Aide

Oakland, CA

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

ACTIVITY AIDE The Center for Elders' Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and care ...

Rolling Hills Care Center

Activity Aide

Selma, CA

$18.55 - $19.20/hr

Activities Certification, preferred. * One-year experience working in long term care. * One years of experience conducting social/recreational programs within the past five years, preferred.

Compass Health

Activity Aide

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$20.81/hr

JOIN OUR ACTIVITIES TEAM!!! Do you love making people smile? Are you creative, energetic, and passionate about helping others? San Luis Post Acute is looking for a Full-Time Activities Assistant to ...

Compass Health Inc

Activity Aide

San Luis Obispo, CA

$20.81 - $22.30/hr

Description JOIN OUR ACTIVITIES TEAM!!! Do you love making people smile? Are you creative, energetic, and passionate about helping others? San Luis Post Acute is looking for a Full-Time Activities ...

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Activity Aide information

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How much do activity aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity aide in California is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity aide?

Activity Aides are professionals who assist in planning, organizing, and leading recreational or therapeutic activities for groups in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers. Their role is to encourage participation, promote socialization, and help improve the quality of life for participants, often seniors or individuals with disabilities. Activity Aides work under the supervision of activity directors or coordinators, and may help with setting up materials, leading games, arts and crafts, or outings. They play a key part in supporting the emotional and physical well-being of those they serve.

How does an activity aide typically collaborate with other members of a healthcare or senior living team?

Activity Aides work closely with nursing staff, therapists, and other caregivers to design and deliver engaging activities tailored to residents’ needs. They often coordinate schedules, communicate residents’ preferences or limitations, and ensure activities support therapeutic or wellness goals. Effective collaboration helps ensure residents are safe, engaged, and that activities complement overall care plans. Regular team meetings and shared documentation are common ways Activity Aides stay aligned with the broader care team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activity aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activity Aide, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of recreational programming, and experience working with seniors or special populations. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity tracking tools, and safety protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential for engaging participants and adapting activities to individual needs. These skills ensure that residents have meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experiences that support their well-being and social engagement.

What is the difference between Activity Aide vs Certified Nursing Assistant?

AspectActivity AideCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsTypically no formal certification required, but some facilities prefer activity-specific trainingMust have CNA certification
Work EnvironmentAssists with recreational and social activities in senior living or care facilitiesProvides basic patient care and assistance in healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizes activities, social events, and entertainment for residentsAssists with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility

While both roles work in senior care environments, Activity Aides focus on enhancing residents' quality of life through activities, whereas CNAs provide direct personal care and health support. The roles often complement each other in healthcare and senior living facilities.

How to become an activity aide?

To become an activity aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities. Some employers may require certification in first aid or activity planning, and strong communication and organizational skills are important for success in this role.

Is activity aide a stressful job?

Activity aides often work in healthcare or senior living settings, organizing recreational activities for residents. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially when managing residents with varying needs, but it also offers rewarding interactions and the opportunity to improve residents' quality of life. Stress levels vary based on work environment, workload, and support systems in place.

What are the duties of an activity aide?

An activity aide assists with planning and facilitating recreational and social activities for residents, often in healthcare or senior living settings. They help promote engagement, monitor participant safety, and support activity coordinators, requiring good communication skills and patience. Their duties may include setting up materials, encouraging participation, and ensuring activities run smoothly.
More about Activity Aide jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in California?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Activity Aide jobs in California?

For Activity Aide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Activity Aide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Activity Aide jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Activity Aide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Activity Aide job openings:

Activity Aide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Aide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,440 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Activity Aide

Arcadia, CA

Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Santa Anita Convalescent Hospitalexternal

$18.39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

Activity Aide
Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital
Arcadia, CA

We are seeking a compassionate and energetic Activity Aide to join our team at Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital. As an Activity Aide, you will play a vital role in creating a positive and engaging environment for our residents, providing recreational, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual programs that cater to their interests and needs.

Job Summary

The Activity Aide is responsible for assisting in planning, implementing, and evaluating recreational, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual programs for our residents in a Skilled Nursing setting. This role requires a strong understanding of the needs of older adults and the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating recreational, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual programs for residents

  • Coordinate and lead group and one-to-one activities, such as games, arts and crafts, and outings

  • Develop and maintain schedules for activities, distribute monthly activity calendars to residents, and post changes to calendar as needed

  • Document resident participation and progress in activity programs

  • Assist residents who are confined to bed by visiting with them, writing letters, running errands, and making appointments

  • Provide adapted materials for impaired residents to ensure maximum participation in activities

  • Encourage residents to participate in religious activities and provide materials and resources as needed

  • Participate in discharge planning and provide recommendations for post-hospital care

  • Report accidents, incidents, and concerns to supervisors and complete necessary paperwork

  • Adhere to state and federal regulations, company policies, and HIPAA confidentiality standards

  • Maintain a safe and clean work area

  • Participate in OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazardous communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens standard

  • Stay updated on new regulations, best practices, and internal policies and procedures

Requirements

  • 1-2 years' experience in a related position, in a healthcare environment preferred

  • Aptitude for and/or some training in arts and crafts

  • Bilingual in Chinese/Mandarin preferred

  • High school diploma or equivalent desirable

Schedule: M Shift (3:00PM-11:30PM) May work weekend shifts

Benefits

  • Competitive hourly rate: $18.39

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults

  • Collaborative and supportive work environment

  • Professional development and training opportunities

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about creating a positive impact on the lives of older adults, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Please submit your application to [insert contact information].

Join our team and help us make a difference in the lives of our residents!