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Activity Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Director of Activities

Collierville, TN ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Other duties may be assigned. 1. Creates and adheres to a monthly activity calendar.* 2. Speaks to/interacts with residents constantly at all levels of care while showing empathy, kindness ...

Director of Activities

Collierville, TN ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Other duties may be assigned. 1. Creates and adheres to a monthly activity calendar.* 2. Speaks to/interacts with residents constantly at all levels of care while showing empathy, kindness ...

Showing results 21-40

Activity Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$21

$37

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Tennessee is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity director?

Activity Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and leading recreational and social activities, typically in settings such as senior living communities, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for participants by providing engaging programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They assess residents' interests and abilities, develop activity calendars, and often coordinate events with volunteers or other staff. Activity Directors also document participation and may adapt activities to meet the needs of individuals with varying abilities.

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

To thrive as an Activity Director, you need strong organizational skills, creativity, and experience in planning group activities, often supported by a degree in recreation, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like ADC (Activity Director Certified) are common requirements. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills help motivate participants and collaborate with staff and families. These abilities are crucial for developing engaging programs that enhance participant well-being and meet regulatory standards.

How does an activity director typically collaborate with nursing and therapy staff in a senior living facility?

An Activity Director works closely with nursing and therapy teams to ensure that planned activities are safe, appropriate, and tailored to residents' physical and cognitive abilities. Regular meetings and ongoing communication help coordinate schedules, adapt activities for varying health needs, and support residents' overall well-being. This collaboration ensures that activities not only provide enjoyment but also align with care plans and therapeutic goals. Building strong relationships with these teams is essential for creating a supportive and engaging environment for residents.

What is the difference between Activity Director vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectActivity DirectorRecreation Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in activity planningDegree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSenior living communities, nursing homes, adult day programsHealthcare settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior care facilities
Employer & IndustryLong-term care, assisted living, senior centersHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, senior care

While both roles focus on engaging clients through activities, Recreation Therapists have specialized training to develop therapeutic programs that address health and recovery goals. Activity Directors primarily plan recreational activities to enhance quality of life. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do you need a degree to be an activity director?

A degree is not always required to become an activity director, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, organization, and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities are important, and some positions may require certification in activities or therapeutic recreation.

How much does an activity director make?

In Wisconsin, activity directors typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience and setting. Salaries can vary based on the type of facility, certifications, and workload, with some positions offering additional benefits or bonuses.

What are the duties of an activity director?

An activity director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents or clients, often in settings like senior centers or healthcare facilities. They assess participants' interests, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, typically requiring good communication skills and organizational abilities.
More about Activity Director jobs

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

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Activity Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Activity Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Activity Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,536 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

ACTIVITY ASSISTANT, HEALTHCARE, SAT/SUN

TREZEVANT EPISCOPAL HOME

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

$14.86 - $17.71/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Activity Assistant, under the guidance of the Activity Director, is responsible for executing a variety of social, physical, creative, spiritual and recreational, leisure opportunities for residents of the Allen Morgan Health Care.ย  The Activity Assistant exists to assure that residents may enhance their quality of life through leisure activities.ย  The primary goals of the activities program are to encourage interaction with other residents, create a comfortable environment, and develop a feeling of self-worth and self-satisfaction for residents. This position is part-time position on the weekends on Saturday and Sundays for 8 hours each day.

  • Must attend required seminars to increase knowledge and competence in area of expertise.
  • Must keep up with all needed supplies and adequately prepare for scheduled activites.
  • Must be able to lead daily activities in a way that meets resident's social, emotional, physical and other therapeutic needs as stated in the Plan of Care.
  • Must set up and be present at all scheduled activities for floor(s) of responsibility.
  • Must beย proficient maintain activity documentation as established by regulatory requirements/Trezevant Policies including assigned assessments and daily activity logs.
  • Must be able to lead or assist volunteer(s) recruited to lead or participate in scheduled activity.
  • Must confirm that the calendar of daily activities/events is posted in all resident rooms.
  • Must be able to competently carry out one-on-one activities in all resident(s) rooms with any resident(s) unable to participate in groups.
  • Must be able to ride in van with residents to activities as scheduled.
  • Must perform work that meets or exceeds resident satisfaction, as measure by family satisfaction scores.
  • Must be courteous and considerate at all times and develop good listening skills so as to show interest in the resident(s) and their family members to help problems before they occur.
  • Report for work on time, as scheduled and outlined in the Employee Handbook.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma of GED required.

2. Must have a minimum of two (2) years' experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or in recreation, preferably with the senior population.ย 

3. Must be able to read, write and follow directions.

4. Some computer experience a plus.ย