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Activity Director Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Main West PostAcute

Activity Assistant

Turlock, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

An Activities Assistant to work alongside our Activities Director in successfully carrying out day-to-day resident centered activities and programs to brighten their day and enjoy their life to the ...

AMN Healthcare, Inc.

Medical Director

Merced, CA · On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

& Requirements Medical Director StartDate: 8/10/2026 Pay Rate: $220000.00 - $300000.00 UC Merced ... Ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including bike trails and water activities * Enjoy ...

AMN Healthcare

Medical Director

Merced, CA · On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

& Requirements Medical Director StartDate: 8/10/2026 Pay Rate: $220000.00 - $300000.00 UC Merced ... Ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including bike trails and water activities * Enjoy ...

City of Atwater

Finance Director

Atwater, CA · On-site

$119K - $152K/yr

... activities with citizens, community organizations, and other government agencies. Attends night and weekend meetings. Knowledge of: Principles of governmental finance, budgeting, and accounting.

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All JobsActivity JobsActivity Director JobsActivity Director Jobs in Merced, CA

Activity Director information

See Merced, CA salary details

$12

$24

$44

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Merced, CA is $24.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $26.39 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.

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, develop engaging programs, and coordinate events to promote socialization and well-being, requiring good communication and organizational skills.

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.

Is there a demand for activity directors?

Activity directors are in demand in healthcare and senior living facilities, as they play a key role in enhancing residents' quality of life through organized activities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow due to the aging population and increased focus on patient and resident engagement. Relevant skills include creativity, communication, and certification in activity planning or recreation therapy.

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 in activity planning, communication, and sometimes certification in activities or recreation are important for the role.
More about Activity Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Merced, CA? For Activity Director jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,819 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Activity Assistant

Main West PostAcute

Turlock, CA • On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Activities Assistant 

What We’re Looking For:

An Activities Assistant to work alongside our Activities Director in successfully carrying out day-to-day resident centered activities and programs to brighten their day and enjoy their life to the fullest. This is a direct hire: Full Time position with various shifts available to fit your schedule. If you have a passion for healthcare and are looking to grow and be part of a caring team, this is the right opportunity for you!

What You’ll Do:

  • Provide companionship to residents and conduct the scheduled program of activities such as bowling, trivia, gardening and other similar fun activities.

  • Encourage involvement to ensure residents are participating and engaged in activities.

  • Practice compassion and understanding that residents are valuable individuals who are going through a difficult time, often struggling with memory or cognitive ability loss.

  • Assist in providing enjoyable and nutritional snacks during the day.

  • Performs other duties as assigned by Activities Director. 

  • Schedule: AM, PM shifts/rotations available.