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Activity Instructor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

After School Matters

Gardening Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable ...

After School Matters

Gardening Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable ...

Niles Park District

Hockey Instructor

Niles, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain good communication with parents and keep them informed of activities and child's progress ... Instructors need to make sure they are available to do this. * If the instructor is home for summer ...

Niles Park District

Hockey Instructor

Niles, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain good communication with parents and keep them informed of activities and child's progress ... Instructors need to make sure they are available to do this. * If the instructor is home for summer ...

Langara

Instructor, Explore Program

Campus, IL · Hybrid

$45/hr

... activities. Instructors are responsible for delivering the course as described in the Explore Program overview. This includes preparing materials that fulfil the course objectives; planning lessons ...

Spartan Education

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

West Chicago, IL

$20 - $28/hr

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. However, Flight Instructors are ...

Peoria Park District

STEAM Activity Leader

Peoria, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Under the supervision of the Education Manager - Proctor and the STEAM Instructor, the STEAM activity leader will be responsible for the following: • The STEAM Lab features activities in Science ...

Peoria Park District

STEAM Activity Leader

Peoria, IL

$15.50 - $17/hr

Under the supervision of the Education Manager - Proctor and the STEAM Instructor, the STEAM activity leader will be responsible for the following: The STEAM Lab features activities in Science ...

After School Matters

Welding Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable program ...

After School Matters

Welding Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable program ...

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All JobsActivity Instructor JobsActivity Instructor Jobs in Illinois

Activity Instructor information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$16

$31

How much do activity instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity instructor in Illinois is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.44 and $16.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Activity Instructors?

Activity Instructors are professionals who lead, organize, and supervise various recreational, educational, or sporting activities for groups of people. They often work at camps, community centers, schools, or fitness facilities, guiding participants through activities such as arts and crafts, sports, outdoor adventures, or team-building exercises. Their responsibilities include planning sessions, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and fostering a fun and inclusive environment. Activity Instructors typically need strong communication and leadership skills, as well as expertise in the specific activities they teach.

What is the difference between Activity Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectActivity InstructorCamp Counselor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, general camp training
Work EnvironmentRecreational centers, sports clubs, outdoor programsSummer camps, residential or day camps
Employer & IndustryRecreation facilities, sports organizationsCamp organizations, youth programs
Primary FocusLeading specific activities or sportsSupervising children, managing camp activities

While both roles involve working with children and require CPR and First Aid certifications, Activity Instructors focus on leading specific activities like sports or arts, often in recreational settings. Camp Counselors typically oversee overall camp supervision, including safety and general activities, in summer camp environments. The roles overlap but differ mainly in scope and setting.

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

To thrive as an Activity Instructor, you need a strong understanding of activity planning, group management, and relevant safety practices, often supported by certifications in first aid and specific activities (e.g., lifeguarding, outdoor education). Familiarity with scheduling tools, safety protocols, and equipment related to the activities you lead is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills help create a positive and engaging environment for participants. These abilities are crucial to ensuring participant safety, enjoyment, and successful program delivery.

What are some common challenges Activity Instructors face when working with diverse groups, and how can they be addressed?

Activity Instructors often work with participants of varying ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, which can present challenges in maintaining engagement and ensuring safety for everyone. To address this, instructors must adapt activities to suit different abilities, foster an inclusive environment, and use clear communication to set expectations. Building strong rapport with participants and being flexible in adjusting plans are essential for overcoming these challenges and creating a positive experience for all.
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity Instructor jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Activity Instructor jobs in Illinois are:
Activity Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Instructor job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,297 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Activities Instructor II

Activities Instructor II

The Chicago Park District

Chicago, IL • On-site

$27.15/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Chicago Park District rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


TITLE: Activities Instructor II (Boxing)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, conducts and provides instruction in a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity including, but not limited to tennis, aerobics, yoga, boxing, sailing and skating. Conducts classes, controls specialized equipment and recruits volunteers. Performs other related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
  • Plans and implements a course curriculum for the instruction of a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity.

  • Provides instruction and supervision for Chicago Park District patrons involved in a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity.

  • Demonstrates proper techniques and skills in specialty area. Adapts programs to reflect differing levels of participant skill development.

  • Provides instruction in advanced competitive strategies of specialty area.

  • Provides information on the rules and regulations governing competition in specialty area.

  • Promotes sportsmanship and encourages creativity in participants.

  • Communicates constructively with participants, parents, volunteers and the community.

  • Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized activity.

  • Resolve conflicts among participants. Issues and maintains an inventory of specialized equipment and supplies.

  • Sets up special apparatus and equipment.

  • Supervises unorganized plan and enforces Chicago Park District rules and regulations.

  • Determines tournament eligibility requirements and verifies dates and other standards.

  • Establishes schedules for tournaments, leagues and competitions.

  • Conducts meetings on competitions and other special events.

  • May officiate at competitions in assigned specialty area.

  • Performs general administrative duties such as assisting in course registration, collecting fees, answering routine inquiries in person or by phone and routine record keeping.

  • Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

  • May work with a special population, including but not limited to senior citizens and populations with physical, sensory and other disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Associate of Arts degree or completion of two (2) full years of course work at an accredited college or university which included a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours in one (1) or more of the following areas: Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education or related discipline and one (1) year of closely related instructional, practical or sanctioned competitive (i.e. IHSA, NCAA or AAU) experience in the specialty area; or a high school diploma or GED and 5 years of closely related instructional, practical or sanctioned competitive experience (examples include: IHSA, NCAA or AAU) in the specialty area.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreation theories and principles; technical knowledge and skill in an area of specialization; skill in teaching the full range of skills and techniques in an area of specialization; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to evaluate skill levels in the specialty area.
BENEFITS: As a part-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District's Agreement with SEIU Local 73, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.

  • +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.

  • 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.

  • 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.

  • After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).

  • Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.

  • Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

RATE OF PAY: $27.15 per hour
HOURS: Budgeted up to 20 hours per week
SEIU Local 73 Career Service EEO: Para-professional FLSA: Non-Exempt

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