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How much do illinois parks recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for illinois parks recreation in the United States is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Illinois Parks Recreation job?

Illinois Parks Recreation jobs are positions within park districts, forest preserves, and recreational facilities throughout Illinois. These roles can include park rangers, recreation coordinators, maintenance staff, lifeguards, and program instructors, among others. Employees in these positions are responsible for maintaining parks, organizing community events, and providing recreational programs for people of all ages. Working in Illinois Parks Recreation offers opportunities to contribute to community well-being and environmental stewardship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Illinois Parks Recreation professional?

To thrive as an Illinois Parks and Recreation Professional, you generally need a background in recreation management, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications like CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with park management software, reservation systems, and maintenance equipment is common in the role. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help professionals engage communities and manage diverse teams effectively. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained recreational spaces that benefit the public.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Illinois Parks Recreation, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals in Illinois parks and recreation often encounter challenges such as managing diverse community needs, addressing budget constraints, and maintaining facilities year-round despite weather changes. Applicants can prepare by developing strong communication and problem-solving skills, gaining experience in program planning, and staying informed about local government processes. Collaborating effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and local organizations is essential to successfully deliver quality recreational programs and services.

What is the difference between Illinois Parks Recreation vs Illinois Recreation Therapist?

AspectIllinois Parks RecreationIllinois Recreation Therapist
Required CredentialsCPR certification, relevant recreation or leisure degreesRecreation therapy certification, CTRS credential, relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, community centers, recreational facilitiesHealthcare settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, parks departments, community organizationsHealthcare providers, hospitals, mental health facilities

Illinois Parks Recreation professionals focus on organizing community recreational activities and managing public parks, while Illinois Recreation Therapists specialize in using recreation as a therapeutic tool within healthcare settings. Both roles require related certifications and work in environments that promote health and wellness, but their primary goals and settings differ.

More about Illinois Parks Recreation jobs

What job categories do people searching Illinois Parks Recreation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Illinois Parks Recreation jobs are:

Illinois Parks Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Illinois Parks Recreation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,252 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Seasonal Parks Laborer

Elmhurst Park District

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Elmhurst Park District rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 854 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

WHO WE ARE: The Elmhurst Park District, established in 1920 and located 16 miles west of Chicago, provides parks, recreation facilities and programs to meet our mission of enriching lives while having fun. Our vision is to become a national leader in providing parks and recreation experiences to our community. We are looking for people to join our team and be part of an organization that values being community focused, providing customer service excellence, working with integrity, having fun, and fostering belonging!


We're hiring SEASONAL PARKS LABORERS to join our Parks Department team this fall.


WHAT YOU'LL DO: Play a key role in maintaining our parks! Job tasks include mowing grass, fall leaf clean up, water route, trail maintenance, trash collection, and tree care.


WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age with a valid Illinois driver's license.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and spend 95% of work time performing physical labor, standing, and/or walking.


WHEN YOU'LL WORK: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am - 3:00 pm (40 hours/week), with some flexibility. This is a short term opportunity for the fall.


WHAT YOU'LL GET:

  • Depending on experience the starting pay will be $17.75/hour based on qualifications.
  • This position falls under Pay Grade D with a pay range of $15.25 - $25.50.


In exchange for your time and talent, we offer a generous benefits package to SEASONAL EMPLOYEES, including:

  • Free individual pool pass and Courts Plus membership!
  • Free batting cages at The Hub (employee only)!
  • 20% off food purchases at The Hub concession stand!
  • Employee social activities!
  • Values Recognition Program!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Credit Union (Central Credit Union of Illinois)


The Elmhurst Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact the Director of Human Resources & Risk at jbruns@epd.org.*


For more information about the Elmhurst Park District, please visit epd.org!!


Additional Legal Statements

Elmhurst Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elmhurst Park District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Elmhurst Park District has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.


The district is required by state statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23) to obtain criminal conviction information concerning applicants, and shall perform a criminal background check for applicants for all positions, including the position for which you have applied. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of convictions. Conviction of offenses enumerated in subsection (c) of said statute shall automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration for working for the district. All other convictions shall not automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration, but rather, the conviction will be considered in relationship to the specific job.

What Elmhurst Park District employees say

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