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Recreation Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Recreation Instructor reports to the Recreation Coordinator. The primary job duties of this position include: Curriculum planning, implementing programs and/or classes, classroom management by ...

Recreation Instructor DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Parks & Recreation REPORTS TO: Varies SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor, Museum Curator, and leadership of Recreation Coordinator ...

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Recreation Instructor information

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$13

$23

$36

How much do recreation instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation instructor in the United States is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation instructor?

Recreation instructors are professionals who plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for groups or individuals in settings such as community centers, camps, fitness facilities, or parks. They may specialize in areas like sports, arts and crafts, fitness, or outdoor adventure activities. Their role is to ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and tailored to the interests and abilities of participants. Recreation instructors also motivate and guide participants, promote teamwork, and help foster a positive and inclusive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Instructor, you need a solid background in physical education, recreation programming, and activity leadership, often supported by a related degree or certification in CPR/first aid. Familiarity with scheduling software, fitness equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to motivate and engage participants are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, enjoyable, and effective programming that promotes both individual development and group participation.

What are the most common challenges recreation instructors face when managing group activities?

Recreation Instructors often encounter challenges such as accommodating participants with varying skill levels, maintaining engagement across diverse age groups, and ensuring safety during activities. Balancing individual attention while keeping the group motivated can require strong communication and adaptability. Additionally, instructors must be prepared to modify activities on the fly and quickly resolve any conflicts or disruptions that arise to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

What is the difference between Recreation Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectRecreation InstructorLifeguard
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, schools, recreational facilitiesSwimming pools, beaches, aquatic centers
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks, recreation departments, private clubsPublic pools, private aquatic facilities, beaches

Recreation Instructors and Lifeguards often share certifications like CPR and First Aid and work in recreational or aquatic environments. However, Recreation Instructors focus on leading activities and programs, while Lifeguards primarily ensure safety and respond to emergencies in aquatic settings.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Instructor job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Recreation Instructor jobs?

The top employers for Recreation Instructor jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Instructor jobs?

For Recreation Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recreation Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,461 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Gymnastics Recreation Instructor

Bainbridge Island, WA

Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District

$20.74 - $28.71/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan, implement, and facilitate recreation programs, classes, workshops, or trips.

  • Establish and communicate expected conduct, enforce safety rules, and maintain supervision to ensure a safe learning environment.

  • Teach activities according to lesson plans, modify activities for different groups, and organize equipment used in recreational activities.


Job description

Description The Recreation Instructor ultimately responsible for planning, class instruction, and leading activities for specific classes. Examples of Duties Plan, implement, and facilitate recreation programs classes, workshops, or trips. Establish and communicate expected conduct to ensure a safe learning environment, enforcing safety rules to prevent injury.

Explain the rules of the activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels. Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups, such as seniors. Administer basic first aid if needed.

Organize and set up tools and equipment used in recreational activities. Teach activity participants per lesson plans. Maintain close supervision and maximize safety of staff and participants at all times.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with participants. Attend appropriate in-service training sessions as required. Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications Must be age 18 or older. Significant experience in related area of activity. Current CPR, AED and First Aid certification.

Current certifications in the recreation area as needed. Must pass criminal background check. Supplemental Information Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Flexibility, a positive attitude, enthusiasm and excellent problem-solving skills preferred.

Must have experience as a leader or supervisor of others. Strong background in related area of activity. Ability and desire to interact with participants of all ages in a positive and courteous manner.

Ability to teach and coach participants in a professional manner. Willingness to work according to agency policies, procedures, and scope of training. Demonstrated punctuality and reliability in work habits.

Strong interpersonal, supervisory, and safe decision-making skills. Ability to meet the physical demands of the recreation activity. Work Environment and Physical Effort This is a non-smoking workplace.

Depending on the specific program, work is performed both indoors and outdoors using Park District, public or private facilities or in the water or recreational areas. Though most programs operate during the day, a few programs meet in the evenings and/or overnight. Programs and trips may be out of reach of cell phone coverage.

Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law. The job functions and physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A Recreation Instructor must be in good physical condition must be physically able to assist participants and participate in activities. Must be able to perform physical requirements of programs at the most rigorous level.

May experience exposure to extended periods of sun, snow, rain, cold temperatures, wind, water and potentially uneven terrain that may contain trip hazards. Must be able to hear distress noises and hear and see distress signals in a variety of environments, keeping safety in mind at all times. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, grab, pull and push objects, squat down, stoop, kneel, crouch and jump.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Hours will vary depending on the program schedule and may include early morning, weekend and evening shifts. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.

But this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and termination.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources for assistance. You can reach us by email at careers@biparks.org, or by phone at 206-842-0501. For website assistance contact GovermentJobs applicant support at 855-524-5627 for assistance Monday through Friday, 6am to 5pm Pacific Time

Email: support@governmentjobs.com