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How much do recreation internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation internships in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are recreation internships?

Recreation internships are short-term work experiences that allow students or recent graduates to gain practical skills in the field of recreation, such as parks and recreation, community centers, outdoor education, or sports management. These internships provide hands-on learning opportunities, helping interns to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Interns may assist with program planning, event organization, facility management, and community outreach. The experience gained is valuable for building a career in recreation or related fields.

What is the difference between Recreation Internships vs Recreation Coordinators?

AspectRecreation InternshipsRecreation Coordinators
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or have completed a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related fieldBachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; some roles may require certification
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, community centers, parks, recreational facilitiesFull-time roles in parks, community centers, recreational organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations to train future professionals; often part of educational programsFull-time staff responsible for program planning, facility management, and community engagement

Recreation Internships are entry-level positions designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, often part of educational programs. Recreation Coordinators are full-time professionals managing recreational programs and facilities. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a Recreation Coordinator, who holds more responsibilities and requires more experience.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a Recreation Internship?

As a Recreation Intern, you will likely assist with planning, organizing, and delivering a variety of recreational programs and events, such as sports leagues, summer camps, or community wellness activities. You may also help with daily operations, facility management, and participant engagement, gaining hands-on experience in both administrative and on-the-ground roles. Interns often work closely with full-time recreation staff, volunteers, and community members, allowing for valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. This role provides a well-rounded introduction to the field and can often lead to entry-level positions within parks and recreation departments or nonprofit organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Recreation Internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Recreation Internships, you generally need a background in recreation management, physical education, or a related field, often as a current student or recent graduate. Familiarity with event scheduling software, activity planning tools, and basic first aid certification is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and adaptability help interns effectively engage participants and support diverse programs. These abilities are crucial for delivering safe, enjoyable recreational experiences and contributing positively to team goals.
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Recreation Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Internships job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program


The mission of this internship is to provide a dynamic, experiential learning experience that supports the development of professional competencies in Therapeutic Recreation. At Ascendigo Autism Services, the intern will engage in inclusive, strength-based recreational programming designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, social engagement, and personal growth. By working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, the intern will gain practical skills in program planning, adaptive recreation, behavior support, and person-centered care. This internship strives to foster a deep understanding of the Ascendigo Way, promote the importance of meaningful recreational experiences, and prepare the intern to become a compassionate, creative, and confident Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Overview

This unpaid internship is designed for students pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation who intend to meet academic fieldwork requirements as outlined by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Ascendigo's internship program introduces interns to a growing population that benefits significantly from therapeutic recreation. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism across a range of community-based and experiential programs.

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow (1 in 31 children, according to the latest CDC estimates), so has the need for services.

Research supports the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical fitness, recreation, and adaptive sports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies highlight that structured exercise serves as a complementary therapy for the autism population and supports improvements in ASD symptoms (Toscano et al., 2022).

Eligibility

  • Perspective interns must be enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation degree program from an accredited university.
  • Must be eligible to complete the internship for academic credit as required by the NCTRC (minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship under a CTRS), if completing the full internship requirement.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Background check required.
  • Must obtain or possess a current, valid CPR/First Aid certificate prior to start date.

Supervision and Mentorship

  • Supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
  • Weekly supervision meetings and progress evaluations.
  • Opportunities to shadow professionals in behavior therapy, outdoor recreation, and life coaching.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions and activities.
  • Maintain documentation (activity reports, progress notes, incident reports).
  • Communicate with participants and interdisciplinary staff.
  • Attend staff meetings, training, and reflection sessions.
  • Participate in data collection and program evaluation where applicable.
  • Complete all academic assignments and requirements.