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Recreation Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oakbrook Park

Full-Time Recreation Supervisor

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$53K - $59K/yr

CPRP, Certified Park and Recreation Professional, or the ability to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional by taking the CPRP exam. * A valid Illinois Driver's License is required. * CPR ...

City of Burbank

RECREATION COORDINATOR

Burbank, CA

$63K - $87K/yr

Week of 08/31/26 - Blind supplemental scoring Week of 09/14/26 - Oral interview The ideal candidate is an organized, customer-focused recreation professional with experience planning, coordinating ...

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Recreation Professional information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do recreation professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation professional 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 is the difference between Recreation Professional vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation ProfessionalRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications varyRequires a degree in recreation therapy or therapeutic recreation; certification as a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) often needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilities, campsHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, nursing homes
Employer & IndustryPublic and private recreation agencies, community organizationsHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation industries
Job FocusOrganizing recreational activities to promote community engagement and wellnessUsing recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve physical and mental health

Recreation Professionals focus on organizing and managing recreational activities to enhance community well-being, while Recreation Therapists use recreation as a therapeutic intervention to aid recovery and improve health outcomes. Both roles require related education, but Recreation Therapists have specialized training in therapeutic techniques and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Professional, you need knowledge of recreational programming, group leadership, and a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety and first aid certifications, and facility management systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and effective communication help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These abilities are essential for delivering safe, enjoyable programs that meet community needs and encourage active participation.

What are the highest paying recreation jobs?

High-paying recreation jobs typically include positions such as recreation director, sports facility manager, or recreation therapist, often requiring advanced certifications or degrees. These roles usually involve leadership, management skills, and experience in program development, with salaries varying based on location and organization size.

What are some typical challenges Recreation Professionals face when designing inclusive programs for diverse communities?

Recreation Professionals often encounter the challenge of ensuring programs are accessible and engaging for participants of various ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. This requires creative planning, sensitivity to community needs, and often collaboration with local organizations or specialists. Balancing limited resources while offering meaningful, inclusive activities can also be demanding. Staying up-to-date on best practices in adaptive recreation and soliciting participant feedback are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Recreation professionals typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles in recreation, such as park managers or event coordinators, usually require relevant education or extensive experience. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on skills, commissions, or business ownership rather than formal education.

What is considered a recreational job?

A recreational job is a role that involves planning, organizing, and leading leisure activities and programs for individuals or groups, such as sports coaches, park rangers, fitness instructors, or recreation specialists. These jobs often require knowledge of activity-specific skills, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or licenses, and are typically performed in settings like parks, community centers, or sports facilities.

What are recreation professionals?

Recreation professionals are individuals who plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for people of all ages in various settings, such as parks, community centers, camps, or recreational facilities. Their goal is to enhance the well-being, fitness, and social engagement of participants through structured programs and events. They may also be responsible for managing facilities, supervising staff, and ensuring the safety of all participants. Recreation professionals often work for government agencies, nonprofits, schools, or private organizations.

What types of recreation jobs are there?

Recreation professionals work in various roles such as recreation coordinators, outdoor guides, sports coaches, aquatic directors, and community recreation specialists. These jobs often involve planning and leading activities, managing facilities, and working with diverse populations, sometimes requiring certifications like CPR or lifeguard training. Employment settings include parks, community centers, sports organizations, and recreational facilities.
What cities are hiring for Recreation Professional jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Professional job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs? The most popular types of Recreation jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Professional jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Professional jobs include:
Recreation Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Professional job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Professional

Liberty Healthcare Corporation

Rushville, IL

$58K - $64K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Therapeutic recreation professionals are encouraged to consider a Recreation Therapist position with Liberty Healthcare.

Work setting

You will work onsite at Liberty Healthcare’s secure residential mental health program at the IL DHS Treatment and Detention Facility located at 17019 County Farm Rd. in Rushville, IL 62681.

Responsibilities

  • Interacting with clients individually and in groups
  • Conducting interest assessments 
  • Designing and leading prosocial activities
  • Collaborating with other recreation therapists and mental health professionals

Schedule

You will work a full-time schedule, weekdays, with the option of working four 10-hour days weekly.

Compensation and benefits

  • Starting range of $58,000 to $64,000 (depending on experience and certification status)
  • 240 hours of paid time off annually for vacation, sick and personal time plus 10 paid holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FSA and 401(k)

Benefits plan details available at https://www.libertyhealthcare.com/upload/136.pdf

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