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Job outlook for recreation managers in the United States
Recreation manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected recreation manager job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 28,100 new jobs for recreation managers are projected over the next decade.
Recreation manager salaries have increased 19% for recreation managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,555 recreation managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 3,137 active recreation manager job openings in the US.
The average recreation manager salary is $47,007.
Are recreation manager jobs in demand?
Recreation Manager job and salary trends over time
Recreation Manager jobs over time
Recreation Manager job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,555 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,618 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,190 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,100 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,079 | 0.00% |
Average recreation manager salary over time
Recreation Manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,007 | $22.60 | +7.9% |
| 2024 | $43,553 | $20.94 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $41,420 | $19.91 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $40,561 | $19.50 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $39,453 | $18.97 | +2.4% |
Recreation Manager jobs by state
Most common states for recreation managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 77 | 11% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 58 | 8% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 285 | 5% |
| 4 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 459 | 4% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 451 | 4% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 390 | 4% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 361 | 4% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 340 | 4% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 284 | 4% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 261 | 4% |
| 11 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 214 | 4% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 125 | 4% |
| 13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 108 | 4% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,100 | 3% |
| 15 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 783 | 3% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 679 | 3% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 179 | 3% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 116 | 3% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 91 | 3% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 33 | 3% |
Most common cities for recreation managers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami Beach | 1 | 1% | $39,846 |
| 2 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $42,125 |
| 3 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $39,346 |
| 4 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $50,428 |
Recreation Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of recreation manager experts
Southern Oregon University
University of New Hampshire
California State University - Sacramento
Virginia Wesleyan University
Trine University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Temple University
Indiana University Bloomington
Centenary College of Louisiana
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Central Michigan University
Clemson University
Eastern Washington University
Middle Tennessee State University
Kent State University
University of Minnesota
Springfield College
Kent State University
California State University
Dr. Chad Thatcher
Associate Professor of Outdoor Adventure LeadershipSouthern Oregon University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Studies
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Dr. Chad Thatcher: We develop EI competencies in the context of outdoor adventure expeditions both domestically and internationally. Of course we also work on the technical aspects of the degree as well, however, we find that teaching technical skills is way easier if someone possesses good intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Chad Thatcher: Our students are entering a workforce that not only requires technical skills but nontechnical skills as well. The biggest problem I see with many graduates is that they don’t know how to articulate the skills they do possess, particularly the nontechnical skills. They simply don’t have the vocabulary to explain their skills and often they don’t make the connections between the competencies and their experiences.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Chad Thatcher: I just wrote an article on the importance of 'soft skills' in the outdoor industry and how outdoor professionals have been working on the soft skills for years. I don’t really like the terms 'soft skills' and 'hard skills' because they can have a hierarchical feel to them, as if soft skills are not as important.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: A strong professional network is key. Not only will it help you land your dream job, recreation professionals lean on each on each other for things like policies and procedures, new program development, and available grants. During the pandemic, those with stronger professional networks had a distinctly easier time responding to the needs of their communities during a very uncertain time. Maintaining that professional network involves joining and participating in your state and national membership organizations and going to conferences and events.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: The role of recreation is shifting toward public health and community wellness across the lifespan. Recreation professionals need to become better acquainted with the wants and needs of older adults, community members with disabilities, and other traditionally underrepresented groups.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: A degree in recreation management is certainly the fastest way to promotion and advancement in our field. But, even as a new professional, having a degree makes you valuable due to the breadth and depth of the skill set with which you leave school. Otherwise, be sure that you can clearly articulate the role you play in your communities pursuant to the public good (overall health, increased property values, youth development and retention, etc),
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.: People in the field generally love being recreation managers as it allows them to have a positive impact on society and the environment. The job is fulfilling and satisfying.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.: Entering the field now is ideal due to the increased appreciation for nature and group activities post-Covid. Visits to parks have surged, governments are reinvesting in park facilities and higher paying jobs, and the job outlook is positive.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.: Recreation managers work in a variety of settings and their tasks vary day to day. They may work on nature conservation projects, run programs for different groups, and focus on community and environmental health. Those entering the field often start in assistant or coordinator roles, spending time both planning and engaging with the public.
Dr. Jamie Hoffman CTRS
Chair, ProfessorCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Leisure And Recreational Activities
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Dr. Jamie Hoffman CTRS: Recreation Management is an excellent profession to enter today as the focus on health and wellness as well as experiences come to the forefront of our societies desire to increase their quality of life. People are starting to be proactive and selective with the way they use their discretionary time and money which has allowed individuals who are Recreation Managers to tailor experiences to inclusively meet the needs of their given communities. If you plan to work in municipal parks and recreation, agencies are increasing programming and building facilities to create experiences for their residents. Many of the baby boomer generation are retiring providing an opportunity for upward mobility within a short timeframe for incoming Recreation Managers. The opportunities for jobs within government agencies is also an appealing benefit to working as a Recreation Manager. With the increased cost of living across the globe as well as healthcare costs rising, have an employer that provides a pension upon retirement and health benefits is appealing and to some a necessary thing for personal financial stability and health care management as one ages. While young professionals may not be focused on their future retirement which may be 20-30 years away, it is essential that one starts looking at their future and planning accordingly.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jamie Hoffman CTRS: Recreation Managers typically walk the walk and talk the talk. With that said, they are advocates for health, wellness and experiences. This includes protecting and preserving natural environments, providing accessible and inclusive experiences and serving individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Depending on the agency one works for, this may prevent or promote the ability of the Recreation Manager to navigate bureaucracy and or other challenges related to funding, deficits in assets, equipment or spaces. Whether the Recreation Manager is working in a government agency, non-profit organization or for profit business, each environment poses its own challenges. Having consistent professional training and development opportunities as well as cost effective avenues for education, some barriers exist to continue to grow and develop in ones career. When discussion a Recreation Managers likes of their job the list is lengthy. Having the opportunity to work in many diverse environments: hostels, arenas, parks & recreation organizations, non-profits, athletic gyms and clubs, sports facilities …etc., this creates endless spaces and places for one to work. In addition to environments, the populations one may have the opportunity to work with are also very diverse. Recreation Managers work with individuals from the crib to the crypt including tot program, youth sports, teen centers, co-ed adult sports, senior centers etc. As far as abilities, one can work with individuals with neurodiversity, physical disabilities, addiction..etc. In addition, the Recreation Manager has the potential to work with and impact individuals from diverse cultures. This broad scope of practice is an attractive aspect of working as a Recreation Manager. Having the opportunity to increase the quality of life of individuals is a tremendous component of job satisfaction. Recreation Managers strive to maintain life balance and develop healthy lifestyle choices. Having the opportunity to have your work be fun and enjoyable is a choice but also an honor.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jamie Hoffman CTRS: Day-to-day management in the field of recreation varies based on the facility, season, and program. If we are talking about someone working in an arena, one day may be the set-up for a Taylor Swift concert and that night a strike of the production starting at midnight including a clean sweep and turnover of the facility to have an ice arena for Disney on Ice for a three day show. Clearly the tasks associated with managing a facility that has such a high volume of attendees as well as drastic variety of events and shows is demanding on both the facility and maintenance staff as well as the manager. In contrast another example of a Recreation Manager’s day-to-day workload may include a director of a state park. This individual is managing nature spaces, ensure safety of visitors, providing programming including interpretive walks and talks at various sites throughout the park as well as maintaining oversight of capital improvement projects such as the redevelopment of a space or construction of a building. While many of the job responsibilities of a Recreation Manager include oversight of staff, facilities and programs or events, the day-to-day operations and tasks associated with doing the job are so drastically different based on the spaces and experiences provided. This is one of the reasons becoming a Recreation Manager is such a fulfilling career because there is such a drastic variety of job responsibilities as well as opportunities within the field leaving life to never have a dull moment.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: On a daily basis recreation managers must be skilled at a variety of responsibilities. Primarily these include personnel management, program planning, marketing and facility management. Recreation managers must ensure that leisure-time opportunities are available for everyone in a wide variety of locations. These include community recreation facilities, outdoor recreation areas, sporting venues, aquatic facilities and more. New professionals are key to recreation management. They tend to be a bit more focused than experienced managers who juggle a lot of balls in the workplace. Still, new professionals typically will be focused on providing programs and guaranteeing that facilities are safe and ready.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: Even before Covid I could see a switch in the workplace to more of a focus on work-life balance. Covid amplified that and we re-discovered the outdoors and recreation participation, and have seen a huge growth in the variety of sports for both participants and spectators. In short, people are seeing the value of recreation in their leisure time, and the importance of both, like never before.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: The most successful new recreation managers are those who are motivated by seeing the growth in others and receiving the appreciation connected to that. Very few professions on a daily basis allow people to really see the value of their work in the eyes of those they serve. The flip side of that though is that often your workday begins when the workday for others ends. People have their leisure time often on nights and weekends so the recreation manager must be on-the-job when others aren't! Lastly, when it comes to salaries my experience with three decades of new graduates is that entry-level salaries are often lower than other professions BUT as experience is gained they catch up quickly.
Brandon Podgorski
Associate Professor of Sport Management - Trine UniversityTrine University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Brandon Podgorski: Technology is always evolving so you want to be aware of the latest trends in the industry. Sustainability is also a major issue, because in addition to being a good environmental steward, good sustainable management helps the bottom line.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brandon Podgorski: Be a sponge and try to learn as much about the industry and your organization as possible. Not only will this make you valuable to your current employer, but it will prepare you for future roles in parks and recreation management, because the field is so broad. Don't let any job be beneath you and be the type of person people like to be around. At its heart, parks and recreation management is a people-facing industry, so you want to provide your uses with the best experience possible.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Brandon Podgorski: I like to reverse engineer this question. Find the jobs that pay the most and start to acquire the education and experience needed to land these positions as early as possible in your career. Have a value mindset and think about the things you can do to add value to your employer. You'll see your career take off on a faster trajectory than your peers.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
Daniel Funk Ph.D.
Professor and Ed Rosen Senior Research FellowTemple University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: Parks and recreation as a profession offers a diverse employment and career ecosystem as individuals work in and across a variety of settings. A beneficial element to focus on when beginning a career is to adopt a service excellence perspective. In other words, focus on designing and delivering experiences that enhance users' (or participants) physical, mental, and social well-being. Also, don't forget to apply what you learned in academic courses and through industry internships. The knowledge and experience gained will become more relevant and valuable as you move upward beyond entry level positions. Given the current age of the workforce in P&R, there will be opportunities for advancement into leadership/management roles.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects employment of recreation workers will grow 5% from 2022 to 2032 providing opportunities for both employment and potential career advancement. Key skills for P&R professionals will be interpersonal (ability to build relationships with participants, colleagues, and community leaders), communication (ability to create and convey information to diverse audiences), organizational (ability to manage multiple projects and tasks), problem-solving (ability to critically think to adapt to situations and address diverse participant needs) and leadership (ability to motivate participants and inspire colleagues). As the US population ages, there will be demand for life-long recreation and well-being for older adults.
What will help Recreation Managers increase their earning potential?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: When beginning a career in P&R, a professional should be willing to seek out opportunities within an organization (to gain diverse skills and competencies across functional areas) and willing to move geographically to similar organizations. It will also be beneficial to join national, state, and regional organizations like National Recreation and Parks Association, National Intramural Recreational Sports Association, and American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Attempt to attend their conferences to keep up with current trends and network.
What's a day at work look like for a Recreation Manager?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: This is a great question. The pandemic has changed the working life for good. Usually, a day at work for a graduate starts very early with commuting to the main office of the company they work. However, this is the past now. Graduates may start working from their home office and expected to be online for 8-10 hours a day, sitting in front of their computer, probably fifteen minutes after breakfast. They may not be even required to wear a suit! The living room could be the new graduate's work office too. When the day kicks off, it will definitely include lots of email correspondence, Zoom meetings and Microsoft's team collaboration works. The painted picture here may sound arbitrary; however, the whole way of doing business can create different challenges for a recent graduate. In my opinion, the most difficult challenge will be, what I call as, the no-curtain effect, which is, separating the work life from the personal life. With no hard boundaries, such as business offices or on site working projects, graduates may find very difficult to adopt the business world than ever after the pandemic. Post pandemic era, the graduates could find sustaining a balanced lifestyle more challenging because they would be expected to learn and achieve a lot in their job while they are young and novice in their career. The whole transformation of "a day at work" can even create a new demand for different line of jobs, (a life coach may be?). I am very curious to see how the evolution of "day at work" will be.
Dr. Barbara Davis
William J. Atkins DeanCentenary College of Louisiana
Frost School of Business
What experience really stands out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Dr. Barbara Davis: Graduates participating in internships related to their areas of interest. Internships spanning more than one semester at the same firm stand out as well.
What skills stand out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Dr. Timothy Edwards: Writing and research skills. Analytical and critical thinking skills. Technical skills such as web design, graphic design, audio and video production skills. Employers are interested in potential employees knowledge, intelligence and skills.
Robert Frost
ChairpersonCentral Michigan University
Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Robert Frost: The pandemic has pushed program delivery into new forms. We are seeing jobs being reinvented to accommodate greater on-line/virtual delivery formats and flexibility in delivery times and scheduling. We also are seeing a growth in less clinical and more community-day program formats.
What skills stand out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Robert Frost: Corresponding to the new delivery formats are the accompanying skills; virtual programming, video production, social media abilities, and overall creativity and flexibility.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Managers to find work opportunities?
Robert Frost: We tend to primarily follow state or regional opportunities, (Michigan and Midwest). These opportunities seem to be consistently available.
Marieke Van Puymbroeck Ph.D.
Professor, Graduate CoordinatorClemson University
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Marieke Van Puymbroeck Ph.D.: I think the biggest trends that we'll see is versatility in programming. The pandemic has really stretched the way we think about providing programming. We will likely have more options to do programming virtually, because one thing we've learned is that sometimes, it's just more desirable to do something virtually. For example, if there is a snowstorm, programming wouldn't be impacted if there were virtual options.
What skills stand out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Marieke Van Puymbroeck Ph.D.: A variety of skills and certifications always set individuals apart from the crowd. In this day and age, being able to provide virtual programming, offer innovative ideas about programming, and engage people virtually are particularly important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Managers to find work opportunities?
Marieke Van Puymbroeck Ph.D.: Some states have stronger recreation and parks programs than others; however, all states have them, so depending on the student's preference, there are jobs available across the country!
Matt Chase Ph.D.
Professor, Recreation and Tourism ManagementEastern Washington University
Department of Wellness and Movement Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: Well that depends on what sector one is looking at: private, public, non-profit, etc. RM graduates have access to a huge and complex industry when considering recreation, leisure, travel, tourism, sport, and entertainment. Currently, the outdoor recreation sector is blowing up. The public wants access to outdoor recreation experiences and equipment. Any sort of recreation that can be done outside during the pandemic is in high demand.
In fact, several states are opening up offices of outdoor recreation in order to capitalize on and manage the demand. Other sectors are not fairing as well. For example, travel and tourism are down right now for obvious reasons, however, once the pandemic is under control, this sector will become healthy again. We anticipate the motivation to travel and recreate will be as strong as ever. I suspect we will start to see opportunities for employment in this area again by Summer 2021, although it may take a year or two for the industry to fully recover.
The same holds true for public and non-profit entities - once people feel safe again, the demand for recreation experiences will be strong. With the trend toward working from home and moving to more desirable places to live, we anticipate a lot of people will be arranging their lives around recreation opportunities. There will always be work for recreation management graduates.
What Recreation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: The recreation industry values hands-on, applied experience. That and we are a certification driven industry. Students would be well served to pursue applicable certifications (and there are many) as well as applicable seasonal work. I anticipate opportunities for seasonal work will open up again in late spring and summer. All of the sectors - public, private, and non-profit - have opportunities for seasonal work - spring through fall. And of course, opportunities for winter seasonal work are available in the ski resort industry, as well as resorts and recreation operations that are located in the SE and SW.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: As I said above, the recreation industry values experience, along with formal education. I recommend that people acquire a variety of experiences in the industry. Be open minded too. We all start the higher education journey with an end goal in sight, however, since the recreation industry is so broad and diverse, people end up migrating to where the opportunities exist. That's what I mean about an open-minded approach. A new graduate may end up in an aspect of the industry she never anticipated at the start of her career. Once graduates have accumulated some on-the-job experience, they will have access to other opportunities and mobility. The degree in RM sets graduates up for entry-level professional positions in the industry. As such, I highly recommend that soon to be graduates take full advantage of their professional internship experience. By this I mean, soon to be graduates should have a good idea of what aspects of the industry are appealing and which aspects of the industry are not appealing. They should choose an internship that sets them up for a positive career trajectory. My experience has been that students who choose their internships wisely, more often than not, walk into professional-level positions once they are done with school.
Last, soon to be graduates should try to find a mentor while in school and once they are on the job. An effective mentor can make a huge difference for the new professional. And remember, this industry is about people and passion. The industry is looking for employees who have a great attitude, who enjoy creating meaningful recreation experiences, and who fully understand the importance of customer service as it relates to an effective and sustainable business model.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Managers?
Dr. Rudy Dunlap Ph.D.: This is an intriguing question and one that we'll only be able to answer with the benefit of hindsight. Some graduates may be anticipating that their inability to find a position immediately and the corresponding time gap on their resume might inhibit their ability to get interviews or job offers once the pandemic abates. My intuition is that this fear is unfounded. Unlike when an individual runs into career obstacles, we're experiencing this pandemic as a society, and employers have struggled as much as graduates. When it comes to employment in parks and recreation, I suspect that we're headed for a collective "reset" in which employers try to revive their dormant workforces, and any blank spots on the resumes of new graduates will be forgiven.
Relative to its enduring impact, my greater concern is the psychological toll that the pandemic has taken on some new university graduates. Many students who completed their degrees in May or August have had to move home with parents and spend the ensuing months either unemployed or working outside of parks and recreation. In some cases, this profound upheaval in young graduates' lives has resulted in depression and other mental health challenges that, if not properly treated, could function as obstacles that outlast the economic effects of the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Recreation Managers need?
Dr. Rudy Dunlap Ph.D.: There is no university class that prepares graduates for life during a pandemic. In addition to the usual repertoire of skills (e.g., program planning, budgeting, risk management), employers in parks and recreation need young employees who are resilient, adaptable, and committed to an agency's mission. Many new graduates emerge from the university environment with an ambitious plan for the first three to five years of their career, and having such goals is crucial for future success.
Even so, career goals need to be tempered by a working environment in which businesses and agencies are fighting for survival. Should they have been lucky enough to find a position in the midst of the pandemic, graduates need to quickly establish a disposition towards their work that puts the agency and its clients above their individual ambitions. Once the dust settles, supervisors will recognize those employees who were "team players" during these difficult times, and those folks will likely be rewarded with greater responsibilities.
What experience really stands out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Dr. Rudy Dunlap Ph.D.: Parks and recreation is not a nine-to-five field, and we work when others are playing, as the saying goes. How does a potential employer identify those graduates who will be willing to go the extra mile when it comes to executing the agency's mission? For the newly minted graduate, volunteer experiences are a great indicator of someone's dedication to the field. Most students will have internships and seasonal work experiences of one sort or another, but not all students will show their enthusiasm by serving as a volunteer little league coach or by cleaning up the local stream on the weekends. The post-pandemic job market in parks and recreation, especially for entry-level positions, will be competitive, so new grads need to do whatever they can to set themselves apart.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Managers?
Dr. Mary Ann Devine Ph.D.: I believe there is one enduring impact on graduates of recreation, park, and tourism programs. It will realize how important public recreation and park outlets are to our health. Kent State University graduates are positioned to be leaders to continue the efforts to promote public recreation, park, and tourism initiatives for the betterment and quality of life for their communities. Throughout this pandemic, people have turned to their local, state, and national parks to improve their health by enjoying nature, taking hikes, or socially connecting (appropriately distanced, of course) with friends. Public recreation services have become environments for promoting healthy involvement and social connections by creating community gardens, pop-up drive-in movie theaters, virtual community concert venues, virtual workshops, and outdoor exercise opportunities.
What type of skills will young Recreation Managers need?
Dr. Mary Ann Devine Ph.D.: Graduates in recreation, park, and tourism services will need to have creative, strategic, think critically skills when it comes to meeting the public needs related to quality of life and. They will need to know how to collaborate with a variety of businesses, organizations, and agencies in their communities to address public needs on extremely limited budgets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that collaborative sharing of resources among public, private, and non-profit agencies is going to be critical to boosting the economy of a community, creating opportunities for supporting mental, physical, and emotional health, and meeting the needs of a diverse community.
What experience really stands out on Recreation Manager resumes?
Dr. Mary Ann Devine Ph.D.: Experiences that provide opportunities to work with diverse groups within a community, particularly marginalized groups, are unique skill sets that aids in students' stand out from peers who do not have these experiences. Also, experiences that give students opportunities to develop and improve leadership, interpersonal, and writing skills, specific to the field of recreation, park, and tourism.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Clinton J. Warren: It is clear that the initial trend during the pandemic has been a furloughing or elimination of positions as a result of the sporadic ability to offer recreational and fitness programming. However, that is a generalization of the industry. While some areas of the industry have been hit particularly hard (fitness centers and group training examples), public outdoor recreation has maintained a high level of popularity. As we begin to move out of the pandemic and public health returns to a more stable state, the job market is likely to rebound slowly. It is unlikely a mass hiring will occur in the time immediately following the widespread availability of a vaccine. The industry has had to operate with less for months now, and it is quite likely to top level management will be initially hesitant to return to higher operating costs until the market proves itself once again.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Recreation Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Clinton J. Warren: Wearable technology has been gaining prominence in the general health and fitness industry for years now. As professional and collegiate sports have found more sophisticated ways to measure athlete performance, through adopting wearable technology, the cost, and thus accessibility, for the general population has grown. I would expect this trend to continue. It has been suggested that the pandemic may be a catalyst for growth in virtual or augmented reality in the health, fitness, and recreation industry, but a real move toward this is likely further than five years down the line.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Recreation Managers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Clinton J. Warren: While it is certainly difficult to project the next five years, it is likely the field will begin to re-emerge in that timeframe. As a result, the demand for graduates working in the field will, at the minimum, stabilize. It is likely that five years from now will see a highly skilled and educated group of graduates who have pursued master's level degrees or advanced certification during the economic downturn. This will allow the industry to innovate at a much more rapid pace if C level executives and club owners anticipate this with a willingness to grow, following the widespread availability of a vaccine.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Manager?
Ariel Rodríguez Ph.D., CPRP: Be open, flexible, and willing to learn. I realize that after graduating from college, many individuals may feel as if they are mentally and emotionally done with learning, but the truth is that graduation is really just the beginning of lifelong learning as a recreation professional. If graduates are looking to work in parks and recreation, I would recommend applying for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification when they are eligible and feel ready to take on the CPRP exam.
If a recent graduate is unable to immediately crack into the field, I would recommend either volunteering in a recreation specialization they are interested in or perhaps looking at job descriptions for recreation positions they are interested in and find jobs that help to give them experience in the requested knowledge, skills, and abilities so that they can better position themselves as a future candidate.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Recreation Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Ariel Rodríguez Ph.D., CPRP: The recreation management profession prides itself in providing quality recreation services, safe spaces, and creating opportunities for memorable human interactions. It is likely that technologies that help to mitigate challenges to this will be more important and prevalent. For instance, we have seen an increase in disease and illness over the past few years, not just related to Covid-19 but also connected with service men and women returning from combat with seen and unseen disabilities. Technologies that will help individuals get back to the recreational activities they loved or try new recreational activities will continue to be prevalent in the future.
It is likely that we will also continue to see efforts to connect online technologies with recreation programming and special events. For instance, we have seen demand for export programming increase over the years. Covid-19 seems to have perpetuated this need as there is an increased need for individuals to stay in confined spaces, and gaming stigmas have dramatically decreased in recent years. With new gaming technologies, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, being currently launched, it is likely they will play a role in the provision of recreation services by professionals for years to come.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Recreation Managers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Ariel Rodríguez Ph.D., CPRP: It depends on the recreation specialization and where they intend to live, but in general, salaries are competitive once a graduate gets into the recreation coordinator/programmer/specialist and higher positions. Research by the National Recreation and Park Association (2019) on annual professional salaries showed that median salaries for a recreation program coordinator in the United States in 2019 were $48,141, and for recreation program coordinator positions and above, most saw an increase of approximately 3% between 2018-2019; this suggests salaries are keeping up with inflation.
Source
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.
Full ProfessorKent State University
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
What are the best companies to work for a Recreation Manager?
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.: Our students have had tremendous success in finding work in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our recent graduates find employment for local park districts like Cleveland Metro Parks, various state park agencies, and the National Park Service. Additionally, we have students employed as park rangers with the Army Corps of Engineers. Nonprofits like the YMCA are hiring right now, and our students are finding jobs there. Also, nonprofits providing recreation services or recreation-based therapies to populations with special needs are always in need of help. Campus Recreation is another good source of employment.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Recreation Managers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.: There will be an increase. The global pandemic has demonstrated that people need outdoor recreation for healthy, active living. Parks and protected areas are now more popular than ever, particularly parks close to population centers. Additionally, many long time professionals are now in retirement, and many entry-level positions are opening. Finally, I think a Democrat in the White House is a good thing for funding public recreation.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.: I think I answered this question above. A range of public and nonprofit providers are hiring at the local, state, and federal levels. We have students finding jobs in the general industry close to home here in Ohio and also nationwide. Two weeks ago, one of our students was hired by Zion National Park in Utah. Opportunities are everywhere.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Samuel Lankford Ph.D.: Creative ways to stage events and offer to program. Might include a mix of virtual and small groups. Might consist of experiences that people do within their family or circle of friends.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Recreation Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Samuel Lankford Ph.D.: Social media skills, meeting coordination using Aoom, and other similar software applications. I expect these technologies will become more powerful and sophisticated.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Recreation Managers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Samuel Lankford Ph.D.: Increased demand, once people figure out that the world has changed and that recreation programmers and event coordinators can enhance their quality of life through exploration and personal growth.