Recreation workers
SOC Code: 39-9032
Recreation workers carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $35,380 and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 327,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 32% AI exposure, Recreation workers sits 5 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 37% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Recreation workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Recreation workers has ai exposure of 32%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Recreation workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Recreation workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Recreation workers (SOC 39-9032) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 327,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $35,380, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Recreation workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- 2. Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- 3. Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- 4. Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- 5. Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- 6. Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- 7. Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- 8. Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
- 9. Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
- 10. Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Monitoring
- Instructing
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Recreation workers?
Recreation workers has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Recreation workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Recreation workers is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 327,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Recreation workers?
Key skills for Recreation workers include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Recreation workers earn?
The median annual wage for Recreation workers is $35,380, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Recreation workers?
The typical entry-level education for Recreation workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Recreation workers?
Recreation workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).