Why Should You Become a Park and Recreation Professional?
The park and recreation profession offers diverse job opportunities throughout the country. Whether you are working in an office or out in the field, a career in park and recreation means enhancing the quality of life for all people through advancing environmental conservation efforts, social equity, and health and wellness. Going to a job you love every day is something everyone wants. If you have a passion for being outdoors, helping people, and bettering your community, you may want to consider a career in this field.
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Ten Typical Park and Recreation Agency Position Salaries
| |
Base Salary on
January 1, 2019 |
Base Salary on
January 1, 2018 |
Median
Year-to-Year
Percentage
Increase |
| Park and Recreation Agency Director |
$100,250 |
$95,000 |
+3.0% |
| Planning Director |
$78,052 |
$77,000 |
+2.5% |
| Director of Finance |
$85,000 |
$80,388 |
+3.4% |
| Recreation Director |
$78,250 |
$76,000 |
+3.2% |
| Park Operations Director |
$72,500 |
$68,000 |
+3.1% |
| Park Operations |
$55,000 |
$53,625 |
+3.1% |
| Facility Manager |
$57,434 |
$54,433 |
+3.0% |
| Athletics Supervisor |
$54,152 |
$52,000 |
+3.0% |
| Aquatics Supervisor |
$51,500 |
$47,600 |
+3.0% |
| Recreation Program Coordinator |
$48,141 |
$46,194 |
+3.0% |
Explore NRPA's Park and Recreation Salary Survey.
Interested in Pursuing a Degree in the Park and Recreation Field?
Undergraduate majors include (but not limited to):
- Park and Resource Management
- Recreation and Park Administration – Recreation Management
- Recreation and Park Administration – Therapeutic Recreation
- Community Sports Management
- Tourism Development and Management
- Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management
Graduate degrees include (but not limited to):
- Masters in Recreation and Tourism
- Park and Resource Management
- Environmental Education
- Master of Advanced Study in Sustainable Tourism
- Master of Science in Community Resources and Development
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) recognizes academic programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions. Find COAPRT accredited universities and colleges that offer the undergrad or graduate degree you need!
Career Profiles
If you are interested in a career in the field, learn what it's like to be a park and recreation professional.
