Recreation Workers Salary in California
Recreation Workers in California earn a median annual wage of $39,780 —8.8% above the national median of $36,560. That ranks CA #5 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.25× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $46,460 | $22.34 | 470 | 0.31 |
| 2 | Washington | $44,890 | $21.58 | 6,380 | 0.84 |
| 3 | South Dakota | $42,270 | $20.32 | 650 | 0.67 |
| 4 | Hawaii | $41,000 | $19.71 | 1,590 | 1.19 |
| 5 | California | $39,780 | $19.12 | 48,560 | 1.25 |
| 6 | Oregon | $39,610 | $19.05 | 4,640 | 1.11 |
| 7 | Colorado | $38,820 | $18.67 | 6,100 | 1.00 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $38,540 | $18.53 | 11,280 | 1.45 |
| 9 | New York | $38,040 | $18.29 | 24,790 | 1.20 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $37,510 | $18.03 | 7,940 | 1.26 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $40,020 | $34,980 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $32,150 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $38,700 | $35,360 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do recreation workers make in California?
The median annual wage for recreation workers in California is $39,780, or $19.12 per hour. That is 8.8% above the national median of $36,560.
What is the entry-level recreation workers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $35,900 per year ($17.26/hour). The 25th percentile is $37,320.
How many people work as recreation workers in California?
About 48,560 people work in this occupation in California, or 2.7 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for recreation workers?
California ranks #5 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.25x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays recreation workers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage at $46,460 per year, followed by Washington ($44,890) and South Dakota ($42,270).