Service & RetailCompare

Recreation Worker

O*NET: Recreation Workers·39-9032.00

The Verdict:Recreation workers lead groups through arts, sports, and outings, enforcing safety and building engagement in real-time physical settings. AI aids planning and admin but cannot motivate participants, adapt to group dynamics, or handle supervision on-site. The human touch in fostering skills and community drives demand, with the role evolving safely over the next decade.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: March 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$35k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+4.1%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 2 of 24 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
14 of 24 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 33% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

2exposed

8AI leverage

14human-essential

View all 24 tasks

AI Can Handle This2 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.

Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.

AI Leverage8 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.

Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.

Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.

Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.

Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.

Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.

Develop treatment goals for individuals based on their assessments.

Evaluate staff performance, recording evaluations on appropriate forms.

Human Advantage14 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.

Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.

Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.

Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.

Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.

Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.

Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.

Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.

Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.

Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.

Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.

Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.

Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.

Take residents on community outings.

Resilience Landscape

Recreation Worker lands in Stable, Lower Pay

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Recreation Worker

Task Analysis

Resilience Landscape

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