How to Become an Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor in 2026
Median salary: $46,900 · +6.3% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does an Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.
Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services is $46,900. The bottom 10% earn around $32,960 while the top 10% earn over $76,430.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $32,960 |
| Early career (P25) | $37,960 |
| Median | $46,900 |
| Experienced (P75) | $60,190 |
| Top earners (P90) | $76,430 |
Highest-paying metros
Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $58,170 |
| Massachusetts | $57,250 |
| Colorado | $55,530 |
| Alaska | $54,430 |
| New Hampshire | $52,860 |
| Delaware | $51,820 |
| Hawaii | $51,180 |
| Connecticut | $50,660 |
| New Jersey | $50,040 |
| Wisconsin | $49,930 |
| California | $49,700 |
| Missouri | $49,660 |
| Maine | $49,180 |
| Wyoming | $49,170 |
| New York | $48,880 |
| Vermont | $48,630 |
| Minnesota | $48,550 |
| Rhode Island | $48,370 |
| Florida | $48,060 |
| South Carolina | $47,440 |
| North Carolina | $47,340 |
| District of Columbia | $47,020 |
| Oregon | $46,850 |
| Illinois | $46,700 |
| Virginia | $46,360 |
| Nevada | $46,290 |
| Indiana | $46,210 |
| Arizona | $46,120 |
| Utah | $45,880 |
| North Dakota | $45,860 |
| Idaho | $45,430 |
| South Dakota | $45,050 |
| Texas | $44,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,770 |
| Maryland | $44,630 |
| Tennessee | $44,510 |
| Kansas | $44,180 |
| Louisiana | $43,900 |
| Ohio | $42,990 |
| Michigan | $42,010 |
| Iowa | $41,080 |
| Georgia | $40,920 |
| Kentucky | $40,920 |
| Alabama | $39,940 |
| Nebraska | $39,910 |
| Oklahoma | $39,050 |
| Montana | $38,510 |
| Mississippi | $38,020 |
| New Mexico | $38,000 |
| Arkansas | $37,480 |
| West Virginia | $36,500 |
How to earn more as an Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor
The salary range for Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisors spans $43,470 — from $32,960 at entry level to $76,430 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Kahului-Wailuku, HI at $61,600 — $14,700 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work experience: Less than 5 years
Starting from high school
- Start in an entry-level position with structured on-the-job training
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (industry-recognized certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (industry-recognized certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor role has a high AI exposure score. Significant parts of this role are automatable. Focus on the human-centric aspects that AI can't replicate.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Entertainment and Recreation Worker Supervisor.
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SOC: 39-1014.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034