Entertainment and Recreation Managers

Entertainment and recreation managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities and operations related to fitness and leisure.

Duties

Entertainment and recreation managers typically do the following:

• Plan programs of events or schedules of activities
• Write, present, and manage strategies and budgets for events or activities
• Manage the daily operation of an event, activity, facility, or program
• Engage with customers to convey information about events and activities or to resolve complaints
• Explain rules and regulations of facilities and programs
• Ensure that facilities and programs are safe and accessible for participants
• Hire, train, and direct staff

Entertainment and recreation managers organize and lead a variety of leisure, wellness, or social activities. The types of programs they plan and guide may differ by setting, participants, and other factors. For example, on a cruise ship, they may organize arts and crafts activities for children and yoga classes for seniors; for a community center, they may conduct nature hikes based on ability levels from beginner to advanced.

Entertainment and recreation managers often are tasked with creating a positive experience for participants. They ensure that supplies are in stock and inspect equipment, ordering materials or arranging for maintenance as needed. In addition, they evaluate facility services and programs to create or improve offerings, which may involve soliciting input or analyzing customer feedback.

Entertainment and recreation managers also oversee staff orientation and development. Their responsibilities may include recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates; training and scheduling workers; monitoring and appraising work; and reassigning staff to meet facility or program needs.

Entertainment and recreation managers held about 43,200 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of entertainment and recreation managers were as follows:

Entertainment and recreation managers typically work in an office setting. However, they also may spend time outside their office, performing duties such as checking equipment or interacting with customers. Some managers are required to work outdoors or travel to entertainment or recreation sites.

Work Schedules

Most entertainment and recreation managers work full time. Work schedules may vary and can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Managers may need to work extra hours during peak season, such as for summer vacations at a resort. Some entertainment and recreation managers must be on call in case of emergencies, such as power outages during severe weather.

Requirements vary for becoming an entertainment or recreation manager. Some workers typically need a bachelor’s degree, while others enter the occupation with a high school diploma. Work experience is also important.

The median annual wage for entertainment and recreation managers was $77,180 in May 2024.

Employment of entertainment and recreation managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,500 openings for entertainment and recreation managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.