Recreation Worker salary in Bowling Green, KY
Recreation Workers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area earn a median of $29,180 a year ($14.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 230 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,670 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 10% lower than the Kentucky statewide median of $32,400. There are 2.8 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $30,150, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Bowling Green, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,290 | $11.20 |
| 25th percentile | $28,250 | $13.58 |
| Median | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| 75th percentile | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| Average (mean) | $30,150 | $14.49 |
Half of recreation workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,431.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,215.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,122.31 |
| Weekly | $561.15 |
| Hourly | $14.03 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown, KY | $35,460 | 70 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $32,720 | 540 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $30,240 | 200 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,190 | 1,310 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $29,880 | 2,670 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,520 | 100 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $28,380 | 70 |
| Owensboro, KY | $27,000 | 150 |
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $46,460 |
| Washington | $44,890 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 |
| California | $39,780 |
| Oregon | $39,610 |
| Colorado | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 |
| New York | $38,040 |
| Alaska | $37,510 |
See Recreation Worker pay in every state or the Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bowling Green, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $24,960 | $12.00 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,930 | $22.08 |
| Residential Advisor | $32,650 | $15.70 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,510 | $14.19 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $23,300 | $11.20 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,330 | $19.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,140 | $10.65 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,090 | $18.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,600 | $20.00 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Bowling Green, KY
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9032. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recreation worker make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area is $29,180 a year, or $14.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Bowling Green, KY?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area earn at least $37,670 a year. The top 25% earn $29,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Bowling Green, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,290 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $28,250 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Bowling Green, KY?
About 230 recreation workers are employed in the Bowling Green, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.