Recreation Worker salary in Columbia, MO
Recreation Workers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $36,860 a year ($17.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,000 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 7% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $34,320. There are 1.4 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $38,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,360 | $14.12 |
| 25th percentile | $32,740 | $15.74 |
| Median | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| 75th percentile | $43,690 | $21.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,000 | $24.04 |
| Average (mean) | $38,630 | $18.57 |
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 | $3,071.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,535.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,417.69 |
| Weekly | $708.85 |
| Hourly | $17.72 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $37,470 | 40 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $35,710 | 150 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $35,090 | 2,250 |
| Springfield, MO | $34,740 | 450 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $33,750 | 2,740 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $30,910 | 100 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $30,190 | 90 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Residential Advisor | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,950 | $14.40 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,000 | $21.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,990 | $20.19 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Columbia, MO metro area is $36,860 a year, or $17.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $50,000 a year. The top 25% earn $43,690 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,360 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $32,740 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Columbia, MO?
About 150 recreation workers are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.