Recreation Worker salary in Columbia, SC
Recreation Workers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $30,140 a year ($14.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 880 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,640 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 4% lower than the South Carolina statewide median of $31,420. There are 2.2 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $32,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,110 | $10.15 |
| 25th percentile | $26,170 | $12.58 |
| Median | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| 75th percentile | $39,540 | $19.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,640 | $22.42 |
| Average (mean) | $32,990 | $15.86 |
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 | $2,511.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,255.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,159.23 |
| Weekly | $579.62 |
| Hourly | $14.49 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $36,550 | 1,060 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $35,790 | 280 |
| Florence, SC | $33,250 | 140 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $31,580 | 2,280 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $31,030 | 600 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $30,200 | 890 |
| Sumter, SC | $29,970 | n/a |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $29,860 | 460 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $28,280 | 380 |
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 South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,870 | $22.05 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,660 | $19.07 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,770 | $20.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,400 | $10.77 |
| Funeral Attendant | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Concierge | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $48,130 | $23.14 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
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, SC?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Columbia, SC metro area is $30,140 a year, or $14.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $46,640 a year. The top 25% earn $39,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,110 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $26,170 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Columbia, SC?
About 880 recreation workers are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.