Recreation Worker salary in Columbus, OH
Recreation Workers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $33,690 a year ($16.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,550 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,520 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 4% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $32,420. There are 2.3 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,880 | $13.88 |
| 25th percentile | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| Median | $33,690 | $16.20 |
| 75th percentile | $37,220 | $17.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,520 | $23.33 |
| Average (mean) | $36,110 | $17.36 |
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 | $2,807.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,403.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,295.77 |
| Weekly | $647.88 |
| Hourly | $16.20 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, OH | $33,900 | 80 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $33,130 | 720 |
| Akron, OH | $32,540 | 810 |
| Cleveland, OH | $31,380 | 2,550 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $31,050 | 160 |
| Toledo, OH | $30,550 | 520 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $30,240 | 200 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $29,880 | 2,670 |
| Mansfield, OH | $29,870 | 80 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $29,620 | 410 |
| Lima, OH | $29,390 | 80 |
| Sandusky, OH | $29,320 | 230 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $29,210 | 70 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $29,180 | 320 |
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 Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $30,280 | $14.56 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,410 | $17.99 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,930 | $20.16 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $29,240 | $14.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,540 | $13.24 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,920 | $14.86 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,040 | $24.06 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,350 | $13.63 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,530 | $17.08 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $59,480 | $28.59 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $33,690 a year, or $16.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,520 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $48,520 a year. The top 25% earn $37,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,880 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $31,280 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Columbus, OH?
About 2,550 recreation workers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.