Recreation Worker salary in Kentucky
Recreation Workers in Kentucky earn a median of $32,400 a year ($15.58 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,120 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $36,560. Kentucky ranks 38th of 51 states for recreation workers pay. There are 1.6 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.77). The average (mean) salary is $34,010, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,770 | $10.95 |
| 25th percentile | $28,180 | $13.55 |
| Median | $32,400 | $15.58 |
| 75th percentile | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,120 | $22.17 |
| Average (mean) | $34,010 | $16.35 |
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 | $2,700 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,350 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,246.15 |
| Weekly | $623.08 |
| Hourly | $15.58 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in cities in Kentucky
| 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 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $29,180 | 230 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,920 | $13.90 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,140 | $16.89 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,930 | $12.46 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,490 | $19.95 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Animal Trainer | $34,030 | $16.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for recreation workers in Kentucky is $32,400 a year, or $15.58 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of recreation workers in Kentucky earn at least $46,120 a year. The top 25% earn $37,110 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,770 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $28,180 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Kentucky?
About 3,290 recreation workers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.