Recreation Worker salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Recreation Workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $32,700 a year ($15.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 970 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,450 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $33,580. There are 1.6 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.74). The average (mean) salary is $32,560, close to the median.
Pay range for recreation workers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,880 | $11.00 |
| 25th percentile | $28,060 | $13.49 |
| Median | $32,700 | $15.72 |
| 75th percentile | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Average (mean) | $32,560 | $15.66 |
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 | $2,725 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,362.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,257.69 |
| Weekly | $628.85 |
| Hourly | $15.72 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $37,460 | 1,070 |
| Knoxville, TN | $34,850 | 400 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $34,240 | 60 |
| Jackson, TN | $33,550 | 60 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $32,240 | 250 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $31,080 | 140 |
| Johnson City, TN | $30,070 | 80 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $29,910 | 370 |
| Morristown, TN | $29,720 | 70 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,520 | 100 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,460 | 110 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $28,140 | 60 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $27,770 | 80 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $27,310 | 430 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $25,800 | 600 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $25,690 | 130 |
| Jackson, MS | $24,900 | 410 |
| Cleveland, TN | $23,010 | 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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,860 | $13.88 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,560 | $22.87 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,970 | $14.89 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| Gambling Dealer | $25,180 | $12.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,280 | $12.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $32,280 | $15.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $67,120 | $32.27 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,100 | $17.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $32,700 a year, or $15.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $44,450 a year. The top 25% earn $35,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,880 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $28,060 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 970 recreation workers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.