Recreation Worker salary in Minnesota
Recreation Workers in Minnesota earn a median of $37,510 a year ($18.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 7,940 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,460 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,190 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $36,560. Minnesota ranks 11th of 51 states for recreation workers pay. There are 2.7 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $39,840, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Minnesota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,460 | $14.16 |
| 25th percentile | $33,220 | $15.97 |
| Median | $37,510 | $18.03 |
| 75th percentile | $44,770 | $21.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $52,190 | $25.09 |
| Average (mean) | $39,840 | $19.16 |
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 | $3,125.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,562.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,442.69 |
| Weekly | $721.35 |
| Hourly | $18.03 |
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 Minnesota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $40,050 | 180 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $38,180 | 4,960 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $37,420 | 90 |
| Rochester, MN | $37,280 | 230 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $37,190 | 230 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $36,840 | 240 |
| Mankato, MN | $36,440 | 190 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $36,080 | 500 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $34,980 | 280 |
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 Minnesota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,770 | $23.45 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $31,700 | $15.24 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,830 | $14.82 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,170 | $18.83 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $31,540 | $15.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $51,160 | $24.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,410 | $24.24 |
| Gambling Dealer | $27,190 | $13.07 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,430 | $21.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
The median salary for recreation workers in Minnesota is $37,510 a year, or $18.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,460 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Minnesota?
The top 10% of recreation workers in Minnesota earn at least $52,190 a year. The top 25% earn $44,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Minnesota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,460 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $33,220 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Minnesota?
About 7,940 recreation workers are employed in Minnesota, not counting the self-employed.