Recreation Worker salary in Missouri
Recreation Workers in Missouri earn a median of $34,320 a year ($16.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,380 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,830 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $36,560. Missouri ranks 29th of 51 states for recreation workers pay. There are 1.8 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $29,850 | $14.35 |
| Median | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| 75th percentile | $38,600 | $18.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| Average (mean) | $36,210 | $17.41 |
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 | $2,860 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,430 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,320 |
| Weekly | $660 |
| Hourly | $16.50 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $37,470 | 40 |
| Columbia, MO | $36,860 | 150 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $35,710 | 150 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $35,090 | 2,250 |
| Springfield, MO | $34,740 | 450 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $33,750 | 2,740 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $30,910 | 100 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $30,190 | 90 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $30,790 | $14.80 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,750 | $14.78 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,350 | $15.55 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,980 | $15.38 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,600 | $13.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for recreation workers in Missouri is $34,320 a year, or $16.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of recreation workers in Missouri earn at least $46,830 a year. The top 25% earn $38,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $29,850 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Missouri?
About 5,380 recreation workers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.