Recreation Worker salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Recreation Workers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $36,190 a year ($17.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 9,200 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,180 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 1% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $35,800. There are 3.9 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $39,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| 25th percentile | $33,680 | $16.19 |
| Median | $36,190 | $17.40 |
| 75th percentile | $40,320 | $19.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,180 | $25.57 |
| Average (mean) | $39,920 | $19.19 |
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 | $3,015.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,507.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,391.92 |
| Weekly | $695.96 |
| Hourly | $17.40 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $36,050 | 1,620 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $35,210 | 360 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $34,660 | 300 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $34,640 | 250 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $33,380 | 140 |
| Yuma, AZ | $32,400 | 250 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Residential Advisor | $42,340 | $20.36 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,660 | $16.18 |
| Animal Caretaker | $39,030 | $18.77 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,510 | $15.63 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,990 | $21.63 |
| Skincare Specialist | $51,180 | $24.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $38,570 | $18.54 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $72,580 | $34.89 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $36,190 a year, or $17.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $53,180 a year. The top 25% earn $40,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,280 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $33,680 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 9,200 recreation workers are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.