Recreation Worker salary in Salem, OR
Recreation Workers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $37,630 a year ($18.09 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,440 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 5% lower than the Oregon statewide median of $39,610. There are 2.0 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $41,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,170 | $14.98 |
| 25th percentile | $33,280 | $16.00 |
| Median | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| 75th percentile | $47,260 | $22.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,440 | $27.14 |
| Average (mean) | $41,760 | $20.08 |
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 | $3,135.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,567.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,447.31 |
| Weekly | $723.65 |
| Hourly | $18.09 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bend, OR | $46,230 | 290 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $42,580 | 2,660 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $37,740 | 400 |
| Medford, OR | $37,400 | 180 |
| Albany, OR | $36,590 | 110 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $36,530 | 70 |
| Corvallis, OR | $35,210 | 170 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Childcare Worker | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $58,710 | $28.23 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,920 | $17.75 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $50,960 | $24.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,890 | $22.06 |
| Skincare Specialist | $49,340 | $23.72 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| Concierge | $37,260 | $17.91 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Salem, OR metro area is $37,630 a year, or $18.09 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,440 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $56,440 a year. The top 25% earn $47,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,170 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $33,280 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Salem, OR?
About 380 recreation workers are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.