Recreation Worker salary in Syracuse, NY
Recreation Workers in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn a median of $34,800 a year ($16.73 an hour), based on BLS data for 660 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,020 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 9% lower than the New York statewide median of $38,040. There are 2.2 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Syracuse, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| 25th percentile | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| Median | $34,800 | $16.73 |
| 75th percentile | $38,760 | $18.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,020 | $23.57 |
| Average (mean) | $38,000 | $18.27 |
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 | $2,900 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,450 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,338.46 |
| Weekly | $669.23 |
| Hourly | $16.73 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $38,440 | 21,900 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $37,650 | 670 |
| Binghamton, NY | $36,170 | 260 |
| Rochester, NY | $35,840 | 1,400 |
| Kingston, NY | $35,730 | 210 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $35,410 | 1,060 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $34,840 | 150 |
| Ithaca, NY | $34,770 | 170 |
| Elmira, NY | $34,560 | 100 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $33,890 | 320 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $33,640 | 1,880 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $32,410 | 140 |
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 New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Syracuse, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $34,380 | $16.53 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Residential Advisor | $51,670 | $24.84 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,290 | $16.00 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,500 | $17.07 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $33,530 | $16.12 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,220 | $15.97 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $51,660 | $24.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,120 | $23.62 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| Skincare Specialist | $43,250 | $20.80 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $34,830 | $16.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Syracuse, NY
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 Syracuse, NY?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Syracuse, NY metro area is $34,800 a year, or $16.73 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Syracuse, NY?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn at least $49,020 a year. The top 25% earn $38,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Syracuse, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,240 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $32,240 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Syracuse, NY?
About 660 recreation workers are employed in the Syracuse, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.