Recreation Worker salary in Tennessee
Recreation Workers in Tennessee earn a median of $33,580 a year ($16.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,420 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,550 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $36,560. Tennessee ranks 32nd of 51 states for recreation workers pay. There are 1.0 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.49). The average (mean) salary is $35,150, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,960 | $11.52 |
| 25th percentile | $29,540 | $14.20 |
| Median | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| 75th percentile | $40,040 | $19.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,550 | $22.38 |
| Average (mean) | $35,150 | $16.90 |
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 | $2,798.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,399.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,291.54 |
| Weekly | $645.77 |
| Hourly | $16.14 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $37,460 | 1,070 |
| Knoxville, TN | $34,850 | 400 |
| Jackson, TN | $33,550 | 60 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $32,700 | 970 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $32,240 | 250 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $31,080 | 140 |
| Johnson City, TN | $30,070 | 80 |
| Morristown, TN | $29,720 | 70 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,520 | 100 |
| Cleveland, TN | $23,010 | 150 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $32,070 | $15.42 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,040 | $21.17 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for recreation workers in Tennessee is $33,580 a year, or $16.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of recreation workers in Tennessee earn at least $46,550 a year. The top 25% earn $40,040 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,960 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $29,540 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Tennessee?
About 3,420 recreation workers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.