Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Entertainment or Recreation Manager Entertainment and recreation managers may benefit from having work experience in fitness center operations. Requirements vary for becoming an entertainment or recreation manager. Some workers typically need a bachelor’s degree, while others enter the occupation with a high school diploma. Work experience is also important.
Education
Entertainment and recreation managers have a variety of academic backgrounds, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s or higher degree. Requirements vary by organization and the specific work that managers do. For example, a recreation manager might need a bachelor’s degree in park management, recreation and fitness, or leisure studies. An entertainment manager might need a degree in theater, music, or a related visual or performing arts field. Some college students participate in internships. Through internships, students gain practical experience in their field of study while completing their education. Licenses and Certifications Some states may require a license for certain types of entertainment and recreation managers. For more information, contact your state licensing board. Safety certifications may be required, but professional certification is usually optional. For example, some employers require entertainment and recreation managers to have first aid or CPR certification. Optional credentials may demonstrate a particular level of knowledge and experience. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Experience in a related occupation is important for entertainment and recreation managers. Employers often prefer to hire managers who have experience in supervising others, planning programs or events, or providing customer service in a leisure or hospitality setting. The type of experience needed may vary by position. For example, some workers benefit from experience with recreation programs or fitness center operations. Other managers might need entertainment, theater, music, or cruise industry experience. Employers may consider students’ internships as part of the work experience they need for entry-level positions.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of entertainment and recreation managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,100 openings for entertainment and recreation managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth will stem from public interest in recreational activities, such as golf and pickleball. In addition, an increased emphasis on the importance of lifelong well-being is expected to create demand for entertainment and recreation managers in a variety of settings, including country clubs, fitness centers, and parks. Entertainment and Recreation Managers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling 6% Management occupations 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Entertainment and Recreation Managers Do
Entertainment and recreation managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities and operations related to fitness and leisure.
Duties
Entertainment and recreation managers typically do the following:
- Plan programs of events or schedules of activities
- Write, present, and manage strategies and budgets for events or activities
- Manage the daily operation of an event, activity, facility, or program
- Engage with customers to convey information about events and activities or to resolve complaints
- Explain rules and regulations of facilities and programs
- Ensure that facilities and programs are safe and accessible for participants
- Hire, train, and direct staff
Entertainment and recreation managers organize and lead a variety of leisure, wellness, or social activities. The types of programs they plan and guide may differ by setting, participants, and other factors. For example, on a cruise ship, they may organize arts and crafts activities for children and yoga classes for seniors; for a community center, they may conduct nature hikes based on ability levels from beginner to advanced.
Entertainment and recreation managers often are tasked with creating a positive experience for participants. They ensure that supplies are in stock and inspect equipment, ordering materials or arranging for maintenance as needed. In addition, they evaluate facility services and programs to create or improve offerings, which may involve soliciting input or analyzing customer feedback.
Entertainment and recreation managers also oversee staff orientation and development. Their responsibilities may include recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates; training and scheduling workers; monitoring and appraising work; and reassigning staff to meet facility or program needs.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Entertainment and recreation managers held about 43,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of entertainment and recreation managers were as follows:
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 20% |
| Fitness and recreational sports centers | 15 |
| Self-employed workers | 8 |
| Accommodation and food services | 6 |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 5 |
Entertainment and recreation managers typically work in an office setting. However, they also may spend time outside their office, performing duties such as checking equipment or interacting with customers. Some managers are required to work outdoors or travel to entertainment or recreation sites.
Work Schedules
Most entertainment and recreation managers work full time. Work schedules may vary and can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Managers may need to work extra hours during peak season, such as for summer vacations at a resort. Some entertainment and recreation managers must be on call in case of emergencies, such as power outages during severe weather.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Business skills. Entertainment and recreation managers create, present, and oversee budgets and strategies, such as for a facility’s quarterly activities schedule. Communication skills. Entertainment and recreation managers must be able to clearly convey information both orally and in writing to customers, suppliers, and staff. Interpersonal skills. Entertainment and recreation managers interact with customers, staff, and vendors. They must be able to establish and maintain positive relationships with a variety of people. Leadership skills. Entertainment and recreation managers direct workers and oversee facilities. They must be able to motivate staff and be decisive in handling operations. Organizational skills. Entertainment and recreation managers oversee many responsibilities at once, so they must be able to multitask and pay attention to details. Problem-solving skills. Entertainment and recreation managers must be able to anticipate potential issues and prepare solutions so that customers have a positive experience.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about entertainment and recreation managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.