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Parks and Recreation Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Parks and Recreation Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Parks and Recreation Director in the United States is $108,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Parks and Recreation Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $122,421
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,790 to $115,666
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $90,180
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Parks and Recreation Director Salaries

A Parks and Recreation Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Parks and Recreation Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Parks and Recreation Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $104,718
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $105,142
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $106,130
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $107,259
  • Expert (over 8 years): $108,468
Levels Salary
Entry Level Parks and Recreation Director$104,718
Intermediate Level Parks and Recreation Director$105,142
Senior Level Parks and Recreation Director$106,130
Specialist Level Parks and Recreation Director$107,259
Expert Level Parks and Recreation Director$108,468
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How Do Parks and Recreation Directors Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Parks and Recreation Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $119,851.
  • California: $119,396.
  • Massachusetts: $117,805.

Top Paying Cities for Parks and Recreation Director

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $136,532
  • San Francisco: $135,037
  • Oakland: $132,191

Parks and Recreation Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Parks and Recreation Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $114,902. While startup companies pay approximate $97,543.

Parks and Recreation Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $97,543
Growth Stage 51~500 $103,082
Established 501~5000 $111,063
Enterprise 5000+ $114,902

Parks and Recreation Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Parks and Recreation Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Parks and Recreation Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Parks and Recreation Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Parks and Recreation Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$129,896$62.020%

Parks and Recreation Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Parks and Recreation Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$98,790
Average $108,247/year
$115,666
$8,233
Average $9,021/month
$9,639
$1,900
Average $2,082/week
$2,224
$47
Average $52/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $115,666 $9,639 $2,224 $56
Average $108,247 $9,021 $2,082 $52
25th Percentile $98,790 $8,233 $1,900 $47

Most common benefits for Parks and Recreation Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Parks and Recreation Director

Here are companies hiring for Parks and Recreation Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Parks and Recreation Director

1. Where can a Parks and Recreation Director earn the most?

A Parks and Recreation Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Parks and Recreation Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Parks and Recreation Director is $136,532.

2. What is the highest pay for Parks and Recreation Director?

The highest pay for Parks and Recreation Director is $122,421.

3. What is the lowest pay for Parks and Recreation Director?

The lowest pay for Parks and Recreation Director is $90,180.

4. What are the responsibilities of Parks and Recreation Director?

Provides leadership, direction, and oversight for all areas of the parks and recreation department. Directs the operation of parks, recreation, athletic, and community facilities. Creates, implements, and manages arts, recreational, athletic, and related programs to meet the needs and interests of the community. Oversees the acquisition, development, improvement, and maintenance of parks, public recreation, and cultural facilities. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a municipal or government official. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Parks and Recreation Director?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Parks and Recreation Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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