How Much Does a Recreation Instructor make?

Recreation Instructor made a median salary around $48,712 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $55,017 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $43,330. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Recreation Instructor

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Recreation Instructor profession are Bullhead , Herreid , Keldron , Lemmon , Little Eagle .
Bullhead, SD $52,502
Herreid, SD $52,502
Keldron, SD $52,502
Lemmon, SD $52,502
Little Eagle, SD $52,502

Best-Paying States for Recreation Instructor

The states and districts that pay Recreation Instructor the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $59,347) , California (around $59,122) , Massachusetts (around $58,334) , Washington (around $58,119) , and New Jersey (around $58,098) .
District of Columbia $59,347
California $59,122
Massachusetts $58,334
Washington $58,119
New Jersey $58,098

What is the Career Path of Recreation Instructor?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Recreation Instructor, the first career path typically starts with an Assistant Student Activities Director position , and then progresses to Student Activities Director.

The second career path typically starts with an Assistant Campus Recreation Director position , and then progresses to Campus Recreation Director.

The third career path typically starts with a Student Union Manager position , and then progresses to Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Continuing Education Planner - Higher Ed. position , and then progresses to Continuing Education Director.

Besides, Recreation Instructor can also turn to other related jobs, including Recreation Leader , Recreation Assistant , Recreation Specialist and Recreation Supervisor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Recreation Instructor

Q: What is the salary range of Recreation Instructor in South Dakota?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Recreation Instructor in South Dakota earned an average annual salary of $43,330 , while the highest-paid made $55,017.
Q: What is the salary for a Recreation Instructor in California?
A: Recreation Instructor employed in California earned an average salary of $59,122 in 2025.

Average Recreation Instructor Pay vs. Other Jobs

Recreation Instructor earned an average salary of $48,712 in 2025. Other jobs related to Recreation Instructor earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Recreation Leader made $58,266 , Recreation Assistant made $52,378 , Recreation Specialist and Recreation Supervisor made $52,920 and $45,083 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Recreation Instructor

Recreation Leader - Average Salary $58,266
There is currently no job description for Recreation Leader, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Recreation Leader.
Recreation Assistant - Average Salary $52,378
There is currently no job description for Recreation Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Recreation Assistant.
Recreation Specialist - Average Salary $52,920
There is currently no job description for Recreation Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Recreation Specialist.
Recreation Supervisor - Average Salary $45,083
There is currently no job description for Recreation Supervisor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Recreation Supervisor.
Recreation Manager - Average Salary $63,110
There is currently no job description for Recreation Manager, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Recreation Manager.