Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Entertainment and recreation managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities and operations related to fitness and leisure.
Is entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling a good career?
It scores 26/100 and ranks #203 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($79,520 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+7.7% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling earn between $61,060 and $104,770 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
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, certifications & registrations
Some states may require a license for certain types of entertainment and recreation managers.
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.
Important qualities
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.
Related occupations
How much do entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling make?
The national median wage is $79,520 a year, with the middle half earning between $61,060 and $104,770 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 26 of 100 and ranks #203 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +7.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($113,930). Local pay for every state and metro is below.