Recreation Workers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $34,100 -3.6% vs national
Median hourly $16.40
10th percentile $29,900
90th percentile $45,560
Employed locally 12,260
National median $35,380

Compare Recreation Workers salary & buying power

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Recreation Workers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,900
    25th
    $30,660
    50th (median)
    $34,100
    75th
    $37,430
    90th
    $45,560

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Recreation Workers salary vs area income 38% Median Recreation Workers salary is 62% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Recreation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $54,990
    Fairbanks-College, AK $46,480
    District of Columbia $45,760
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $45,170
    College Station-Bryan, TX $45,110
    Rapid City, SD $44,150

    Nearby metros — Recreation Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $42,010
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $39,780
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $38,350
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $37,020
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $36,930
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $36,400

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $34,110
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $51,680
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,560
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $31,350
    Animal Caretakers $35,090
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $30,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Recreation Workers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Recreation Workers in Chicago, IL-IN is $16.40, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.14 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Recreation Workers salaries?

    The median Recreation Workers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 3.6% below the national median of $35,380. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Recreation Workers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Recreation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,900 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,660.