Recreation Workers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $37,020 +4.6% vs national
Median hourly $17.80
10th percentile $35,550
90th percentile $56,470
Employed locally 310
National median $35,380

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Recreation Workers
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,550
    25th
    $36,560
    50th (median)
    $37,020
    75th
    $45,560
    90th
    $56,470

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Recreation Workers salary vs area income 34% Median Recreation Workers salary is 66% 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
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $54,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,070
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $42,630
    Napa, CA $39,220
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,900
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $38,500

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,690
    Childcare Workers $36,170
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $52,510
    Animal Caretakers $37,650
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $39,790
    First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $53,340

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Recreation Workers make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Recreation Workers in Santa Cruz, CA is $17.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.26 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Recreation Workers salaries?

    The median Recreation Workers salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 4.6% above 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 Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Recreation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $35,550 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,560.