Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Entertainment and recreation managers plan and oversee activities and operations at facilities such as cruise ships, parks, theaters, and sports venues. They handle scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and ensure guests have quality experiences. This role combines business management with hospitality across diverse entertainment settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing attendance reports, coordinating with staff about upcoming events, and addressing operational issues. Managers might approve activity schedules, meet with vendors about equipment or services, handle budget adjustments, and solve staffing problems. They may also observe programs in action, gather guest feedback, and plan marketing for upcoming entertainment offerings.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this role if you enjoy solving business problems and following established procedures while also driving initiatives that engage people. You're comfortable managing budgets and timelines, and you like organizing people and resources to create experiences others will enjoy.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supervisory Recreation Specialist - Aquatics Manager · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Everett, Washington · $65000–$75000
- MWR Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Sports Program Manager) · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Point Loma Complex, San Diego, California · $70512–$70512
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,360 | $113,930 | $143,000 | 30 |
| Minnesota | $84,510 | $107,660 | $132,490 | 480 |
| New York | $73,520 | $98,390 | $135,210 | 1,330 |
| Colorado | $74,880 | $97,000 | $133,880 | 940 |
| Washington | $78,760 | $96,790 | $141,020 | 630 |
| Idaho | $66,870 | $95,020 | $102,950 | 110 |
| Vermont | $64,550 | $92,320 | $119,110 | 270 |
| New Jersey | $75,990 | $89,590 | $115,440 | 2,260 |
| Massachusetts | $72,360 | $89,450 | $105,770 | 1,030 |
| Wyoming | $74,060 | $88,790 | $108,660 | 70 |
| Rhode Island | $65,620 | $88,750 | $107,040 | 40 |
| Missouri | $65,460 | $83,620 | $104,900 | 370 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9072.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.