Is Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation a Good Career Path?

11 min readDec 25, 2023

Yes, services-misc. Amusement & recreation is a good career path. Amusement and recreation can be rewarding careers for folks who appreciate helping others have fun. Theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, arcades, movie theaters, and sports and fitness facilities are included.

Ride operators, customer service reps, ticket takers, lifeguards, and fitness instructors are some amusement and recreation jobs. The average annual wage varies by job, geography, and company.

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According to the BLS, amusement and recreation attendants made $23,850. 10% earned less than $19,370, while 10% earned more than $39,640.

Amusement business managers and supervisors may make more. The BLS says that recreation employees earned $39,550 in May 2020. 10% earned less than $25,600, while 10% earned more than $63,820.

Amusement and recreation can be rewarding careers for those who enjoy working with people and creating memories. It’s a wonderful alternative for people who want flexibility and consistency.

Best-paying Jobs In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation Career Path

Amusement and recreation manager: $60,510 per year

Amusement and recreation managers handle theme parks, water parks, and sports and fitness facilities. They may be responsible for budgeting, scheduling, hiring staff, and designing and implementing customer safety and satisfaction policies and procedures. Amusement and recreation managers need a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as recreation, leisure studies, or business. They may benefit from certification, such as the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or the Certified Leisure Professional (CLP). According to the BLS, entertainment and leisure managers earn $60,510 annually (BLS).

Fitness trainer or instructor: $47,510 per year

Fitness trainers and instructors lead people in aerobics, yoga, or strength training. They may work in gyms, studios, or community centers and offer private sessions. Fitness trainers and teachers must be fit and may need a certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Fitness trainers earn $47,510 per year on average.

Recreation worker: $39,550 per year

Recreation employees lead individuals or groups in sports, games, and arts & crafts. They may maintain equipment and facilities in community centers, schools, camps, or parks. Recreation workers don’t need a college degree, although a certification like the Certified Park and Recreation Professional might be helpful (CPRP). Recreation employees earn $39,550 per year on average.

Water park manager: $39,290 per year

Water park administrators manage budgets, schedule workers, and ensure consumer safety and happiness. They may maintain water quality and equipment. Water park managers need a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as recreation, leisure studies, or business. They may benefit from certification, like the Certified Aquatic Facility Operator (CAFO) or the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Water park managers earn $39,290 per year on average.

Zoo or aquarium manager: $38,790 per year

Zoo and aquarium administrators supervise budgets, employees, consumer safety and happiness. They may be responsible for animal care, educational activities, and events. Zoo and aquarium managers need a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or animal science. They may benefit from certification, such as the Certified Zoo Professional (CZP) or the Certified Aquarium Professional (CAP) (CAP). Zoo and aquarium managers earn $38,790 annually.

Athletic coach or scout: $35,650 per year

Athletic coaches and scouts prepare players for competition and scout new talent. They may work at schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, specializing in football, basketball, or soccer. Athletic coaches and scouts need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as exercise science, sports management, or physical education. They may benefit from certification, such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or the National Association of Sports Medicine’s (NASM) Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES). Coaches and scouts earn $35,650 per year on average.

Entertainment manager: $35,510 per year

Entertainment managers handle theaters, performance venues, and amusement parks. They may schedule performers, manage budgets, and ensure client pleasure. Entertainment managers need a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, like business, marketing, or entertainment management, and may benefit from a certification like the CEIP (CEIP). According to the BLS, entertainment managers make $35,510 annually (BLS).

Entertainment promoter: $35,380 per year

Entertainment promoters sell tickets to concerts, plays, and sporting events. They may work for a venue or an independent promoter and handle advertising, contract negotiations, and agent/manager relations. Entertainment promoters need a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as business, marketing, or entertainment management, and may benefit from certification, such as CEIP (CEIP). According to the BLS, entertainment promoters earn $35,380 annually.

Ski instructor: $34,480 per year

Ski instructors teach people to ski or snowboard. They may teach at ski resorts or privately. Ski instructors must be physically fit and may need a qualification from the PSIA or the ACSIA (ACSI). BLS: Ski instructors earn $34,480 annually on average.

Event planner: $33,530 per year

Planners organize conferences, weddings, and business events. They schedule venues, coordinate vendors, and manage budgets. Event planners need a bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, or business and may benefit from certification, such as CMP (CMP). Event planners earn $33,530 per year, according to the BLS (BLS).

Entry-level Jobs In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation Career Path

Lifeguard: $23,510 per year

Lifeguards protect people at pools, beaches, and water parks. They may patrol, rescue, and provide first aid. Lifeguards must be physically fit and may need Red Cross or YMCA certification. According to the BLS, lifeguards earn $23,510 annually.

Fitness instructor: $40,390 per year

Fitness teachers lead aerobics, yoga, and strength training, classes. They may work in gyms, studios, or community centers and offer private sessions. Fitness instructors must be fit and may need certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). According to the BLS, fitness teachers earn $40,390 annually.

Ticket taker: $25,470 per year

Ticket takers collect tickets at concerts, athletic events, and theatrical performances. They may scan tickets, direct customers to seats, and answer inquiries. Ticket takers don’t need a college degree, although a certification like the Certified Ticketing Professional can be helpful (CTP). According to the BLS, the median ticket taker’s salary is $25,470. (BLS).

Customer service representative: $34,710 per year

Customer service reps help consumers with inquiries, complaints, and requests in contact centers, retail stores, and service centers. They may handle phone calls, emails, and consumer difficulties. Customer service reps don’t need a college degree, although a Certified Customer Service Professional qualification can help (CCSP). According to the BLS, customer service reps earn $34,710 annually.

Front desk clerk: $26,590 per year

Front desk staff checks customers into hotels, motels, and other lodgings. They register guests, issue room keys, and answer queries. Front desk clerks don’t need a college degree, although a qualification like the Certified Hospitality Supervisor can be helpful (CHS). According to the BLS, front desk employees earn $26,590 per year.

Concession worker: $23,820 per year

Concessionaires serve food and drinks at concerts, sports events, and movie theaters. They may serve food and drinks, handle cash, and clean the concession area. Concession workers don’t need a college degree but may benefit from a certification like ServSafe Food Handler. According to the BLS, concession workers make $23,820 annually (BLS).

Food service worker: $24,820 per year

Food service professionals prepare and serve food and drinks in restaurants, cafes, and catering companies. They may cook, make drinks, and clean the kitchen and dining spaces. Food service professionals don’t need a college degree, although they may benefit from a certification like ServSafe. BLS: Food service workers earn a median yearly wage of $24,820.

Housekeeper: $25,520 per year

Housekeepers clean hotel rooms, guesthouses, and other lodgings. Dust, vacuum, make beds and restock supplies. Housekeepers don’t need a college degree, although a certification like the Certified Hospitality Housekeeper can be helpful (CHH). The typical yearly wage for housekeepers is $25,520. (BLS).

Event coordinator: $50,110 per year

Event coordinators plan conferences, weddings, and business events. They schedule venues, coordinate vendors, and manage budgets. Event coordinators need a bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, or business and may benefit from certification, such as CMP (CMP). According to the BLS, event coordinators earn $50,110 annually.

What Do People Working In Services-Misc? Amusement & Recreation Do?

Industry workers plan and organize recreational activities, events, and facilities for individuals and groups. Sports, gaming, amusement, and leisure are examples.

Specific obligations vary by job title and company or group. Common amusement and entertainment industry tasks include:

Planning recreation, events, and facilities
Supervisory training
Equipment and building maintenance
Answering customers’ questions
Collecting tickets and enforcing rules
Customer and employee safety
Resolving consumer complaints
Event promotion
Coordinating with staff to ensure facility smoothness

This industry comprises theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, arcades, movie theaters, and sports and fitness centers. This industry includes ride operators, customer service reps, ticket takers, lifeguards, and fitness instructors.

What Types Of Organizations Hire Professionals In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation?

There is a wide range of organizations that hire professionals in the services-misc. Amusement and recreation industry. These organizations may include:

Amusement parks
Water parks
Zoos and aquariums
Arcades and entertainment centers
Movie theaters
Sports facilities and arenas
Fitness centers and gyms
Community centers
Resorts and hotels
Campgrounds and R.V. parks
Youth centers and camps

Amusement and recreation workers may also work for local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profits, and schools. Professionals in this area may work for municipal parks and recreation agencies or groups that offer recreational programs for children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities.

Amusement and entertainment professionals may also be contractors or consultants for various clients.

Example Of Companies Along With Market Cap In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation

There are numerous huge, well-capitalized amusement and recreation firms. Examples:

The Walt Disney Company: $352 billion
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation: $3.3 billion
Cedar Fair, L.P.: $3.1 billion
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.: $1.9 billion
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.: $2.3 billion
Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company, CEC Entertainment, Inc.: has $2.2 billion

The Walt Disney Company operates Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris. The $352 billion firm creates movies, T.V. shows, and other entertainment.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates amusement parks in various states. It’s worth $3.3 billion.

Cedar Fair, L.P. operates amusement parks in numerous states. It’s worth $3.1 billion.

SeaWorld Entertainment operates marine-life theme parks and water parks in numerous states. It’s worth $1.9 billion.

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. is a network of restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s worth $2.3 billion.

CEC Entertainment, Inc. is the parent corporation of Chuck E. Cheese’s, a network of family entertainment centers. It’s worth $2.2 billion.

Future Industry Outlook Of A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation.

Amusement and recreation services have a bright future. This business will increase as more individuals seek leisure and recreation.

Employment of recreation employees, including those in entertainment and recreation, is predicted to expand by 7% between 2020 and 2030. This is faster than normal.

Several variables should boost growth. Active and healthy lifestyles have increased demand for leisure activities and facilities. The increasing popularity of theme parks, water parks, and other entertainment will also boost job development.

Fitness trainers and instructors will see 10% job growth between 2020 and 2030, while entertainment and recreation managers will see 6%.

Strong job development and a wide range of career prospects are expected in the services-misc — amusement and leisure business.

Advantages Of A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation.

Amusement and entertainment services offer many benefits, including:

Students and working people like this area’s flexible schedules.
It includes theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, arcades, movie theaters, and sports and fitness facilities. This may help individuals find jobs that fit their interests and goals.
People like making others happy. Recreational activities provide such chances.
Promotions and training are common in this business.
People looking for a profession with a good work-life balance may find entertainment and leisure jobs appealing.
Entertainment and leisure jobs pay well. Leisure workers earned $39,550 in May 2020, according to the BLS. 10% earned less than $25,600, and 10% above $63,820.

Disadvantages Of A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation.

A profession in services-misc. Leisure and recreation have their obstacles and drawbacks. This industry’s disadvantages include the following:

Ride operators and lifeguards work hard. This may be problematic for disabled persons.
Entertainment and leisure enterprises are busiest in summer and holidays, affecting work hours and job chances. Stable-income earners may need help.
Amusement and leisure entry-level jobs pay differently.
Amusement and entertainment may be stressful because of large crowds and demanding customers.
Some entertainment and leisure firms or occupations offer fewer career advancement opportunities.

Services-misc. leisure and recreation careers have perks and downsides. You should also research the job or firm and talk to current or former workers about the work environment and obstacles.

Why Choose A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation?

Amusement and recreation services provide several job opportunities. Some reasons:

Amusement and entertainment employees like entertaining people.
Amusement and recreation may suit sports and recreation fans.
Students and working people like this area’s flexible schedules.
It includes theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, arcades, movie theaters, and sports and fitness facilities. This may help individuals find jobs that fit their interests and goals.
People like making others happy. Recreational activities provide such chances.
Promotions and training are common in this business.

Working with people and making memories may be rewarding in an entertainment and leisure vocation. It’s a great option for flexible and consistent folks.

Qualities Of A Person Who Want To Choose A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation.

Individuals who want to work in services-misc. Entertainment and recreation should have certain qualities. Key qualities include:

Amusement and leisure workers interact with consumers, coworkers, and managers. Communication, rapport-building, and handling confrontational situations are people skills.
In the entertainment and recreation industry, customer service jobs entail politeness, handling complaints, and working well under pressure.
Fitness instructors and lifeguards are physically fit.
Amusement and recreation jobs require creativity and inventiveness.
Safety and consumer satisfaction depend on amusement and entertainment industry detail.
Adaptability is essential in the fast-paced amusement and recreation industry.
Entertainment and recreation service workers should be outgoing, friendly, and customer-focused.

Education And Certification For A Career In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation.

Services-misc. entertainment and recreation jobs require different degrees and certifications. Courses and certifications:

Some amusement and recreation jobs require a bachelor’s degree in recreation, leisure studies, sports management, or business. A bachelor’s degree can help you understand the sector and get more jobs.
Some pursue master’s degrees in recreation and leisure studies, sports management, or business. Master’s degrees increase employment and earnings.
Entertainment employees may need different licenses. NSM and ACE certified fitness instructors (ACE). Lifeguard, first aid, CPR, and customer service qualifications may be useful.
On-the-job training is common in entertainment and leisure jobs. On-the-job training lets you learn from specialists.

Services-misc. entertainment and leisure jobs require different education and certification. Find the best education and training for your career by researching work or organization needs.

Are There Opportunities To Work Remotely In Services-Misc. Amusement & Recreation?

Ride operators and lifeguards must be on-site, although event planners and fitness trainers can work remotely. COVID-19 has expanded remote work into fun and pleasure. Some companies’ customer service and administrative workers can operate remotely during the pandemic.

Job duties, technologies, and tools determine remote work viability. Remote employment may be harder for customer-facing jobs than solo work.

Although it depends on position and employer, remote employment in services-misc, entertainment and leisure is worth considering. Talk to potential employers about remote work options to determine the best fit for your needs and goals.

Conclusion

Services-misc. recreation and leisure can be rewarding and entertaining for people who like working with others and making memories. Theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, arcades, movie theaters, and sports and fitness centers offer several work opportunities.

Services-misc. entertainment and leisure are predicted to grow with several job opportunities. Before deciding, examine the advantages and cons of this vocation and its education and certification requirements.

Millions enjoy entertainment and recreation. It includes amusement parks, aquariums, bowling alleys, and zoos. Services-misc. amusement and recreation may suit outgoing, customer-focused persons. This sector offers profitable opportunities with proper education, training, and experience.

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