The field of recreation is a $1.8 trillion a year industry with many full-time job opportunities. Recreation professionals plan, organize, and implement programs in local recreation and park areas, camps, state and national parks, religious organizations, community centers, theme parks, and tourist attractions. Recreation professionals also are found in workplaces where they organize and implement activities for employees.

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The recreation concentration at the University of North Alabama offers three emphasis areas: coaching and officiating; community recreation; and outdoor recreation. Depending on area of expertise and skills, salaries in the recreation field can vary widely. Fringe benefits are typically very good and include health insurance, savings plans, and professional liability insurance. Some examples of jobs and salaries posted in the NRPA career center are:

• Park Superintendent, $45-$55,000
• Recreation Facility Superintendent, $43,387-$58,936
• Assistant Park Manager, $35,496-$43,448
• Recreation Leader II, $13.68-$16.79 per hour
• Parks & Recreation Director $74,423-$104,192
• Park Ranger, $32,140-$45,026
• Aquatics Supervisor, $40,428-$60,641
• Waterpark Manager, $39,120-$59,332  
• Recreation Specialist/Adventure Programs, $25,504-$30,604
• Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, $29,000-$31,000
• YMCA Executive Director, $80,000-$90,000