Recreation Worker salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Recreation Workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn a median of $42,580 a year ($20.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,660 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,940 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 7% higher than the Oregon statewide median of $39,610. There are 2.2 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,900, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,250 | $16.95 |
| 25th percentile | $38,040 | $18.29 |
| Median | $42,580 | $20.47 |
| 75th percentile | $49,780 | $23.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,940 | $28.34 |
| Average (mean) | $44,900 | $21.59 |
Half of recreation workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,548.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,774.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,637.69 |
| Weekly | $818.85 |
| Hourly | $20.47 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $42,580 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Recreation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bend, OR | $46,230 | 290 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $45,990 | 3,600 |
| Bellingham, WA | $44,640 | 260 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $43,460 | 120 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $43,380 | 160 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $43,060 | 220 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $40,330 | 210 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $40,250 | 50 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $39,260 | 510 |
| Yakima, WA | $38,820 | 170 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $37,740 | 400 |
| Salem, OR | $37,630 | 380 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $37,600 | 120 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $37,450 | 100 |
| Medford, OR | $37,400 | 180 |
| Albany, OR | $36,590 | 110 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $36,530 | 70 |
| Corvallis, OR | $35,210 | 170 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $29,740 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $46,460 |
| Washington | $44,890 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 |
| California | $39,780 |
| Oregon | $39,610 |
| Colorado | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 |
| New York | $38,040 |
| Alaska | $37,510 |
See Recreation Worker pay in every state or the Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $59,570 | $28.64 |
| Childcare Worker | $39,590 | $19.03 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,370 | $17.97 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $47,280 | $22.73 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,970 | $17.29 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $59,610 | $28.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $59,350 | $28.54 |
| Skincare Specialist | $57,930 | $27.85 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,150 | $16.90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,030 | $24.05 |
| Concierge | $40,880 | $19.65 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $39,260 | $18.88 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9032. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recreation worker make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area is $42,580 a year, or $20.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,940 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn at least $58,940 a year. The top 25% earn $49,780 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,250 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $38,040 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
About 2,660 recreation workers are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.