How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train for this work?

2,540 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Management · SOC 11-9072

$79,520US median pay, 2025

+6%Projected growth, 2025–35

5,100Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Work in: entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business Administration and Management, General	CIP 52.0201	2,320
Business/Commerce, General	CIP 52.0101	782
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management	CIP 31.0504	622
Hospitality Administration/Management, General	CIP 52.0901	373
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General	CIP 31.0301	118
Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism	CIP 03.0207	14
Resort Management	CIP 52.0906	13
Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management	CIP 31.0302	9
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, Other	CIP 31.0399	1

See the 2,540 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling make?: The US median is $79,520 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train for this work?: 2,540 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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