Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry employed over 2.3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 20.5% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $47,820, and the median wage was $34,770. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 22.7%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Other Amusement and Recreation Industries held the largest number of jobs within the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry, employing over 1.3 million people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $39,990, with a median wage of $32,450. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -35.5% to -35.4%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Amusement Parks and Arcades accounted for a substantial employment share, with 202 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $37,320, and the median wage was $32,460. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -46.1% to -39.7%.

The sub-group of Gambling Industries also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 202 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $41,210 and the median wage was $34,160. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -35.8% to -33.4%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry, we find that General and Operations Managers had the highest annual mean wage in 2022, at $96,610, and a median wage of $71,810. The industry variance to the national average was -21.4%. Coaches and Scouts had an annual mean wage of $66,980 and a median wage of $46,600. The industry variance to the national average was 16.6%. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors had an annual mean wage of $50,790 and a median wage of $46,750. The industry variance to the national average was 1.2%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry included Receptionists and Information Clerks, with an annual mean wage of $28,020 and a median wage of $27,490. The industry variance to the national average was -19%. Cashiers had an annual mean wage of $29,750 and a median wage of $29,020. The industry variance to the national average was 3.6%. Customer Service Representatives had an annual mean wage of $29,910 and a median wage of $27,980. The industry variance to the national average was -27.4%.

Summary

The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry saw significant growth in 2022, employing over 2.3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 20.5% from the previous year. However, wages in this industry group were lower compared to the national average by 22.7%. Despite the wage disparity, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry showed strong employment growth, highlighting its importance in the cultural and entertainment sectors.

For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Industry Report.