Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Employment and Wages in 2023

In 2023, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry employed over 2.5 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 9.8% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $50,550, and the median wage was $36,700. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 22.8%.

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 1.4 million people in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $42,110, with a median wage of $34,800. There was a decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from -35.4% to -35.7%, indicating industry wages lagged national wage trends.

Amusement Parks and Arcades accounted for a substantial employment share, with 227 thousand people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $40,600, and the median wage was $35,280. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from -39.7% to -38%.

The sub-group of Gambling Industries also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 217 thousand people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $45,790 and the median wage was $37,020. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from -33.4% to -30.1%.

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 2023, at $100,460, and a median wage of $75,400. The industry variance to the national average was -22.3%. Coaches and Scouts had an annual mean wage of $66,300 and a median wage of $45,670. The industry variance to the national average was 12.9%. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors had an annual mean wage of $52,460 and a median wage of $47,530. The industry variance to the national average was 2.3%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry included Amusement and Recreation Attendants, with an annual mean wage of $29,740 and a median wage of $28,980. The industry variance to the national average was -1.7%. Cashiers had an annual mean wage of $31,510 and a median wage of $31,420. The industry variance to the national average was 2.6%. Customer Service Representatives had an annual mean wage of $31,760 and a median wage of $29,960. The industry variance to the national average was -27%.

Summary

In 2023, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry in the U.S. employed over 2.5 million people, marking a substantial 9.8% increase from 2022. The annual mean wage was $50,550, and the median wage was $36,700, which is 22.8% below the national average. Other Amusement and Recreation Industries, the largest sub-group, employed 1.4 million people with an annual mean wage of $42,110, continuing to lag behind national wage trends. Amusement Parks and Arcades employed 227,000 people, with a mean wage of $40,600, reflecting slight improvements in wage variance. The Gambling Industries employed 217,000 people with an annual mean wage of $45,790, showing gradual improvement in wage competitiveness. High-paying roles like General and Operations Managers earned $100,460, while Coaches and Scouts earned $66,300. Lower-wage roles, including Amusement Attendants and Cashiers, earned mean wages between $29,740 and $31,510. Overall, the industry demonstrated strong employment growth, although wages remained below national averages across most sub-groups and occupations.

For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2023 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Industry Report.