Recreation Worker salary in Ames, IA
Recreation Workers in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $31,110 a year ($14.96 an hour), based on BLS data for 240 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,910 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 8% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $33,700. There are 4.4 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.0× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,440, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,010 | $11.54 |
| 25th percentile | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| Median | $31,110 | $14.96 |
| 75th percentile | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,910 | $21.11 |
| Average (mean) | $32,440 | $15.60 |
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 | $2,592.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,296.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,196.54 |
| Weekly | $598.27 |
| Hourly | $14.96 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IA | $36,660 | 80 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $36,150 | 630 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $35,700 | 110 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $34,630 | 620 |
| Iowa City, IA | $31,740 | 180 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $31,280 | 290 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $29,740 | 310 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $29,700 | 170 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $27,850 | $13.39 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,230 | $23.19 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,100 | $13.03 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,830 | $21.07 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
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 Ames, IA?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Ames, IA metro area is $31,110 a year, or $14.96 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,910 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $43,910 a year. The top 25% earn $36,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,010 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $27,840 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Ames, IA?
About 240 recreation workers are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.