Recreation Worker salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Recreation Workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $36,150 a year ($17.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 630 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,040 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $36,560. Pay here is 7% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $33,700. There are 1.6 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $37,490, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,860 | $13.40 |
| 25th percentile | $30,800 | $14.81 |
| Median | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| 75th percentile | $42,810 | $20.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| Average (mean) | $37,490 | $18.02 |
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 | $3,012.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,506.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,390.38 |
| Weekly | $695.19 |
| Hourly | $17.38 |
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 |
| 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 |
| Ames, IA | $31,110 | 240 |
| 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,760 | $14.31 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,700 | $14.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,950 | $14.88 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,870 | $12.92 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,920 | $18.71 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,830 | $11.46 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $70,100 | $33.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $22,490 | $10.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for recreation workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $36,150 a year, or $17.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of recreation workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $49,040 a year. The top 25% earn $42,810 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,860 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $30,800 or less.
How many recreation workers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 630 recreation workers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.