Recreation Workers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $33,140 -6.3% vs national
Median hourly $15.93
10th percentile $27,820
90th percentile $46,950
Employed locally 430
National median $35,380

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Recreation Workers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $27,820
    25th
    $29,140
    50th (median)
    $33,140
    75th
    $39,090
    90th
    $46,950

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Recreation Workers salary vs area income 39% Median Recreation Workers salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Recreation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $54,990
    Fairbanks-College, AK $46,480
    District of Columbia $45,760
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $45,170
    College Station-Bryan, TX $45,110
    Rapid City, SD $44,150

    Nearby metros — Recreation Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $45,760
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $42,630
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $39,510
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,900
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $38,160
    California $37,580

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers$30,560
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,320
    Animal Caretakers$30,070
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$37,060
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$38,060
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,700

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Recreation Workers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Recreation Workers in Des Moines, IA is $15.93, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.58 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Recreation Workers salaries?

    The median Recreation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA is 6.3% below the national median of $35,380. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Recreation Workers in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Recreation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $27,820 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,140.