1

Activity Aide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further ...

Activity Aide

Armstrong, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Valley Vue Care Center is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity Aides by ...

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further ...

Activity Aide

Armstrong, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Valley Vue Care Center is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity Aides by ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide, Activity Director, or Social Services Designee experience is preferred, along with at least one year of leadership or managerial experience. NCCAP certification, a Bachelor ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide, Activity Director, or Social Services Designee experience is preferred, along with at least one year of leadership or managerial experience. NCCAP certification, a Bachelor ...

Bath Aide

Rock Valley, IA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

The Bath Aide may also contribute and assist other Caregivers in the household with physical cares, activities, meals, restorative therapy, and other general tasks as needed. The Bath Aide/Caregiver ...

New

Hospice Aide

Albia, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Our Hospice Aides go above and beyond by meeting patients and families where they feel most ... Support daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. * Deliver ...

Hospice Aide

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Our Hospice Aides go above and beyond by meeting patients and families where they feel most ... Support daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. * Deliver ...

Hospice Aide

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Our Hospice Aides go above and beyond by meeting patients and families where they feel most ... Support daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. * Deliver ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Activity Aide information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do activity aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity aide in Iowa is $15.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is activity aide a stressful job?

Activity aides often work in healthcare or senior living settings, organizing recreational activities for residents. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially when managing residents with varying needs, but it also offers rewarding interactions and the opportunity to improve residents' quality of life. Stress levels may vary based on workload, staffing, and the specific environment.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For an Activity Aide, earning $3,000 a month typically requires working full-time hours, often around $15-$20 per hour depending on location and experience. Similar roles in healthcare, such as home health aides or personal care aides, can reach this income level with consistent hours, especially in high-demand areas or with overtime. Certifications or specialized training can enhance earning potential in these positions.

How does an Activity Aide typically collaborate with other members of a healthcare or senior living team?

Activity Aides work closely with nursing staff, therapists, and other caregivers to design and deliver engaging activities tailored to residents’ needs. They often coordinate schedules, communicate residents’ preferences or limitations, and ensure activities support therapeutic or wellness goals. Effective collaboration helps ensure residents are safe, engaged, and that activities complement overall care plans. Regular team meetings and shared documentation are common ways Activity Aides stay aligned with the broader care team.

How can I become an activities aide?

To become an activities aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities. Relevant skills include communication, creativity, and patience, and some positions may require certification in first aid or activity planning. Applying through healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or assisted living communities is common.

What are the duties of an activity aide?

An activity aide is responsible for planning, organizing, and facilitating recreational activities for residents or clients, often in healthcare or senior living settings. They assist with social engagement, coordinate events, and support residents' emotional well-being, typically working under the supervision of activity coordinators or healthcare staff. Good communication skills and patience are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Activity Aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activity Aide, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of recreational programming, and experience working with seniors or special populations. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity tracking tools, and safety protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential for engaging participants and adapting activities to individual needs. These skills ensure that residents have meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experiences that support their well-being and social engagement.

What are Activity Aides?

Activity Aides are professionals who assist in planning, organizing, and leading recreational or therapeutic activities for groups in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers. Their role is to encourage participation, promote socialization, and help improve the quality of life for participants, often seniors or individuals with disabilities. Activity Aides work under the supervision of activity directors or coordinators, and may help with setting up materials, leading games, arts and crafts, or outings. They play a key part in supporting the emotional and physical well-being of those they serve.

What is the difference between Activity Aide vs Certified Nursing Assistant?

AspectActivity AideCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsTypically no formal certification required, but some facilities prefer activity-specific trainingMust have CNA certification
Work EnvironmentAssists with recreational and social activities in senior living or care facilitiesProvides basic patient care and assistance in healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizes activities, social events, and entertainment for residentsAssists with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility

While both roles work in senior care environments, Activity Aides focus on enhancing residents' quality of life through activities, whereas CNAs provide direct personal care and health support. The roles often complement each other in healthcare and senior living facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activity Aide jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Activity Aide job openings:
Infographic showing various Activity Aide job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,826 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Activity Aide

Harmony House Care Center

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding career in Skilled Nursing? We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team!

Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further your career and with the tools and encouragement you need to succeed.

We offer great benefits including:

  • Competitive wages.

  • Tuition reimbursement.

  • Internal growth opportunities.

  • Comprehensive benefits package.

  • 401K with employer match.

  • Employee concierge program.

  • And more!

As an Activity Aide you are instrumental in maintaining the emotional and social wellbeing of our residents’. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown to expect at Harmony House Care Center by interacting with and providing companionship to our residents, encouraging residents to participate in activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and accompanying residents on activities outside of the facility. Our residents will depend on your knowledge, skills, and attention to detail to ensure they emotional and social wellbeing needs are met.

To be eligible for consideration applicants should have:

As a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education. Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are willing to invest in the right candidate!

If you are an individual who gets satisfaction from knowing they made a difference, stop in to learn more and get your career started.

Harmony House Care Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or reference this information, or any information relating to any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Harmony House Care Center never requests or sends money, payment transfers, direct deposit, or Social Security Number (SSN) information as part of their recruitment process.