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Umpire Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers ...

Umpire information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do umpire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for umpire in Iowa is $21.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an umpire?

Umpires are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during sports games, most commonly in baseball, softball, and cricket. They make crucial decisions on plays, judge whether players are safe or out, and resolve disputes on the field. Umpires must have a thorough knowledge of the game's rules, be able to make quick, impartial judgments, and communicate clearly with players, coaches, and other officials. Their role is essential to ensuring fair play and the smooth operation of the game.

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

To thrive as an Umpire, you need a comprehensive understanding of the rules of the sport, excellent decision-making abilities, and often formal certification from a recognized sporting body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, instant replay technology, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong concentration, impartiality, and clear communication help an umpire manage games effectively and maintain authority on the field. These skills ensure fair gameplay, player safety, and respect for the integrity of the sport.

What are some common challenges umpires face during games and how are they addressed?

Umpires often face challenges such as making split-second decisions under pressure, handling disagreements with players or coaches, and maintaining focus throughout long games. These challenges are addressed through rigorous training, consistent rule review, and strong communication skills. Umpires also rely on pre-game meetings and post-game evaluations to continually improve their performance and ensure fairness on the field. Developing resilience and professionalism is key to managing high-pressure situations effectively.

What is the difference between Umpire vs Referee?

AspectUmpireReferee
CertificationsUsually requires sport-specific training and certificationRequires sport-specific training and certification
Work EnvironmentSports fields, courts, or arenas during gamesSports fields, courts, or arenas during games
Industry UsageCommon in baseball, cricket, and similar sportsCommon in soccer, basketball, and similar sports
Role FocusEnforces rules, makes calls on plays, and ensures fair playEnforces rules, makes calls on plays, and ensures fair play

Both umpires and referees are essential officials in sports, responsible for enforcing rules and maintaining fair play. While their roles are similar, umpires are typically associated with sports like baseball and cricket, whereas referees are more common in sports like soccer and basketball. Their certifications and work environments overlap significantly, but their specific duties may vary depending on the sport.

How much money does an umpire make?

Umpires typically earn between $20 and $100 per game, depending on the level of play and their experience. Professional umpires in major leagues can make over $400,000 annually, with additional benefits and postseason pay. Many umpires also work part-time or seasonally, and certification from relevant associations can influence earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Umpire jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Umpire jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Umpire jobs in Iowa?

For Umpire jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Umpire jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Umpire jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Umpire jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Umpire job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Umpire jobs in IA?

For Umpire jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Umpire job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 44% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,708 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Adult Sports Officials/Umpires

Ames, IA

$16.97 - $18/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district. General Information The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for Adult Sports Officials/Umpires.

Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work a varying schedule. Adult Basketball (Men's and Women's) - $16.97 - $18.00 per hour Adult Indoor/Sand Volleyball - $13.30 - $14.11 per hour Adult Softball (Men's and Co-Ed) - $35.00 per game (mileage for travel over 40 miles may adjust rate per game) Officials are directly accountable to the Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation. Seasons: Adult Softball (Summer/Fall) Adult Basketball (Winter) Adult Sand Volleyball (Spring/Fall) Adult Indoor Volleyball (Fall/Winter) This posting is open until filled

Examples of Essential Job Functions Ensures that all playing environments are safe; enforces all procedures and rules in place at all facilities/locations; starts games and make calls during game play; provides preventive officiating when necessary; takes appropriate actions to keep the environment fun and enjoyable for all parties. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork.

For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Qualifications Education and Experience: Previous experience is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions: Good knowledge of the sport and rules. Skill in being organized, dependable, and reliable.

Ability to communicate with adults effectively; ability to provide a confident and positive attitude; ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values; ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety; ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt w/ appropriate athletic shorts or pants, officials striped shirt) at all times while on site; ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site. Supplemental Information Physical & Environmental Characteristics: Frequently exposed to various weather conditions for outdoor activities, including cold, heat, rain and wind. Need to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time.

May be exposed to outdoor allergens, insects, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to walk quickly or jog in case of emergency and lift objects up to 50 lbs. When working indoor and outdoor activities, sound may be moderately noisy.

Position requires physical participation and interaction related to specific activity. In cases of outdoor weather, may make decisions relating to safety for participants and other recreation staff. Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check.

All candidates will be notified by email of their application status. E-Verify Process: The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment.

Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov. NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.