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Umpires Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Adult Sports Officials/Umpires

Ames, IA · On-site

$16.97 - $18/hr

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 ...

Direct investigations on regulated parties, including Producers/Agents, Adjusters, Appraisers, Umpires, investment advisors, and other licensed entities. Review, analyze, and investigate consumer ...

Umpires information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do umpires jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for umpires 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 the difference between Umpires vs Referees?

AspectUmpiresReferees
CertificationsSports officiating certifications, training in specific sports rulesSimilar sports officiating certifications, often with sport-specific training
Work EnvironmentSports stadiums, fields, or arenas during gamesIndoor or outdoor sports venues, overseeing gameplay
Industry UsagePrimarily in baseball, cricket, and similar sportsCommonly in basketball, soccer, hockey, and other team sports

Umpires and referees both officiate sports events, ensuring fair play and adherence to rules. Umpires typically work in sports like baseball and cricket, while referees are more common in basketball, soccer, and hockey. Although their roles differ slightly based on sport-specific rules, both require certification, a good understanding of game rules, and the ability to make quick decisions on the field or court.

Do umpires get paid well?

Umpires can earn varying wages depending on the level of play, location, and experience. For example, professional umpires in major leagues typically receive higher salaries, often exceeding six figures annually, while youth or amateur umpires usually earn less per game. Compensation may also include benefits such as travel stipends or per diem payments.

How hard is it to become an umpire?

Becoming an umpire typically requires completing training and certification through local or national officiating organizations, which can vary in difficulty depending on the level of play. It involves learning rules, developing judgment skills, and gaining experience through practice games. The process can be straightforward for casual or youth leagues but more competitive for professional levels.

How much do umpires get paid?

Umpires' pay varies depending on the level of play and experience. For example, youth league umpires typically earn between $20 and $50 per game, while professional umpires in Major League Baseball can make over $500,000 annually. Many umpires also receive training and certification to qualify for higher-paying positions.

What qualifications do you need to be an umpire?

Umpires typically need a good understanding of the sport's rules, which can be gained through training programs or certifications. Many leagues require background checks and sometimes specific certifications, such as those from official umpiring associations. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick, fair decisions are also important.

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

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

Infographic showing various Umpires job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. 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

City of Ames

Ames, IA • On-site

$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.