Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials in Iowa
Umpires, referees, and sports officials enforce rules at competitive athletic events across all levels—from youth leagues to professional sports. They make judgment calls on infractions, assess penalties, and maintain fair play during games and competitions In Iowa the median pay is $43,040 a year, 6% above the national median of $40,710.
$43,040median pay in Iowa, per year
$32,280–$64,640middle half earn
190employed in Iowa
$40,710U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
SpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive LearningLearning Strategies
Knowledge areas
English LanguageEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServicePsychology
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials.
Licenses and training in Iowa
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials pay in other states
New Jersey · $67,600North Dakota · $63,920South Carolina · $61,290Wisconsin · $57,000Ohio · $55,040Louisiana · $50,080Illinois · $49,070Massachusetts · $48,400West Virginia · $46,490Arizona · $46,440
Related occupations
Athletes and Sports CompetitorsCoaches and ScoutsActorsProducers and DirectorsMedia Programming DirectorsTalent DirectorsMedia Technical Directors/ManagersDancers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2023.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Iowa, annual.