Trades & Labor Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Plumber Salary in Iowa

The median plumber salary in Iowa is $53,293 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $59,880.

Median Salary
$53,293
vs National
$-6,587
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Plumber Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for plumber compensation. Plumber salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,293 per year, plumbers in Iowa earn $6,587 less than the national median of $59,880.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $53,293 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $59,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: plumbers at the 10th percentile earn $32,396, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,288 — a $55,892 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $56,886.

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for plumbers across the country.

Plumber Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level plumber earns around $30,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,880 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,260
$-3,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,880
$-10,120 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $53,293? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $32,396
25th Percentile $40,762
Median (50th) $53,293
75th Percentile $69,598
90th Percentile $88,288

Plumber Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for plumbers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Plumber in Iowa

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 499,800 other Plumbers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Plumber Roles in Iowa?

Get matched with recruiters hiring plumbers in Iowa at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Iowa

How much does a Plumber make in Iowa? ▼
The median plumber salary in Iowa is $53,293 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $32,396 (10th percentile) to $88,288 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,293, a plumber in Iowa earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for plumbers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for plumber pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level plumbers earn $30,260, while senior professionals earn $81,880.
How does Iowa compare to other states for plumber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for plumbers is Hawaii at $106,586. Iowa's median of $53,293 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($53,892) and Ohio ($53,892).
What is the entry-level plumber salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level plumber in Iowa earns approximately $30,260 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,880.
What city in Iowa pays plumbers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for plumbers, with a median salary of $56,886. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.