Carpenter Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Iowa pays carpenters a median wage of $54,080 per year — that's $26.00/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 6,650 carpenters make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Carpenter salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $3,264. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
Iowa Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Carpenter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $54,080.
Carpenter Salary by Experience — Iowa
Carpenter Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for carpenters in Iowa: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's residential and commercial construction.
Carpenter Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $60,050 | $28.87 | +11.0% | 2,327 |
| Cedar Rapids | $57,300 | $27.55 | +6.0% | 1,862 |
| Davenport | $55,700 | $26.78 | +3.0% | 1,197 |
| Sioux City | $51,900 | $24.95 | -4.0% | 598 |
| Iowa City | $49,200 | $23.65 | -9.0% | 399 |
| Waterloo | $47,050 | $22.62 | -13.0% | 266 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest carpenter salaries in Iowa at $60,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for carpenters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Carpenter Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for carpenters in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Carpenter in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in Iowa typically adds $44,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays carpenters $60,050/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Carpenters who specialise in residential and commercial construction typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays carpenters $64,650/yr — 19.5% vs Iowa.
Find Carpenter Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current carpenter job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Carpenter jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs — Des Moines, IA→