Plumber Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Iowa pays plumbers a median wage of $61,230 per year — that's $29.44/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 6,350 plumbers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Plumber salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $4,118. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for plumbers.
Iowa Plumber 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 Plumber Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $61,230.
Plumber Salary by Experience — Iowa
Plumber Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataplumbers pay in Iowa has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the plumber workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's construction and building services.
Plumber Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $67,950 | $32.67 | +11.0% | 2,222 |
| Cedar Rapids | $64,900 | $31.20 | +6.0% | 1,778 |
| Davenport | $63,050 | $30.31 | +3.0% | 1,143 |
| Sioux City | $58,800 | $28.27 | -4.0% | 571 |
| Iowa City | $55,700 | $26.78 | -9.0% | 381 |
| Waterloo | $53,250 | $25.60 | -13.0% | 254 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest plumber salaries in Iowa at $67,950/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 plumbers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Plumber Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for plumbers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for plumbers.
How to Earn More as a Plumber in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a plumber in Iowa typically adds $50,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Plumbing Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays plumbers $67,950/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. Plumbers who specialise in construction and building services 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 plumbers $83,280/yr — 36.0% vs Iowa.
Find Plumber Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current plumber job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Plumber jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Plumber jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Plumber jobs — Des Moines, IA→