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Solar Installer Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a solar installer make in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $55,000/yr ($26.44/hr), with around 1,000 people working in this field statewide.

Solar Installer salaries in Iowa are above the national average by approximately $323. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.

Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for solar installers across both urban and rural areas.

Iowa Solar Installer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter 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%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$55,000
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$43,964

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 Solar Installer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $55,000.

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Solar Installer Salary by Experience — Iowa

Entry Level (0–2 years)$34,100/yr · $16.39/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Iowa.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$48,950/yr · $23.53/hr
Established professional working independently in Iowa. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$61,050/yr · $29.35/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Iowa.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$79,200+/yr · $38.08/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Iowa.
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Solar Installer Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for solar installers 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 renewable energy and construction.

2021
$48,290
2022
$51,095
+5.8%
2023
$53,460
+4.6%
2024
$54,340
+1.6%
2026
$55,000
+1.2%

Solar Installer Salary by City — Iowa

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Des Moines$61,050$29.35+11.0%350
Cedar Rapids$58,300$28.03+6.0%280
Davenport$56,650$27.24+3.0%180
Sioux City$52,800$25.38-4.0%90
Iowa City$50,050$24.06-9.0%60
Waterloo$47,850$23.00-13.0%50

Tip: Des Moines offers the highest solar installer salaries in Iowa at $61,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for solar installers.

Iowa — 6.0% state income tax$55,000 gross~$43,964 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$55,000 gross+0.0% vs IA
Wisconsin — 7.65%$48,440 gross-11.9% vs IA
Illinois — 4.95%$44,890 gross-18.4% vs IA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.

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Solar Installer Job Outlook in Iowa

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,000Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for solar installers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for solar installers across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Solar Installer in Iowa

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a solar installer in Iowa typically adds $45,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the NABCEP Certification can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays solar installers $61,050/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. Solar Installers who specialise in renewable energy and 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 solar installers $55,000/yr — 0.0% vs Iowa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar installers earn in Iowa?
The average solar installer salary in Iowa is $55,000 per year, or $26.44 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $34,100 while experienced professionals earn $79,200 or more.
What city in Iowa pays solar installers the most?
Des Moines pays solar installers the most in Iowa at an average of $61,050 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is solar installer pay in Iowa above or below the US average?
Iowa solar installer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $323. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
How much do solar installers actually take home after taxes in Iowa?
A solar installer earning the Iowa average of $55,000 takes home approximately $43,964 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Is solar installer a good career in Iowa?
Yes. Solar Installer is a strong career choice in Iowa with steady demand projected over the next decade. Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for solar installers across both urban and rural areas.
How do you become a licensed solar installer in Iowa?
In Iowa, solar installers are licensed through the NABCEP Certification. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the NABCEP Certification for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.