Plumber Salary in Iowa
Based on 6K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$63,890
$30.72/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
-6.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $98K
6K employed in Iowa
Plumbers in Iowa earn a median salary of $63,890 per year, with approximately 5,730 workers employed in the state. This figure falls about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $45,510 to $97,500 annually, indicating considerable variation based on experience and specialization within the field.
Plumber salary in Iowa is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, licensing level, and the type of work performed. Urban areas like Des Moines typically offer higher wages than rural regions, while specialization in commercial or industrial plumbing often commands premium pay. Economic conditions, local demand for services, and individual contractor reputation also play significant roles in determining earnings potential.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,510 |
| 25th percentile | $51,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,890 |
| 75th percentile | $85,320 |
| 90th percentile | $97,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Plumber (U.S.)
Which industries pay Plumbers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Plumbers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $90,750 | 8K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | 17K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,240 |
| 2023 | $62,080 |
| 2024 | $61,230 |
| 2025 | $63,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,666 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,240 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $62,080 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $61,230 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $63,890 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,666 | $71,538 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,500 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Plumber ($63,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in IA | $131,730 | +106.2% | $63.33/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | +22.9% | $37.75/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | -4.7% | $29.26/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | -18.4% | $25.08/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IA | $50,510 | -20.9% | $24.28/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IA | $48,870 | -23.5% | $23.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IA | $48,490 | -24.1% | $23.31/hr |
| Web Developer in IA | $64,210 | +0.5% | $30.87/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in IA | $64,260 | +0.6% | $30.89/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | +0.6% | $30.90/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IA | $64,290 | +0.6% | $30.91/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in IA | $64,600 | +1.1% | $31.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Iowa?
- The median salary for plumbers in Iowa is $63,890 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is about 6.8% below the national average for plumbers.
What is the salary range for plumbers working in Iowa?
- Plumber salaries in Iowa range from $45,510 at the lower end to $97,500 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and location within the state.
How many plumbers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 5,730 plumbers currently employed in Iowa, representing steady job availability in the state.
Is being a plumber in Iowa paid less than the national average?
- Yes, plumbers in Iowa earn 6.8% less than the national average, with a median salary of $63,890 compared to higher earnings in many other states.