Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / Iowa
Plumber Salary
in Iowa
Plumbers in Iowa (IA) earn a median of $58,500 a year, about $28 an hour. That runs roughly 5% below the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $37,100 and $96,100.
Bottom 10%
$37,100
IA Median
$58,500
Top 10%
$96,100
Plumber pay by experience in Iowa
- Apprentice$35,100$17/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$58,500$28/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$79,000$38/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in Iowa metros
- Des Moines$62,300$30/hr
- Cedar Rapids$60,500$29/hr
- Davenport$58,100$28/hr
Licensing in Iowa
Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work.
Frequently asked
- How much do plumbers make in Iowa?
- Plumbers in Iowa earn a median of $58,500 per year, about $28 per hour. That is roughly 5% below the national median. Most earn between $37,100 and $96,100.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in Iowa?
- Among Iowa's major metros, Des Moines tends to pay plumbers the most, near $62,300 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Iowa?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in Iowa is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Plumber pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for Iowa by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.