Carpenter in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a Des Moines local, I can tell you that carpentry here is a steady, respectable trade. The work is constant, the pay is solid for the Midwest, but you need to understand the local market nuances. The median salary for a carpenter in Des Moines is $55,673/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.77/hour. This sits just below the national average of $56,920/year, but that comparison is misleading without context. The cost of living in Des Moines makes your local dollar go much further than it would in a coastal city.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Des Moines metro. These are estimates based on local job postings, union scale data, and conversations with contractors in the area.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range in Des Moines	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	Often starts as a laborer or apprentice. Many get their foot in the door with smaller residential builders or through union apprenticeship programs.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $65,000	This is where you find the core of the workforce. You’re likely running jobs, managing crews, and specializing (e.g., framing, finish carpentry). The median salary of $55,673 falls squarely here.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $85,000+	Senior carpenters often move into superintendent roles, foreman positions, or become lead estimators. Union scale for journeyman carpenters with the Iowa State Building & Trades Council pushes into this range.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$85,000 - $120,000+	This is typically for business owners, master carpenters with a niche reputation, or those in high-level project management. Your income is directly tied to your business acumen and network.

Insider Tip: The Des Moines metro area has approximately 420 active carpenter jobs posted at any given time, according to recent BLS data. This isn't a high-turnover market; it's a stable one. The 10-year job growth projection is 5%, which is modest but positive, aligned with national construction trends. This means you won't see explosive growth like in booming Sun Belt cities, but you also won't face the "boom and bust" cycles as severely.

When comparing to other Iowa cities, Des Moines is the anchor. In Cedar Rapids, you might see salaries 5-10% lower, but the cost of living is also slightly less. In Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa), demand for skilled trades can be higher due to constant institutional and student-housing construction, potentially pushing wages up by a similar margin. However, Des Moines offers the largest diversity of work—from commercial and institutional projects to a robust single-family home market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. The numbers look good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life? Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a carpenter earning the median salary of $55,673/year (about $4,639/month gross). We'll factor in typical deductions for a single filer (federal tax, FICA, Iowa state tax) and the local cost of living.

Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,639
Deductions (Taxes & FICA)	~$1,020	This is an estimate. Actual withholdings vary based on exemptions, health insurance, 401(k) contributions, etc.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,619
Rent (1BR Average)	$899	The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Des Moines proper. This can vary.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150
Groceries & Household	$350
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$500	A reasonable assumption if you have a moderate car payment. Car insurance is surprisingly affordable in Iowa.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	This is your portion if your employer offers a plan.
Phone/Internet	$100
Entertainment & Misc.	$300	Movies, eating out, hobbies, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,449
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$1,170

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Des Moines's biggest draws. With a monthly surplus of over $1,000, a carpenter earning the median salary is in a strong position to save for a down payment. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. At a savings rate of $1,170/month, that's about 42 months of saving—just over 3.5 years. Many local lenders offer conventional or FHA loans with lower down payments, shortening that timeline. As a carpenter, you have a unique advantage: you can potentially buy a "fixer-upper" and add value with your own skills, building equity faster.

Cost of Living Context: Des Moines's Cost of Living Index is 92.7, meaning it's 7.3% cheaper than the U.S. average. Your $55,673 salary here has the same purchasing power as a $60,850 salary in a city at the national average. This is a critical data point when comparing offers.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The Des Moines construction market is a mix of large commercial contractors, regional homebuilders, and specialized firms. Here’s a look at the major players where carpenters find steady work:

1. Ryan Companies US, Inc.: A national developer with a major hub in Des Moines. They handle large-scale commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects (like the recent MercyOne Des Moines medical center expansions). They hire carpenters for everything from concrete formwork to interior finish-out. Hiring trends are strong for multi-family and healthcare projects.

2. Miron Construction Co., Inc.: A regional powerhouse based in nearby Neenah, WI, but with a significant presence in central Iowa. They specialize in commercial, industrial, and healthcare construction. Known for a strong safety culture and often hires from the local union pool.

3. Sukup Manufacturing Co.: While based in Sheffield, IA (about an hour north), they are a massive employer in the region and have a Des Moines footprint for sales and design. They are the world's largest manufacturer of grain storage and drying systems. Their facilities require specialized carpentry for complex structures, and they offer competitive wages and benefits.

4. Local Home Builders (e.g., Ashton Woods, Lennar, and custom builders like Keystone Homes & Design): The single-family home market is alive and well in suburbs like Waukee, Urbandale, and Ankeny. These builders are constantly hiring framers, finish carpenters, and remodelers. The work is fast-paced, especially in the spring and summer.

5. Iowa State University (ISU) & Iowa Methodist Medical Center: While not traditional employers, these large institutions have massive facilities and ongoing construction projects. They often hire through general contractors but also maintain in-house maintenance carpentry teams for renovations and repairs. The work is steady and often unionized.

6. Union Hall (Iowa State Building & Trades Council): For union carpenters, the local union hall (often associated with the Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters) is the primary source of work. They dispatch members to signatory contractors for projects ranging from the new Des Moines Public Schools infrastructure to large commercial developments in the Western Gateway Park district.

Insider Tip: A significant portion of the work in Des Moines is not in the city proper but in the booming suburbs: Waukee, Johnston, Clive, and Grimes. These areas have seen explosive residential growth. A 20-30 minute commute from downtown can open up a huge number of job opportunities.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa has specific requirements for carpenters, especially those who plan to work independently or run their own business.

• Journeyman Carpenter: For most employed carpenters working under a general contractor, a state-issued license is not required. However, you must have proof of experience (typically through an apprenticeship program or a documented number of hours). The Iowa Workforce Development department can provide guidance on documenting your experience for better job prospects.
• Contractor License (To Bid/Run Jobs): If you plan to start your own business and bid on projects over $2,000, you must obtain a Residential Contractor License from the Iowa Division of Labor. This requires:
  • Proof of at least 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience as a journeyman carpenter or foreman.
  • Passing a business and law exam.
  • A $25,000 surety bond.
  • Proof of general liability insurance.
  • Cost: The exam fee is approximately $100, the license application is $150, and the bonding/insurance costs are variable but essential.
• Timeline: The process can take 1-3 months. You need to gather your experience documentation, study for the exam, and secure your bond and insurance.

Insider Tip: Many experienced carpenters in Des Moines work as subcontractors for larger licensed contractors. This is a common path to entrepreneurship without the initial overhead of a full company license. Build a network first.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your rent, and your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of areas popular with tradespeople:

1. Beaverdale (West Des Moines): A classic, established neighborhood with 1950s-60s homes. It's central, affordable for homeowners, and has a great "neighborhood" feel. Rent for a 1BR is around $850/month. Commute to any job site in the metro is reasonable (15-25 mins). It's full of older homes that need the kind of maintenance and updating a carpenter can appreciate.

2. Sherman Hill (Downtown): This historic district is for those who want an urban lifestyle. It's walkable to downtown restaurants and events. A 1BR in a historic building might run $1,100 - $1,300/month. Commute to downtown job sites is a breeze, but a longer drive to suburbs. Ideal for a commercial carpenter working on downtown projects.

3. Waukee (Suburban Boom): This is where the action is for residential carpenters. It's a fast-growing suburb with new construction everywhere. Rent is similar to the metro average, around $900/month for a 1BR. The commute into Des Moines is 20-30 minutes, but many jobs are in Waukee. You’ll be living near the work.

4. Highland Park (North Central Des Moines): A diverse, affordable neighborhood with a mix of old and new. It's close to the Des Moines River and has good access to I-235. Rent is very reasonable, often under $800/month for a 1BR. It’s a practical choice for a carpenter prioritizing budget and a central location.

5. Valley Junction (West Des Moines): This charming district features a historic main street and a mix of older homes and new townhomes. It’s a bit pricier for renters, with 1BRs averaging $1,000 - $1,200/month, but it offers a unique, walkable community vibe. Great for those who want a bit of character without sacrificing access to the suburbs where much of the work is.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters choose to live in the suburbs they work in. If you’re framing new homes in Waukee, living in Waukee or Clive cuts your commute to near zero and lets you hear about job openings through local networks.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A carpenter’s career in Des Moines doesn’t have to plateau at the journeyman level. There are clear paths for advancement and specialization, which come with significant pay premiums.

• Specialties That Pay More:

  • Finish Carpentry & Millwork: Expertise in custom cabinets, trim, and architectural details. Premium: Can push hourly rates from $26.77 to $35-$40/hour. High demand in custom home builds and commercial interiors.
  • Concrete Formwork: Specialized skill for pouring complex foundations and structures. Often paid at the top of union scale. Premium: +15-20% over base carpentry rates.
  • Project Management/Estimating: Moving from the tools to the office. Requires strong math, software skills (like Bluebeam or Procore), and communication. Salary can jump to $75,000+.
  • Green Building/LEED: Expertise in sustainable construction practices. Des Moines has a growing focus on this, especially in institutional and commercial projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Apprentice → Journeyman: The foundational step, typically completed through a union or non-union apprenticeship (4-5 years).
  2. Journeyman → Foreman/Lead Carpenter: Takes on supervisory and planning responsibilities.
  3. Foreman → Superintendent/Project Manager: Manages entire job sites, budgets, and client relations.
  4. Journeyman → Business Owner: Starting your own small contracting business, a common path in Des Moines.

• 10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The growth is modest but sustained. The demand will be driven by:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings need updates.
  • Residential Remodeling: An aging housing stock (many homes built 1970-1990) will require renovations.
  • Commercial & Institutional Growth: Des Moines's status as an insurance and financial hub (home to Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and EMC Insurance) means steady corporate office and financial facility construction.

Insider Tip: The biggest career accelerator is your network. Join the local Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines or attend trade shows at the Iowa Events Center. Who you know in this town matters as much as your skills.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: A $55,673 median salary goes much further due to the low cost of living (92.7 index) and affordable rent ($899/month).	Modest Growth: The 5% job growth is steady, not explosive. Don't expect a "gold rush."
Stable Job Market: ~420 jobs and a diverse employer base (commercial, residential, institutional) provide stability.	Colder Winters: Construction can slow down from November to March, though interior commercial work often continues. You need to budget for potential downtime.
Path to Homeownership: Highly attainable. A carpenter's salary and skills make buying and improving a home a realistic goal.	Competitive for Top Jobs: The best union and large contractor jobs are competitive. Building a reputation takes time.
Central Location & Community: Easy commutes, excellent access to the Midwest, and a genuine, down-to-earth community.	Limited "High-End" Luxury Work: While there is custom work, it's not as abundant as in major coastal markets.
Union Presence: The Iowa State Building & Trades offers strong benefits, pensions, and wage scales for those who join.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an excellent choice for a career-focused carpenter who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-risk, high-reward markets. It’s ideal for someone looking to build a life, not just a career—someone who wants to own a home, raise a family, and be part of a community. If you’re a skilled, reliable carpenter, you’ll find steady work, fair pay, and a realistic path to a comfortable living. It’s not the flashiest city, but it’s a solid, sensible place to build your future.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find work as a carpenter in Des Moines?
Not if you're skilled and reliable. The market has 420 active jobs, but the best positions (especially with top contractors or unions) often go to those with a proven track record. Get your experience documented, build a portfolio, and network. Starting with a smaller residential builder is a common and effective entry point.

2. Should I join the union?
It depends on your goals. Union carpenters in Des Moines earn strong wages (often above the $55,673 median) and have excellent benefits, including pensions. The trade-off is less flexibility in choosing your jobs and mandatory dues. Non-union work can offer more freedom and a faster path to starting your own business. Many successful carpenters work both.

3. What's the best way to get experience?
The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers construction trades programs. Apprenticeship through the Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters is a premier path. Alternatively, start as a laborer with a local builder, show initiative, and learn on the job. Document every hour.

4. How do winters affect carpentry work?
In residential construction, outdoor