Electrician in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

If you're an electrician looking at Des Moines, let's get one thing straight: the paychecks here won't make you rich, but the cost of living is your secret weapon. Based on the latest data, the median salary for an electrician in the Des Moines metro is $60,202 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.94. That's a bit below the national average of $61,550, but don't let that number scare you off. When you factor in Des Moines's affordability, that $60k goes a lot further than it would in Chicago or Minneapolis.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in the Des Moines market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000	$20.19 - $24.04
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$85,000+	$40.87+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys. Union electricians (IBEW Local 347) often see higher base rates with strong benefits packages.

Insider Tip: The real money in Des Moines isn't just in the base salary. It's in the overtime and specialty work. Industrial maintenance electricians at the big manufacturing plants can push well into the $80k+ range with consistent overtime. Project leads who can manage a crew and handle client communication are also in high demand and can command premiums.

How Does Des Moines Compare to Other Iowa Cities?

• Cedar Rapids: Similar pay scale ($58k-$62k median), slightly lower cost of living. More focused on industrial and agricultural sectors.
• Iowa City: Home to the University of Iowa, which drives steady construction and maintenance work. Salaries are comparable, but the rental market is tighter.
• Davenport (Quad Cities): Median salary is around $59,500, with a strong industrial base. The cost of living is on par with Des Moines.
• Sioux City: Lower median salary (around $57,800), but also a lower cost of living. More opportunities in food processing and transportation.

Des Moines hits a sweet spot: it's the state's largest job market (with 631 jobs in the metro for electricians) and offers the most diverse opportunities, from high-rise commercial projects to residential service calls in the suburbs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How does a $60,202 salary actually feel in Des Moines? We'll break it down for a single filer with no dependents (federal tax standard deduction, Iowa state tax of 3.5-4.5% for this bracket). This is an estimate, and your actual take-home will vary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Electrician Earning $60,202:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,017
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,150
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$3,867

Now, let's budget that take-home pay. We'll use the average 1BR rent of $899/month as our baseline.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$899	Avg. for Des Moines metro. Cheaper outside downtown, more expensive in West Des Moines.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Your trade knowledge might help you troubleshoot, but you still have to pay the bill.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$500	Essential in Des Moines. Public transit (DART) is limited for tradespeople.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300	Varies widely by employer. Union shops often have excellent coverage.
Debt/Student Loans/Savings	$500	This is where you can get ahead. Aggressive savings are possible here.
Miscellaneous (Eating out, entertainment)	$300
Total Expenses	$3,199
Remaining (Discretionary/Savings)	$668

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. This is where Des Moines shines for skilled tradespeople. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $250,000. With a $60,202 salary, a 20% down payment ($50,000) is a stretch for a first-time buyer, but it's achievable with disciplined saving over a few years. More commonly, electricians here buy homes with 5-10% down.

A $200,000 mortgage with 10% down ($20,000) would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,400-$1,500. That's higher than rent, but you're building equity. Many electricians in the area partner with a spouse or buy a duplex to offset costs. Insider Tip: Look at neighborhoods like Windsor Heights or Clive. You can find solid, older homes needing some of your own electrical updates (a DIY win) for under $275k.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The job market here is robust, with a mix of union and non-union shops, large contractors, and in-house maintenance roles. The 631 jobs in the metro are spread across these key sectors:

1. IBEW Local 347 (Union Contractor Network): The dominant force for commercial/industrial work. Signatory contractors like Faith Technologies and M.C. Dean handle massive projects—from data centers to hospital expansions. Hiring is steady, and they prioritize members, but they do sponsor apprentices. The starting benefits package is a major draw.

2. Henningsen Construction: A major Des Moines-based contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. They're known for large-scale work on schools, government buildings, and retail centers. They hire both union and non-union electricians and often look for leads with project management experience.

3. MidAmerican Energy: The primary utility company for central Iowa. They employ electricians for substation maintenance, line work, and grid modernization. These are stable, well-paying jobs with strong benefits and pensions. The hiring process is competitive and often requires specific certifications (like a CDL for some roles).

4. UnityPoint Health & MercyOne (Hospital Systems): These large healthcare networks are massive employers of in-house maintenance electricians. Hospital work is specialized (life safety systems, backup generators, medical gas systems) and requires a deep understanding of codes like NFPA 99. It's steady, year-round work with excellent benefits and a focus on reliability over speed.

5. Honeywell (Des Moines Plant): A major industrial employer in the area. They need electricians for plant maintenance, automation, and process control systems. This is where PLC and VFD experience becomes highly valuable. The work is often shift-based but offers premium pay and opportunities for overtime.

6. Local Residential Service Companies: Dozens of smaller shops serve the booming suburbs. Companies like ProService or Crawford Electric are always looking for licensed residential electricians for service calls, panel upgrades, and new construction. This is a great path for those who prefer a varied workday and direct customer interaction.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push toward energy efficiency and smart home integration. Electricians with experience in EV charger installations, solar, and home automation are getting more calls and can charge premium rates. The commercial sector is steady, driven by continued growth in the insurance and financial services industries downtown.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa's licensing process is straightforward but requires a clear path. Do not work as an electrician without a license in Iowa. The Iowa Division of Labor (DOL) enforces this strictly.

Key Requirements:

• Learner's Permit: You must apply for this through the DOL before you can start an apprenticeship. Requires being 16+ and passing a basic reading/math test.
• Registered Apprentice: Once you have a permit and are enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (like the IBEW/NECA or a non-union program through Hawkeye Community College), you log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over 4 years.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam (based on the NEC), you can apply for your Journeyman Electrician license. Exam fee is around $150.
• Master Electrician License: Requires 4,000 additional hours as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This is necessary if you want to pull permits for your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Varies. Union apprenticeship is typically $0 out-of-pocket (you pay through work assessments). Non-union programs can cost $5,000-$10,000 over the 4 years.
• Tools & Books: Budget $1,000-$2,000 for your first set of quality tools and code books.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for a learner's permit immediately. Finding an apprenticeship sponsor can take 1-6 months. The full path from apprentice to journeyman is 4-5 years.

Insider Tip: The Iowa Department of Inspection, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) website is your primary resource. Always verify the status of any school or program through them. Many local electrical supply houses (like Graybar or Rexel) offer free or low-cost code seminars that are invaluable for exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Des Moines will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown from a local's perspective:

1. Clive/Windsor Heights (West Side):

   • Why: Affluent suburbs with a high density of new construction and large, older homes perfect for service upgrades. Commute to major projects in West Des Moines or Johnston is a breeze (10-15 minutes). Excellent schools and parks.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $950-$1,100; 2BR: $1,200-$1,400.
   • Best For: Established electricians with families or those who want a quick commute to commercial work in the western corridor.

2. Beaverdale (North Central Des Moines):

   • Why: A classic, walkable neighborhood with 1950s-60s homes. It's in high demand for remodels and panel upgrades. Close to downtown and the interstate, making it a good hub for service electricians covering the whole metro.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $800-$950; 2BR: $1,000-$1,200.
   • Best For: Younger electricians who want a central location with character and don't mind an older apartment or house.

3. Ankeny (Northern Suburb):

   • Why: A massive, fast-growing suburb. It's a hotspot for new residential construction (tract homes) and commercial strips. Commute to Des Moines is 20-25 minutes. More affordable than Clive but with similar amenities.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $850-$1,000; 2BR: $1,100-$1,300.
   • Best For: Electricians focused on new construction or those who prefer a suburban lifestyle with a shorter commute to the north side.

4. Downtown/East Village:

   • Why: The epicenter of commercial and high-rise residential projects. Perfect for electricians working on large-scale renovations, data centers, or smart building installations. Walkable, vibrant, but expensive.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,200-$1,800+; 2BR: $1,500-$2,200+.
   • Best For: Commercial/industrial specialists who want to be where the big projects are and don't mind a higher rent for an urban lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Des Moines is generally mild, but the I-235 corridor (connecting downtown to the west suburbs) gets congested during rush hour. If you work on the west side, living in Clive or Windsor Heights can save you 30+ minutes of daily commute time compared to living downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Electricians in Des Moines have multiple paths to increase their earnings and responsibility. The 10-year job growth projection for electricians is 11%, which is solid and reflects the ongoing need for skilled trades.

Specialty Premiums (where the extra money is):

• Industrial/Plant Maintenance: +15-25% over residential rates. Requires knowledge of motors, controls, and often a willingness to work shifts.
• Data Center/IT Infrastructure: +20-30%. High demand from companies like Principal Financial Group and local tech firms. Requires precision, knowledge of power distribution, and often security clearances.
• Solar & Renewable Energy: +10-15%. Growing niche, especially for commercial solar installations. Requires specific certifications (NABCEP).
• Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: +10-20%. Specialized code knowledge (NFPA 72) is required. Essential for hospital and school work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the van to the office, managing schedules, inventory, and customer relations.
2. Journeyman to Project Manager/Estimator: For those with strong organizational and communication skills. This path often leads to six-figure salaries.
3. Start Your Own Business: After obtaining a Master Electrician license and gaining 4-10 years of experience, many electricians launch their own residential or commercial service companies. The Des Moines market supports small, reputable shops.
4. Specialty Certification: Pursue certifications in PLC programming, home automation (like Crestron or Control4), or energy auditing to become a go-to expert.

10-Year Outlook: Des Moines is not a boomtown with explosive growth, but it's a stable, expanding market. The city's focus on insurance, finance, and healthcare provides a recession-resistant baseline of work. The move toward green energy and smart infrastructure will create consistent demand for electricians with updated skills. Your biggest asset will be a reputation for reliability and code compliance.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,202 salary stretches far, allowing for homeownership and savings.	Wages Below National Average: You won't find the high wages of coastal cities, even after adjusting for COL.
Stable Job Market: 11% growth, 631 jobs, and diverse employers from hospitals to data centers.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to monthly costs.
Manageable Commutes: 15-30 minutes is typical, even during rush hour.	Seasonal Weather: Winters can be harsh (snow, ice), affecting outdoor work. Summers are hot and humid.
Quality of Life: Safe neighborhoods, good schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation (Saylorville Lake, Gray's Lake).	"Big Small Town" Vibe: It's not a major metropolis. If you crave world-class arts, dining, and nightlife, you may find it lacking.
Strong Apprenticeship Programs: Both union and non-union paths are well-established and respected.	Limited Union Presence in Residential: Most residential service work is non-union.

Final Recommendation:
Des Moines is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize stability, affordability, and quality of life over top-tier wages. It's ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, start a family, or build a business in a supportive market. It's also a great place for apprentices to get a solid, well-rounded education.

If you're an expert chasing the absolute highest salary and thrive in a cutthroat, high-cost environment, you might look elsewhere. But if you want to build a long-term, comfortable career where your skills are respected and your paycheck buys a genuine sense of security, Des Moines deserves a serious look.

FAQs

Q1: Is it better to join the union or go non-union in Des Moines?
A: It depends on your goals. The union (IBEW Local 347) offers higher guaranteed wages, excellent benefits, and a pension, which is a huge long-term advantage. The work is predominantly commercial/industrial. Non-union shops offer more flexibility, especially in residential service and smaller commercial projects, and can be a faster path to starting your own business. Both are respected in the market.

Q2: How difficult is the Iowa journeyman exam?
A: It's a challenging but passable exam focused on the National Electrical Code (NEC). With a solid apprenticeship and dedicated study (using resources like the Mike Holt or Tom Henry materials), first-time pass rates are good. The state doesn't publish pass rates, but instructors in the area