Plumber in Ames, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Ames Stands

As a plumber considering Ames, you're looking at a market that’s stable, affordable, and deeply connected to the local economy. Ames isn’t a sprawling metro, but with a population of 65,676 and a cost of living index of 91.4 (well below the US average of 100), your paycheck stretches further here than in many parts of the country. The median salary for a plumber in Ames is $61,715/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.67/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but when you factor in the lower cost of living, the real purchasing power is competitive. The metro area supports 131 estimated plumbing jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This growth is modest but steady, driven by a mix of residential expansion, aging infrastructure, and the constant needs of commercial and institutional facilities.

The job market here is tight. With only 131 jobs in the metro, competition can be fierce for the best positions, but it also means that once you're in, you're likely to stay. The 6% growth isn’t explosive, but it’s consistent, reflecting Ames’s stable economy anchored by Iowa State University (ISU) and major agricultural and research firms. For a plumber, this translates to reliable work in service, repair, and new construction, with less volatility than in boom-and-bust markets.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your earning potential in Ames scales with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market trends and state data.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	$21.63 - $26.44
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$85,000+	$40.87+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior is where you see the biggest pay increase in Ames. This is often tied to taking on lead technician roles, becoming an expert in backflow prevention (critical for the university and agricultural facilities), or moving into project management for commercial jobs.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

Ames offers a strong middle-ground for plumbers in Iowa. It pays better than many smaller towns and has a lower cost of living than the state’s major hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size
Ames	$61,715	91.4	131 jobs
Des Moines	$63,500	95.2	1,200+ jobs
Cedar Rapids	$60,100	93.5	~400 jobs
Davenport	$59,800	88.0	~350 jobs
Sioux City	$58,900	87.5	~250 jobs

Ames holds its own against larger metros like Des Moines. While Des Moines offers a slightly higher median salary and more job openings, the rent in Ames ($918/month for a 1BR) is significantly lower than in Des Moines (~$1,150/month), making your net income go further. For a plumber who values a balance of opportunity and affordability, Ames is a compelling choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to numbers. A plumber earning the median salary of $61,715/year takes home a different amount depending on tax withholdings, but we can use a standard estimate. In Iowa, with a combined federal and state tax rate of roughly 22-25%, the take-home pay is approximately $46,286/year or about $3,857/month before any retirement or health insurance deductions.

Now, subtract the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ames, which is $918/month. This leaves a disposable income of roughly $2,939/month for utilities, groceries, transportation, savings, and other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,715

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,857	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	-$918	Average for Ames
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; Ames has mild summers but cold winters.
Groceries	-$400	For one person; Ames has competitive grocery prices.
Transportation	-$300	Car payment, insurance, gas. Ames is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	-$300	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$386	Recommended for long-term stability.
Remaining Discretionary	$1,303	For entertainment, savings, debt, etc.

This budget is tight but manageable. The key advantage is the low rent. You could also opt for a roommate and reduce your rent to $500-$600, freeing up over $1,500/month for savings or a mortgage payment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the biggest draws for tradespeople in Ames. The median home price in Ames is around $230,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment ($46,000), you’d need a mortgage of $184,000. At a 6.5% interest rate, the monthly principal and interest payment would be about $1,163. Adding property taxes ($350/month) and insurance ($100/month), your total housing payment would be roughly $1,613.

A plumber earning the median salary can comfortably afford this. In fact, many local plumbers buy homes in their first 5-7 years of employment. The Ames housing market is stable, with good resale value due to the constant demand from ISU students, staff, and researchers.

Where the Jobs Are: Ames's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Ames is not driven by massive construction firms but by a mix of institutional facilities, residential service companies, and specialized industrial needs. Here are the key places to find work:

1. Iowa State University (ISU): The single largest employer in the region. ISU has its own facilities management department with a team of in-house plumbers for the sprawling campus, including residence halls, research labs (which have complex plumbing needs for safety and ventilation), and athletic facilities. Jobs here are often unionized (UAW or SEIU), offering excellent benefits, pensions, and steady work. Hiring tends to be seasonal, with peaks in summer for campus upgrades.

2. Mary Greeley Medical Center: This 220-bed hospital is a major employer for licensed plumbers, especially those with backflow prevention certification. Hospital plumbing is a high-stakes specialty, requiring knowledge of medical gas systems, sterilization equipment, and strict health codes. These positions are competitive and pay at the higher end of the mid-career range.

3. City of Ames (Public Works): The city itself employs plumbers for municipal water and wastewater systems. These are stable, government jobs with great benefits and a focus on infrastructure maintenance. Hiring is periodic and often posted on the city’s official website. It’s a great path for those who prefer a union job with a clear career ladder.

4. Local Residential & Commercial Service Companies: Companies like Comfort Systems USA, Robinson Plumbing & Heating, and J.L. Schott & Sons are the backbone of the residential market. They handle everything from emergency calls to new build installations. These companies are often the first stop for apprentices and offer on-the-job training. Hiring is more fluid; relationships and reputation matter a lot here.

5. Agricultural and Research Facilities: Ames is home to the USDA’s National Animal Disease Center and various private agricultural research firms. These facilities have specialized plumbing and process piping needs for labs and animal housing. They often contract with experienced plumbers who understand high-purity water systems and acid-resistant materials.

6. Property Management Companies: With a large student population, companies managing apartment complexes (like those near Campustown) need reliable plumbers for turnover repairs and maintenance contracts. This work is consistent but can be fast-paced and less specialized.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at ISU or Mary Greeley are often filled through word-of-mouth. Attend local trade association meetings (like the Iowa Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association) and get to know the service managers at the local supply houses. They know who’s hiring before the job is posted.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process through the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Bureau of Professional Licensure, Plumbing & Mechanical Division.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which typically lasts 4 years (8,000 hours) and includes 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can work under a licensed plumber on the job.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Iowa State Plumbing Exam. The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Iowa amendments. The exam fee is approximately $125.
3. Master Plumber License: To work as a master plumber (required to run your own business or pull permits), you need at least 2 years of experience as a journeyman and must pass a more advanced exam. The fee is also around $125.
4. Specialty Licenses: Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification is highly valuable in Ames. The course and test cost about $300-$500. Medical gas certification is another niche but lucrative area.

Timeline to Get Started

• Year 1: Enroll in an apprenticeship program (often through a union like the UA Local 521 or a non-union company). Start earning while you learn.
• Year 4: Complete apprenticeship hours and classroom requirements. Apply to take the Journeyman exam.
• Year 5: Pass the exam, get your license, and start earning journeyman wages (mid-career range).
• Year 7+: With additional experience, pursue a Master License if you want to start your own business.

Total Cost: Expect to pay for tuition (if not sponsored), exam fees, and tools. Many local employers cover the cost of exams and continuing education.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Ames impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the top neighborhoods for tradespeople.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Campustown	Vibrant, student-heavy. Close to ISU jobs and downtown. Walkable.	$950 - $1,100	Young plumbers who want to be near the action and short commutes.
North Ames	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Easy highway access.	$850 - $1,000	Plumbers looking for a peaceful home base with a quick drive to any job site.
South Ames	Mix of older homes and new developments. Close to Mary Greeley Medical Center.	$875 - $1,050	Those prioritizing a short commute to the hospital or commercial jobs in the south.
West Ames	Suburban, with good schools and parks. A bit farther from downtown.	$800 - $950	Plumbers with families or those who prefer a quieter, car-centric lifestyle.
Downtown Historic District	Older, charming homes, walkable to restaurants and shops. Limited parking.	$900 - $1,200	Plumbers who love historic character and don’t mind narrower, older streets.

Insider Tip: If you’re working for a company like Comfort Systems, ask where your colleagues live. Many service techs cluster in North or South Ames for the easy highway access to reach residential calls quickly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Ames, career growth for plumbers is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and taking on more responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from specializing. A backflow prevention assembly tester can add $5,000-$10,000 to your annual income. Medical gas certification (for hospital work) can push you toward the upper end of the senior scale ($80,000+). Commercial/industrial pipefitting for the research facilities also commands a premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Department Lead: In a service company, you can move from running service calls to managing a team of technicians.
  2. Journeyman to Master Plumber: This is the key to starting your own business. Many established local plumbers started as solo operators and grew into small firms with a few employees.
  3. Field Work to Estimating/Project Management: With experience, you can move into an office role, estimating jobs for new construction or large remodels. This is common with the local contractors who build new apartment complexes and commercial buildings.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a reliable indicator. Demand will be steady, driven by the aging of the city’s plumbing infrastructure (especially in older neighborhoods like Campustown and the Historic District), ongoing ISU facility upgrades, and the continuous need for residential service. The trend toward water conservation and efficiency will also create new opportunities for retrofitting and consulting.

The Verdict: Is Ames Right for You?

Ames is a fantastic choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community. It’s not a place for rapid, explosive growth, but for building a solid, comfortable career and life.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (Rent $918/month, Cost of Living Index 91.4)	Limited job market (only 131 plumbing jobs)
Stable, recession-resistant employers (ISU, Mary Greeley)	Competitive hiring for the best positions
Opportunity to buy a home early in your career	Winters can be harsh for outdoor work
Strong local network and community feel	Can feel small if you’re used to a big city
Modest but steady job growth (6%)	Requires a car for commuting

Final Recommendation: Ames is an excellent fit for a plumber who is in the mid-career stage looking to put down roots, buy a home, and enjoy a high quality of life without the high costs of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for those who value stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. For an entry-level plumber, it’s a great place to start an apprenticeship and build a reputation. However, if you’re seeking the most dynamic job market with the highest earning potential, a larger metro like Des Moines might be worth the higher cost of living.

FAQs

1. Is the plumbing job market in Ames competitive?
Yes, but in a specific way. With only 131 jobs in the metro, openings at top employers like ISU or Mary Greeley are highly sought-after. However, the residential service sector always needs reliable technicians. Building a good reputation through an apprenticeship is key to standing out.

2. Do I need a union to get a good plumbing job in Ames?
No, but it helps. Union jobs (through UA Local 521) at ISU or the city offer excellent benefits and pensions. Non-union companies also pay well, especially for those with specialties. Many plumbers in Ames work for non-union shops and do very well.

3. How does the winter weather affect a plumber’s work in Ames?
It’s a factor, especially for service technicians. Frozen pipes are a common emergency call from December to March. You’ll need a reliable, heated vehicle and the right gear. New construction can slow down in the coldest months, but service and repair work remains steady.

4. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Ames?
Contact the Iowa Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (IPHCCA) for a list of approved programs. You can also call local companies directly—many, like Robinson Plumbing & Heating, hire apprentices directly and put them through the state-approved training.

5. Can I make more than the median salary of $61,715 in Ames?
Yes, especially with specialization. A journeyman with backflow certification and hospital experience can earn $70,000+. A master plumber who starts their own business has the highest earning potential, but that comes with the risks of entrepreneurship. The path to six figures is through specialization and business ownership.