Plumber in Cedar Rapids, IA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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The Salary Picture: Where Cedar Rapids Stands

If you’re a plumber looking at Cedar Rapids, the first thing to know is that the pay is solid for the region, though it trails just behind the national average. The median salary for a plumber in Cedar Rapids is $61,449 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.54. For context, the national average for plumbers is $63,350 per year, so Cedar Rapids is about 3% below the U.S. median. That’s not a red flag; it’s typical for a smaller metro area with a lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable but competitive within a small pool. There are 271 plumbing jobs in the Cedar Rapids metro, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn’t a boomtown for construction, but it’s not stagnant either. The growth is steady, driven by aging housing stock, commercial upgrades, and the need for maintenance and repair in facilities like the hospitals and manufacturing plants that anchor the local economy.

To understand where your experience fits into this picture, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect at different career stages in Cedar Rapids:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Cedar Rapids)
Entry-Level Plumber / Apprentice	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Plumber / Journeyman	3-7 years	$55,000 - $70,000
Senior Plumber	8-15 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Expert / Master Plumber	15+ years	$75,000 - $95,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards for the region. The median salary of $61,449 typically corresponds to a solid mid-level journeyman with 5-8 years of experience.

When you compare Cedar Rapids to other Iowa cities, the picture becomes clearer. Des Moines, the state capital and a larger metro, often sees salaries a bit higher due to more commercial and industrial projects, though the cost of living is also higher. Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, has a similar cost of living but may have more demand for specialized institutional work. Cedar Rapids offers a sweet spot: competitive pay for a mid-sized city with a very reasonable cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,449 doesn’t tell the whole story. To understand your purchasing power, you need to look at your take-home pay after taxes and then factor in living expenses. In Iowa, state income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 3.9% to 2.9% for 2024. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer earning $61,449 would take home approximately $46,000 - $48,000 annually, or about $3,800 - $4,000 per month.

This is where Cedar Rapids’s affordability becomes a major advantage. The average 1-bedroom rent is $716 per month. The Cost of Living Index is 90.0, meaning it’s 10% cheaper than the U.S. average. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $4,000 Take-Home Pay)

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $716
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Household: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (IRA/401k): $300
• Discretionary Spending & Emergency Fund: $1,534

This budget leaves a comfortable cushion, which is a significant advantage for tradespeople. The low rent is the key factor. A plumber earning the median salary in Cedar Rapids spends only about 19% of their gross income on rent, well below the recommended 30% threshold. This level of affordability makes homeownership a very realistic goal.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the average rent at $716, a plumber can easily save for a down payment. The median home price in Cedar Rapids is around $200,000. A 20% down payment is $40,000. Given the substantial discretionary income in the budget above, a plumber could save $15,000-$20,000 per year, reaching a down payment in 2-3 years. Even with a smaller down payment, monthly mortgage payments on a $200,000 home (with taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,200-$1,400 range—still very affordable on a $61,449 salary in this market.

Where the Jobs Are: Cedar Rapids's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Cedar Rapids is anchored by a mix of large commercial contractors, institutional facilities, and a healthy number of smaller residential service companies. The 271 jobs in the metro are spread across these sectors. Hiring trends show a consistent need for apprentices and journeymen, with a growing demand for plumbers with experience in newer technologies like PEX, trenchless repair, and commercial fire suppression systems.

Here are the major local employers and what you need to know about them:

1. UTC Aerospace Systems (now part of RTX): A major employer in the region, this facility requires industrial plumbers for process piping, facility maintenance, and HVAC support. These are often union (UA) positions with excellent benefits and steady work, but they are highly competitive. Knowing someone on the inside or having specialized industrial experience is a huge plus.

2. Mercy Medical Center & St. Luke's Hospital: Both major hospital systems in Cedar Rapids have extensive in-house maintenance teams. They need licensed plumbers for medical gas lines, sterilization equipment, and general facility upkeep. These jobs offer stability, great benefits, and a predictable Monday-Friday schedule, making them very desirable.

3. Kirkwood Community College: As a large educational institution, Kirkwood has a constant need for maintenance plumbers. They also run a well-regarded trades program, making the campus a hub for networking. Working for a public institution often comes with strong benefits and pensions.

4. Commercial Contractors (e.g., Metro Plumbing & Heating, Farnell Plumbing & Heating): These large local contractors handle the bulk of the commercial and new residential construction in the area. They are the primary source of journeyman and apprentice jobs. Hiring is often seasonal, tied to the construction cycle, so having a reputation for reliability is key.

5. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Mike’s Plumbing, Anytime Plumbing): These smaller, family-owned shops are the backbone of the repair and remodeling market. They offer more variety in daily work and often provide company vehicles and tools. Hiring is frequent, and they need plumbers with strong customer service skills.

6. The City of Cedar Rapids: The municipal government employs plumbers for water and sewer mains, public building maintenance, and fleet services. These are civil service positions with excellent job security, pensions, and union representation, but the hiring process can be slow.

7. Amana Colonies & Manufacturing: Located about 25 minutes west, the Amana Colonies have a large manufacturing facility (Amana Appliances) and a tourist economy that requires constant infrastructure maintenance, offering another source of jobs.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa has a clear, structured path to licensure, managed by the Iowa Division of Labor. It’s a process that blends education, on-the-job training, and exams.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs:

1. Apprentice Registration: You must be registered as an apprentice plumber. There’s no formal classroom requirement to start, but you must work under a licensed master or journeyman plumber. Registration costs around $25.
2. Experience & Education: To become a Journeyman Plumber, you need four years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom instruction. This is typically done through an approved apprenticeship program, often run by a local union (UA Local 125) or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
3. Exams: After completing your hours, you must pass the Iowa State Plumbing Code exam and a practical exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
4. Master Plumber: To become a Master Plumber, you need an additional two years of experience as a journeyman (or 16,000 total hours) and must pass the master plumber exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Register as an apprentice, start working and accumulating hours.
• Years 1-4: Continue working full-time (approx. 2,000 hours/year) and complete your 288 hours of classroom instruction. Many apprenticeship programs are paid, meaning you earn while you learn.
• End of Year 4: Apply to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. Upon passing, you are licensed and can work independently.

Insider Tip: Union apprenticeship programs (UA Local 125) offer the most structured path with competitive wages and benefits, but they have a selection process (testing and interview). Non-union paths through contractors or ABC are also valid and often more flexible. The total cost for education and exams is usually covered by the employer or union once you're in a program.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Cedar Rapids is easy, and choosing the right neighborhood can affect your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. Here are four areas that offer a good balance for a working plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Plumber
NewBo / Czech Village	Trendy, walkable. 5-10 min commute to downtown.	$825 - $950	Close to many commercial job sites and hospitals. Vibrant social scene. Higher rent but saves on gas.
West Side (Near Collins)	Quiet, residential, older homes. 10-15 min commute.	$700 - $800	Affordable. Great for saving for a house. Many single-family homes need plumbing work, leading to side jobs.
Northeast	Family-oriented, suburban feel. 10-20 min commute.	$650 - $750	Close to Kirkwood Community College and major commercial arteries. Good value for space.
Bertram / Mount Vernon	Small-town feel, 15-25 min commute.	$600 - $700	Lowest rent. Ideal for someone who wants a quieter life and doesn't mind a short drive. Good for accessing rural or agricultural plumbing jobs.

Insider Tip: The West Side and Northeast areas are perfect for someone starting out or looking to buy a home. You get more bang for your buck, and they are centrally located for commuting to most job sites. If you’re a single plumber who values nightlife and a short commute, NewBo is worth the extra cost. For the ultimate in affordability, look at the suburbs just east like Hiawatha or Marion, where 1BR rents can dip below $700.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over the next decade suggests steady opportunities, but the real growth for a plumber in Cedar Rapids comes from specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: General service plumbing is the baseline. Specializing can add a significant premium to your $61,449 median salary. Plumbers with certifications in medical gas (crucial for hospital work), backflow prevention (required for many commercial clients), or hydronic heating systems can command 10-20% higher pay. The most lucrative path is mastering commercial and industrial work, where projects are larger and the pay scale is higher.
• Advancement Paths: The clear path is from Apprentice to Journeyman to Master Plumber. A Master Plumber’s salary can easily exceed $80,000, especially if they move into a supervisory role or start their own business. The 10-year outlook is strong for those who adapt. Demand will grow for green technologies (water-efficient systems, greywater recycling) and for plumbers who can service both legacy copper systems and modern PEX networks.
• The Business Angle: Many experienced master plumbers in Cedar Rapids start their own small businesses. With the low cost of living and a supportive small-business community, this is a viable path. The key is developing a reputation for quality work, which takes time and a strong network.

The Verdict: Is Cedar Rapids Right for You?

Cedar Rapids offers a compelling package for plumbers: a stable job market, a very affordable cost of living, and a clear path to homeownership. It’s not a high-growth, high-stress market like some coastal cities; it’s a steady, reliable place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Rent is low, and home prices are attainable.	Slower Growth: Job growth is steady but not explosive.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and education.	Limited Scope: Fewer ultra-high-end custom home projects compared to larger cities.
Clear Career Path: Well-defined licensing and apprenticeship routes.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Construction work can slow in the winter (though service work increases).
Good Work-Life Balance: Short commutes and a less hectic pace of life.	Union vs. Non-Union: Opportunities can be divided, depending on your path.

Final Recommendation: Cedar Rapids is an ideal choice for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and quality of life. If you’re early in your career and want to own a home, this is one of the best markets in the U.S. for a tradesperson. It’s also great for experienced plumbers looking for a lower-stress environment or those considering starting their own business. If your primary goal is to chase the absolute highest salary possible, you might look to larger metros, but you’ll pay a much higher price for housing. For a balanced career and life, Cedar Rapids is a top contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a union member to find work in Cedar Rapids?
No. While union jobs (UA Local 125) offer excellent benefits and pay, there is a strong non-union market. Many of the largest residential service companies and some commercial contractors are non-union. Your skills and reputation are what matter most.

2. How is the winter weather for plumbing work?
Cedar Rapids has cold, snowy winters. This means service calls for frozen pipes and boiler failures spike from December to February. Commercial and new construction work can slow down, but service plumbers stay busy. A reliable vehicle with good tires is essential.

3. Are there opportunities for side work?
Yes, absolutely. With a strong network and a Master Plumber license, side jobs (remodels, repairs) are common. The low cost of living means homeowners are more likely to invest in upgrades. Insider Tip: Always check local regulations and insurance requirements before taking on side projects.

4. What is the best way to find a job in Cedar Rapids?
Start with the local union (UA 125) or non-union apprenticeship programs. For journeyman positions, check company websites directly (like Metro Plumbing, Farnell, etc.), use job boards like Indeed, and network at local trade supply houses like Ferguson Enterprises or Menards Pro Desk.

5. How does the cost of living compare to Des Moines or Iowa City?
Cedar Rapids is generally the most affordable of the three. Des Moines and Iowa City have higher rent and home prices. While salaries in those cities might be slightly higher (by 5-10%), the increased cost of living often negates the gain, making Cedar Rapids a financially smarter choice for many plumbers.