Plumber in Davenport, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

As a local who’s watched the Quad Cities economy shift for decades, I can tell you plumbing is a steady trade here. The river and old housing stock keep demand consistent. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state workforce reports, the median salary for a Plumber in the Davenport metro area is $61,316/year, which breaks down to roughly $29.48/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, a common reality for Midwest cities with a lower cost of living. The metro, which includes parts of Illinois, has about 200 employed plumbers, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 6%, indicating stable demand driven by aging infrastructure and new residential developments in the suburbs.

To get a clearer picture of your earning potential, it’s essential to break it down by experience. Here’s what you can expect at different career stages in the Davenport area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Davenport)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $50,000	Assisting senior plumbers, basic pipe fitting, drain cleaning, tool maintenance. Often starts as an apprentice.
Mid-Level	3-7	$55,000 - $68,000	Running service calls independently, installing fixtures, rough-ins for new construction, basic troubleshooting.
Senior	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000	Leading small crews, complex repairs (sewer line, water heater systems), project estimation, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Owner	15+	$85,000+	Specializing in commercial/industrial work, running a business, high-end custom installations, consulting.

When compared to other Iowa cities, Davenport offers a competitive median salary. For instance, in Des Moines, the median is closer to $64,500, but the cost of living is also higher. Cedar Rapids sees similar wages to Davenport, while Sioux City often falls slightly below. The key advantage in Davenport is the blend of affordable living and consistent work from both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the river.

Insider Tip: The $61,316 median is a solid midpoint, but your actual take-home can be significantly influenced by overtime. Local companies like MidAmerican Energy and larger construction firms often have seasonal peaks in spring and fall, leading to mandatory overtime that can boost annual earnings by 10-15%.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary is one thing; understanding your disposable income in Davenport is another. The city’s affordability is a major draw. With an average 1BR rent at just $773/month and a cost of living index of 89.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your money stretches further here than in most places.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a plumber earning the median $61,316/year (pre-tax). This assumes a single filer using the 2023 federal tax standard deduction and Iowa’s 4.4% state income tax rate.

Income Category	Amount (Monthly)	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,110	Based on $61,316 / 12 months.
Estimated Deductions (Taxes & Benefits)	~$1,150	Federal, State, FICA (7.65%), and estimated health insurance.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,960	This is your usable cash flow.
Rent (1BR Average)	$773	Can range from $650 to $950 depending on neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Higher in winter due to heating.
Car Payment/Insurance & Fuel	$450	Essential in Davenport; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$400	Davenport has competitive grocery prices.
Discretionary/Other	$2,117	Savings, debt, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Davenport shines for tradespeople. The median home price in the Davenport metro is around $165,000. With a take-home of nearly $4,000/month and a modest rent of $773, a plumber can comfortably save $1,500+ per month for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $165,000 home is $33,000, which is achievable in 2-3 years of disciplined saving. Mortgages for that home would be roughly $800-$900/month (including taxes/insurance at current rates), which is often less than rent for a comparable property. Many plumbers I know own homes in neighborhoods like West End or Rockingham.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers in Davenport is diverse, spanning residential service, commercial construction, and industrial. Here are the key local players:

1. Gorman & Company / Local Residential Builders: While not a plumbing-specific firm, major homebuilders like those in the Kirkwood and Pleasant Valley areas are constant sources of rough-in and finish plumbing work. They often hire subcontractors or have in-house crews. Hiring is steady, tied to the local housing market.
2. Quad Cities Plumbing & Heating (QC Plumbing): A leading local residential and commercial service company. They have a strong reputation and are often the first call for emergency repairs. They value licensed journeymen and offer steady, year-round work with on-call rotations.
3. MidAmerican Energy: While primarily an electrical utility, their gas line division and facilities maintenance require skilled plumbers for industrial work. This is a stable, union-adjacent employer with excellent benefits. Hiring is less frequent but highly competitive when it occurs.
4. Tri-City Mechanical: A larger mechanical contractor serving the Quad Cities region. They handle commercial HVAC and plumbing projects for hospitals, schools, and large commercial buildings. This is the go-to spot for those interested in large-scale commercial work.
5. Culver’s & Other Local Restaurant Chains: The food service industry is huge in Davenport, and every new restaurant build-out or remodel requires extensive plumbing work. Contractors who specialize in this sector often have a full pipeline of projects.
6. Davenport Public Works / Municipal Jobs: The City of Davenport and Scott County occasionally hire plumbers for maintaining municipal water/sewer systems and public buildings. These are civil service positions with great benefits and pensions but have a competitive application process.
7. Private Service Companies (e.g., Rootermann, Benjamin Franklin): National franchises with local branches. They offer brand recognition and often provide steady service call work, ideal for those who prefer a company vehicle and structured schedule.

Hiring Trends: The biggest wave of hiring is in the residential service and remodel sector, fueled by an aging housing stock in neighborhoods like McClellan Heights and the new developments in Bettendorf. Commercial work is tied to larger economic projects, like the ongoing renovations at Trinity Regional Hospital or new school constructions in the North Scott district. The most stable, long-term employment is often found with the larger mechanical contractors (Tri-City) or the utility (MidAmerican).

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa has clear, non-negotiable licensing requirements set by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems (Iowa PMS) Board. It’s a structured path, but it requires commitment.

• Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master plumber, plus 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can apply for an apprenticeship permit through the Iowa PMS Board.
• Journeyman License: After completing your hours and passing the required coursework, you can take the national exam (like the Uniform Plumbing Code exam). The exam fee is around $250. Once you pass, you apply for your journeyman license. Total cost for the exam and license is roughly $400-$500.
• Master Plumber License: To work independently or run a business, you’ll need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least 5 years of experience as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. The total cost for the master license process is approximately $600-$700.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1: Apply for your apprenticeship permit with the Iowa PMS Board. Start networking with local companies (like QC Plumbing or service contractors) to find an employer willing to sponsor you.
2. Year 1-4: Work full-time, log your hours, and attend classes. This is your paid training period; apprentices start at a lower wage but see significant increases each year.
3. Year 4: Prepare for and take the journeyman exam. Upon passing, you become a licensed journeyman plumber.
4. Year 5+: Gain experience and consider the master license if your goal is business ownership or high-level specialization.

Insider Tip: The Iowa PMS website is your best friend. Also, connect with the Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association (IPMCA). They often have job boards and can help match apprentices with sponsors.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Davenport affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. West End: This historic, tree-lined neighborhood is close to downtown Davenport and the Davenport Public Library (Main Branch). It’s popular with young professionals and tradespeople. Commute to most job sites is under 15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR/2BR apartment or house. It’s walkable to restaurants and the riverfront.
2. Rockingham: A quiet, residential area on the city’s west side. Very stable, with a mix of older homes and newer apartments. Excellent access to I-80 and I-280 for quick commutes to industrial parks or jobs in Bettendorf. Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month. The epitome of affordable, safe, and convenient.
3. The Village of East Davenport: A unique, hilly neighborhood with a historic, European vibe. It’s a tourist hotspot with shops, bars, and cafes. While rents are higher and parking can be a challenge, it’s a great place for networking and social life. Commute is easy to downtown or the east side. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month. Best for those who value character over space.
4. Bettendorf (East of the River): Technically its own city, but part of the metro. Bettendorf, especially near The Landing or Middle Road, offers newer apartments and a more suburban feel. Commutes to Davenport jobs are 10-20 minutes across the bridge. It’s where many families and established tradespeople live. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month.
5. McKinley School Area (North Davenport): A working-class, affordable neighborhood with older brick homes and duplexes. It’s close to NorthPark Mall and Scott Community College. Commutes are easy, and it’s one of the most budget-friendly areas. Rent Estimate: $600 - $800/month. Ideal for saving money for a down payment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Davenport isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a path to financial stability and business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving beyond general repair can significantly boost your income. Specialties like medical gas installation (for hospitals like MercyOne or Trinity), backflow prevention testing (required for many local businesses), or industrial pipefitting at places like John Deere’s Quad Cities Works can add $5,000 - $15,000 to your annual salary. Master plumbers who specialize in commercial design can command even higher rates.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Plumber. From there, you can:
  • Start Your Own Business: Many successful local plumbing companies were started by former employees of larger firms. You’ll need your master license and business acumen.
  • Move into Estimation/Project Management: Larger contractors like Tri-City Mechanical need people to bid jobs and manage teams. This is a salaried position with no physical labor.
  • Specialize in a Niche: Become the go-to expert for tankless water heaters, radiant floor heating, or commercial boilers.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth is stable, not explosive. It means for every 100 plumbers today, there will be 106 in ten years. The drivers are: 1) Retiring baby boomers (both plumbers and homeowners needing work), 2) New construction in the growing suburbs of Bettendorf and LeClaire, 3) Mandatory upgrades to older sewer and water lines in Davenport’s core neighborhoods. This isn’t a boom town, but it’s a reliable market where a skilled, licensed plumber will never be out of work.

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

After analyzing the data and living the life, here’s my honest assessment.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,316 salary goes far. Homeownership is very attainable.	Winters Are Harsh: Frozen pipes are a real thing. The work can be physically grueling in January and February.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Work from both IA and IL sides of the river, in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to a major metro, Davenport is quiet. The social life is more about community than constant events.
Strong Demand & Job Security: 6% growth and 200 jobs mean you’re unlikely to be unemployed if you’re skilled and licensed.	Flat Wage Growth: While starting strong, salary growth can plateau after the journeyman level unless you seek specialties or start a business.
Perfect for Tradespeople: A city that respects and needs skilled labor. You’re part of the essential workforce.	Car Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for work and commuting. Public transit isn’t a viable option for most trades.
Central Location: Easy access to Chicago (2.5 hrs), St. Louis (3 hrs), and Minneapolis (3.5 hrs).	River Flood Potential: While managed, the Mississippi River can impact certain neighborhoods. Check flood zones before buying.

Final Recommendation: Davenport is an excellent choice for plumbers who value financial stability, homeownership, and a strong sense of community over the hustle and bustle of a coastal city. It’s ideal for those starting an apprenticeship, mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, or master plumbers considering starting their own business. If you’re a plumber who doesn’t mind hard work, likes a slower pace of life, and wants to build a solid future, Davenport is a hidden gem in the Midwest.

FAQs

1. How do I find an apprenticeship sponsor in Davenport?
Start by calling local plumbing companies directly—QC Plumbing, Gorman, and other service shops. Attend a local chapter meeting of the Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association (IPMCA). The Iowa PMS Board also has a list of registered master plumbers who can sponsor apprentices.

2. Is the plumbing work seasonal in Davenport?
There’s a minor seasonal dip in deep winter, but it’s offset by a peak in spring (thaw-related breaks) and fall (heating system prep). Commercial and new construction work is year-round. Most service companies offer steady work with overtime opportunities.

3. How does the Illinois vs. Iowa license work?
You must be licensed in the state where you perform the work. Iowa licenses are through the Iowa PMS Board. Illinois licenses are through the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you live in Davenport, IA, and work in East Moline, IL, you need both licenses or to work under the employer’s Illinois license. Many plumbers in the metro hold dual licenses for flexibility.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new plumbers in Davenport?
The first two years as an apprentice are tough—low pay, physically demanding work, and learning a complex trade. The key is finding a good mentor and a reputable company that invests in training. The payoff is worth it, but you need patience and resilience.

5. Can I make more than the median salary in Davenport?
Yes, but you have to be strategic. The median of $61,316 is for all plumbers. You can exceed this by working overtime, specializing (medical gas, backflow, commercial), getting your master’s license to start a business, or working for a high-paying employer like MidAmerican Energy or a large mechanical contractor. Top earners in the area can make $90,000+.