Plumber in Iowa City, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Iowa City Stands

As a local who’s watched the Iowa City job market for years, I can tell you that plumbing here isn’t about getting rich overnight—it’s about steady, reliable work. The median salary for a plumber in Iowa City is $61,791 per year or $29.71 per hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the key here is the cost of living. When you’re paying $902 for a one-bedroom apartment and the cost of living index is 91.8 (15.8% below the national average), that salary stretches further than it would in Chicago or Minneapolis.

Let’s break down what that looks like by experience level. Keep in mind, these are local estimates based on market rates and my conversations with contractors in the area.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Iowa City)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, drain cleaning, assisting senior techs under supervision. You’ll be doing a lot of service calls in older neighborhoods like the Northside.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Running your own service calls, rough-in plumbing for residential, basic commercial work. This is the sweet spot for most plumbers in town.
Senior (8-12 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Complex repairs, boiler work, managing small crews, commercial service. You might be the go-to for historic homes downtown.
Expert/Owner (12+ years)	$75,000+ (plus business income)	Project management, business development, specialized systems (medical gas, backflow prevention), owning your own company.

How does this compare to other Iowa cities?

• Des Moines: Median salary is about $62,500, but the metro population is 715,000 with more commercial and industrial work. Rent is about 20% higher.
• Cedar Rapids: Median salary is $59,800, but the cost of living is similar. The work is more heavy-industrial (manufacturing plants, food processing).
• Davenport (Quad Cities): Median salary is $60,200, but with a larger metro population (380,000) and more union opportunities.

Iowa City’s advantage is the stable demand from a university town. The University of Iowa employs thousands, and the healthcare sector is massive. That creates consistent service and repair work, not just new construction.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about money. You’re earning the median salary of $61,791. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single person.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,149	$61,791 / 12 months
Taxes (Federal & State)	~$980	Iowa has a progressive tax system. Expect about 19% effective tax rate at this income.
Take-Home Pay	~$4,169	This is your net after taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$902	Can go as low as $750 in West Branch or as high as $1,100+ in downtown Iowa City or Coralville.
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$200	Winters get cold. Budget for higher heating costs from Nov-Apr.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Iowa City is spread out. You’ll need a reliable vehicle for service calls.
Food & Groceries	$350	We’re a college town, so there are plenty of affordable grocery options (Hy-Vee, Aldi, local co-op).
Tools & Professional Costs	$150	You’ll be buying your own hand tools, and annual license/tool investment is a must.
Miscellaneous (Health Ins, Fun)	$500	Health insurance through the union (Local 125) or a group plan. A night out is $50-$80.
Monthly Surplus	~$1,617	This is your savings/debt payment/play money.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Iowa City is around $275,000. With your $1,617 monthly surplus, you could easily save for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $275,000 home is $55,000. At your current savings rate, that would take about 2.8 years if you're diligent. A 5% FHA loan down payment is only $13,750, which is achievable in under a year. Many plumbers I know buy homes in neighborhoods like Sycamore or Highland, where prices are lower and they can do renovations themselves.

Where the Jobs Are: Iowa City's Major Employers

The job market here is robust for plumbers, but it’s not just about the big companies. It’s about the ecosystem of healthcare, education, and residential service.

1. University of Iowa Facilities Management: This is a massive employer. They have a full-time staff of plumbers for the 24/7 operations of the hospital (UIHC) and the entire campus. The work is unionized (Local 125), offers great benefits, and is incredibly stable. Hiring tends to be cyclical—watch for retirements.

2. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC): Beyond the university's own staff, UIHC contracts with specialized medical gas plumbers for their ORs and labs. This is a high-skill, high-pay niche. Getting a medical gas certification here is a golden ticket.

3. Johnson County: The county government employs plumbers for its facilities (jail, courthouse, public health building). It’s a good-paying, union job with a pension. They often hire from the local union hall.

4. Local Plumbing Companies (Service & Construction):

   • Graham Plumbing (North English): A major player in the region. They do a lot of residential service and commercial work. They’re often hiring apprentices and journeymen.
   • Prestige Plumbing & Heating (Iowa City): Focuses on high-end residential and light commercial. Good for plumbers who want to work on new construction in growing areas like Coralville.
   • Hvac-Plumbing Inc (Coralville): Large mechanical contractor doing commercial work for UI, Coralville developments, and the airport.

5. Residential Builders & Remodelers: Companies like Ashley Development and McGraw Construction need plumbers for rough-ins and finished work. The market for high-end remodels is strong in neighborhoods like Goosetown and Manor Ridge.

Hiring Trends: There’s a constant need for service plumbers. The average age of a master plumber in Iowa is 55. With retirements on the horizon, the demand for licensed journeymen and masters is only increasing. The 6% 10-year job growth is solid for a stable field.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa’s licensure is straightforward but requires time and investment. The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (under the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) oversees this.

Pathway:

1. Apprenticeship (4 years, 8,000 hours): You must work as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. You’ll also need to complete 288 hours of classroom instruction per year (often at a community college like Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City or through a union program).
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Master License: Requires at least 5 years as a licensed journeyman. The master exam fee is also around $150. A master plumber is required to pull permits and run a business.

Costs:

• Apprenticeship tuition: $2,000 - $4,000 total (often subsidized by employers).
• Exam fees: $150 per exam.
• Licensing fees: ~$200 annually.
• Total estimated cost to become a journeyman: ~$5,000 - $7,000 over 4 years.

Insider Tip: The union (United Association Local 125) has a fantastic apprenticeship program. The benefits are hard to beat (healthcare, pension). If you can get in, do it. It’s competitive, but the training is top-tier.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute and your lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide.

1. Coralville (Just West of Iowa City):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown Iowa City. Easy access to I-80 for service calls across the region.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, newer homes, great schools. The Coralville Strip has restaurants and entertainment.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Slightly pricier but you get more space.

2. North Liberty (North of Iowa City):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Iowa City. Growing fast, with a mix of corporate offices (P&G) and residential.
   • Lifestyle: Very suburban, quiet, lots of new construction. Great for plumbers who want to work nearby.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.

3. West Branch (15 miles west):

   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to Iowa City. A separate town with a lower cost of living.
   • Lifestyle: Small-town feel, much cheaper rent. You’ll be driving for most entertainment.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR. This is where your salary goes the farthest.

4. Downtown Iowa City / Goosetown:

   • Commute: Walk or bike to everything. The best for service plumbers who need quick access to older homes and downtown businesses.
   • Lifestyle: Energetic, walkable, historic. You can find a quirky apartment in a 100-year-old building.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Parking can be a hassle.

5. Highland / Sycamore (South Iowa City):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes from downtown. Established neighborhoods with older, more affordable homes.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, with a mix of families and long-time residents. Great for buying a starter home.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Iowa City isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification (ASSE 6010): In a town with UIHC and new clinics, this certification can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for commercial and irrigation systems. Many plumbers get this to offer additional services.
• Hydronic/Boiler Systems: With Iowa’s cold winters, expertise in boiler repair and radiant heat is always in demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Supervisor: Move from a crew to managing 3-5 plumbers. Pay jumps to $75,000+.
2. Project Manager: For commercial work. You’ll be working with general contractors on new UI buildings or apartment complexes. $80,000+.
3. Business Owner: This is the ultimate goal. Start your own service company. With the low cost of living, you can build a business and live well. Successful owners in Iowa City clear $100,000+ after expenses.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The growth is driven by an aging housing stock (lots of 1950s-1980s homes needing repiping) and new commercial developments in Coralville and North Liberty. The trend toward specialized plumbing (smart home systems, water quality, tankless water heaters) will favor those who invest in training.

The Verdict: Is Iowa City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing job market with a diverse employer base (UI, healthcare, residential).	Not a high-salary market. You won’t get rich as an employee, but living costs are low.
Low cost of living means your paycheck goes far. Homeownership is very attainable.	Winters are long and cold. You’ll be dealing with frozen pipes and boiler calls from November to April.
Union presence (Local 125) offers great benefits and wage standards.	The town revolves around the university. It gets quiet and college-focused in the summer.
Easy commute wherever you live. Traffic is minimal.	Limited diversity in high-end commercial work compared to Des Moines or Minneapolis.
Quality of life is high—good schools, safe communities, cultural events.	Licensing process takes time (4+ years) before you earn full journeyman wages.

Final Recommendation:
If you’re a dedicated plumber who values stability, a good work-life balance, and the ability to afford a home, Iowa City is an excellent choice. It’s not the place for a plumber seeking the absolute highest wages, but it’s a fantastic place to build a career, especially if you’re willing to specialize in medical gas, commercial systems, or start your own business. The local market rewards skill and reliability, and the community is tight-knit. For a family-oriented plumber, it’s hard to beat.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join the union to get a job in Iowa City?
A: No, you don’t need to, but it’s highly recommended. Many of the best jobs (UI, county, large commercial contractors) are unionized. The benefits and wage scale are superior. Non-union work is common in small residential service companies.

Q: How competitive is the apprenticeship program?
A: It’s competitive, especially for the union program. You’ll need a high school diploma (or GED), a valid driver’s license, and pass a basic aptitude test. Showing up for interviews prepared and expressing a long-term commitment is key. Kirkwood Community College also runs a non-union apprenticeship that’s less competitive.

Q: What’s the demand for service vs. construction plumbing?
A: Service is more consistent year-round, especially repair and emergency work. Construction is cyclical and depends on the economy and new projects. Most plumbers in Iowa City work in service, repair, and remodels, with some doing new construction on the side.

Q: Is it easy to start my own plumbing business here?
A: It’s feasible. The startup costs are lower than in big cities. You’ll need a master plumber’s license to pull permits, a truck, tools, and insurance. The local market is loyal; doing good work for a fair price will get you referrals. The small-town feel helps with word-of-mouth marketing.

Q: What about side work?
A: It’s common, especially for repairs and small jobs. Just be sure you’re not violating any laws—proper licensing and insurance are a must, even for side jobs. Many plumbers supplement their income this way, especially in the summer months.