Plumber in West Des Moines, IA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for plumbers considering a move to West Des Moines, Iowa.

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As a career analyst who has spent years tracking the labor markets in the Midwest, I can tell you that West Des Moines offers a unique blend of stability and affordability for skilled trades. It’s not the booming metropolis of Chicago, nor is it a sleepy rural town. It’s a well-managed, growing suburb that relies heavily on a skilled workforce to maintain its infrastructure and booming residential sector. If you’re a plumber looking for a place where your trade is respected, your paycheck goes far, and you can still find a quiet street to call home, West Des Moines deserves a serious look.

The Salary Picture: Where West Des Moines Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Financial security is the bedrock of any career move. In West Des Moines, the plumbing trade offers a solid, middle-class wage that is competitive both regionally and nationally.

The median salary for a plumber in West Des Moines is $61,962/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.79/hour. It’s important to understand that this figure represents the midpoint—half of all plumbers earn more, and half earn less. For a skilled trade with a clear path to advancement, this is a strong starting point.

When we compare this to the national average of $63,350/year, West Des Moines sits just slightly below the U.S. median. However, this comparison is misleading without context. The cost of living in West Des Moines is significantly lower than in many major metropolitan areas. A $61,962 salary here provides a much higher standard of living than the same amount in a city like Denver or Atlanta. The local market is stable, with 144 plumbing jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent and indicates a reliable demand for your skills.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will climb as you gain experience and licensure. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) governs the trade, and your pay will reflect your standing within that system.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$40,000 - $50,000	Assisting licensed plumbers, learning tools, basic installations, and service calls.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	$55,000 - $70,000	Performing installations, repairs, and maintenance independently. This is the core of the workforce.
Senior / Master Plumber	$70,000 - $85,000+	Designing complex systems, overseeing teams, business management, and teaching apprentices.
Expert / Business Owner	$90,000+	Running a successful plumbing company, managing contracts, and strategic planning.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

How does West Des Moines stack up against its peers in the state? Here’s a quick regional snapshot.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Driver
West Des Moines	$61,962	92.7	Suburban growth, corporate offices, residential expansion.
Des Moines (City)	$60,500	94.5	Urban core, older housing stock, state government.
Ames	$62,100	96.1	University (ISU) demand, research facilities, stable housing.
Iowa City	$59,800	95.0	University (UI) demand, healthcare systems, older infrastructure.
Cedar Rapids	$61,200	89.8	Industrial/manufacturing base, older homes, resilient economy.

West Des Moines leads the pack in raw salary for plumbers among these major Iowa cities, and combined with its lower cost of living, it offers an excellent financial proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after life’s essentials. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $61,962.

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$5,163
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (This can vary based on deductions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,063

Now, let’s allocate that net income. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in West Des Moines is $899/month. This is for a decent unit; you can find cheaper options in older complexes or more expensive ones in brand-new luxury developments.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber earning $61,962):

• Rent ($1BR): $899
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Iowa has low insurance rates, but winter driving needs good tires)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $300
• Retirement Savings (IRA/401k): $400 (Aim for 10%+)
• Miscellaneous/Fun Money: $314
• Total Expenses: $3,063
• Remaining Monthly Buffer: $1,000

This buffer is your key to saving for a down payment, vacations, or unexpected repairs. It’s a comfortable margin.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is where West Des Moines shines for tradespeople. The median home price in West Des Moines is approximately $275,000. With a $1,000/month savings buffer, you could save a 20% down payment ($55,000) in about 4.5 years, or a 5% down payment ($13,750) in just over a year. Moreover, many local mortgage lenders offer special programs for first-time homebuyers and skilled trades. The low property taxes in Iowa (relative to the Midwest) further make homeownership viable.

Where the Jobs Are: West Des Moines's Major Employers

The demand for plumbers in West Des Moines is driven by several key sectors: residential construction, healthcare, and commercial facilities. Here are the major players you should know:

1. Hawkeye Plumbing: A leading local residential and commercial plumbing company. They are known for their strong apprenticeship programs and are often the first call for new housing developments in the Northwest quadrant of the metro.
2. Midwest Comfort Systems: While they specialize in HVAC, they have an integrated plumbing division. They service many of the large corporate offices in the Jordan Creek area and have a steady stream of commercial maintenance contracts.
3. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) - Ankeny Campus: The college itself is a major employer for facilities maintenance plumbers. They also run one of the most respected plumbing technology programs in the state, offering a direct pipeline to jobs.
4. UnityPoint Health - West Des Moines Hospital: A major healthcare facility with complex plumbing needs for sterile environments, medical gas systems, and patient care areas. Facilities maintenance positions here are stable and well-compensated.
5. Ruan Transportation Management Systems: Based in Des Moines, Ruan manages a massive fleet and facilities. Their logistics centers require in-house plumbers for vehicle wash bays, office buildings, and rest areas.
6. New Home Builders: Companies like Hubbell Homes and Lions Gate Development are actively building in the Creekside and Ashworth neighborhoods. As a plumber, you can work directly with general contractors or subcontract on these home sites. The trend is toward energy-efficient and smart plumbing systems, so knowledge in these areas is a plus.

Insider Tip: The highest demand is often for service and repair plumbers, as the metro area has a large stock of homes built in the 1970s-1990s. Master plumbers who can do rough-in work for new construction are also in constant demand.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa has a clear, structured licensing system managed by DIAL. You cannot work independently without proper licensure. Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (2-4 years): You must complete an approved apprenticeship program, typically involving 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can start as young as 16 with a parent's consent.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Iowa Journeyman Plumber exam. This is the license that allows you to work independently. The exam fee is approximately $250.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a Master Plumber, you need at least two years of experience as a journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam. This license is required for business owners and those supervising others. The exam fee is approximately $350.

Timeline & Cost Summary:

• Total Time from Apprentice to Master: ~4-6 years.
• Total Licensing Fees (Journeyman + Master): ~$600.
• Key Resource: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) website is your bible. All forms, exam details, and approved apprenticeship programs are listed there.

Insider Tip: DMACC’s plumbing program is an accredited apprenticeship sponsor. Graduating from their program can fast-track your hours and provide a network of local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in West Des Moines means choosing a neighborhood that fits your commute and lifestyle. Most plumbing jobs will have you traveling throughout the metro, but living centrally in West Des Moines minimizes your drive time.

• Creekside: A newer, master-planned community with sprawling single-family homes. The plumbing work here is almost exclusively new construction and high-end remodels. Commute to job sites in this area is minimal. Rent Estimate: $1,100/month for a 1BR in a nearby complex.
• Ashworth: Established in the 1970s, this neighborhood has a mix of ranch-style homes and townhomes. It’s a prime area for service and repair work, as many homes are reaching the age where pipes and fixtures need updating. Rent Estimate: $950/month.
• Downtown West Des Moines (near City Hall): This area is walkable, with local cafes and shops. It’s a short drive to major employers and offers a more urban feel. Rent Estimate: $1,050/month for a modern 1BR.
• Valley West: A quiet, older neighborhood with mature trees and larger lots. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to I-235 for commuting to Des Moines or other suburbs. Rent Estimate: $875/month.
• Jordan Creek Area (West Side): This is the commercial hub. Living here means being close to shopping, restaurants, and massive employers. The commute to residential jobs might be longer, but commercial service calls are right outside your door. Rent Estimate: $1,200/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in West Des Moines is not a dead-end job; it’s a ladder. The 6% 10-year growth is a baseline. Your personal growth can be much faster with strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can significantly boost your income. Backflow prevention certification is in high demand due to local water ordinances. Medical gas certification (for healthcare facilities) or becoming a certified inspector can add $5-10/hour to your rate.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Master Plumber. From there, you can:
  • Start Your Own Business: This is where the highest earning potential lies. Many successful local plumbing companies were started by former journeyman plumbers.
  • Move into Facilities Management: Hospitals, colleges, and large corporate campuses offer salaried positions with benefits and a 9-to-5 schedule.
  • Become an Estimator/Project Manager: For those who enjoy the planning side, moving from the field to the office for a construction firm is a common and lucrative step.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging workforce is a key factor. Many master plumbers are nearing retirement, creating a vacuum of leadership and expertise. If you are licensed and reliable, you will be in the driver’s seat for negotiating higher wages or securing partnerships. The push for water conservation and green building (e.g., greywater systems) will also create new niches for forward-thinking plumbers.

The Verdict: Is West Des Moines Right for You?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your $61,962 salary stretches further here than in most U.S. cities.	Winters: Long, cold winters can be challenging for outdoor work and driving.
Stable Demand: Consistent job growth (6%) in a stable housing market.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a massive metropolis, it may feel quiet.
Clear Career Path: Well-defined licensing system and multiple advancement routes.	Limited Public Transit: A car is an absolute necessity for commuting to job sites.
Low Competition: Unlike coastal cities, the trades here are respected and not oversaturated.	Summers: Can be hot and humid, especially when working in unairconditioned spaces.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly communities with excellent schools and parks.	Licensing is Mandatory: You cannot work as a journeyman without passing the state exam.

Final Recommendation:
West Des Moines is an excellent choice for plumbers at any stage of their career, but especially for those who are journeyman-licensed or are ready to complete their apprenticeship and take the exam. It’s a "sweet spot" city—big enough to offer diverse opportunities and a good quality of life, but small enough to be affordable and navigable. If you value financial stability, homeownership, and a strong sense of community, and you don’t mind the Midwest seasons, West Des Moines is a place where you can build a rewarding and prosperous career as a plumber.

FAQs

1. I’m a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Iowa?
Iowa has reciprocity agreements with several states, but not all. You must apply to the DIAL for license recognition. You may need to pass a state-specific code exam. Start this process 3-6 months before moving.

2. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in West Des Moines?
Contact the Iowa Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (IPCCCA) or check the DMACC website for their apprenticeship program. Local companies like Hawkeye Plumbing often post apprenticeship opportunities directly on their websites.

3. Do I need to own a work truck?
As an apprentice, you’ll typically ride with a journeyman. As a journeyman, especially in service and repair, having a reliable vehicle (often a van or pickup) is a major asset. Many companies provide a work vehicle, but for independent contractors, it’s essential.

4. How does the cost of living really affect my salary?
The 92.7 Cost of Living Index means your dollar goes about 7.3% further than the national average. This effectively boosts your $61,962 salary to around $66,500 in purchasing power compared to a national average city. It’s a significant financial advantage.

5. What are the busy seasons for plumbers here?
Spring (for freeze-thaw damage repairs) and Fall (preparing systems for winter) are typically the busiest. Summer is peak new construction season. Winter sees a dip in outdoor work but steady demand for indoor service and repair.