Welder in Ankeny, IA

As a career analyst who’s spent years in central Iowa, I can tell you that Ankeny isn’t just another sprawling suburb of Des Moines. It’s a manufacturing and logistics hub with a distinct identity—home to huge food processing plants, a major university extension, and a relentless push in industrial automation. For a welder, this means steady work, but you’ll need to know where to look and what you’re worth. This guide breaks down the reality of welding in Ankeny, from the numbers to the neighborhoods, so you can make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

Ankeny’s welding market is stable, but it’s not the highest-paying in the state. The median salary for a welder here is $48,503/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $23.32/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $49,590/year, which is typical for a cost-of-living area like ours. The metro area has 148 welding jobs, a modest but consistent number that reflects the steady demand from industrial employers.

Your earning potential in Ankeny is heavily influenced by specialization, certification, and experience. A general fabricator in a small shop will earn less than a certified structural welder at a major contractor.

Experience-Level Earnings Breakdown

Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Ankeny area. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry reports.

Experience Level	Typical Age Range	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	18-25 years	$35,000 - $42,000	$16.83 - $20.19	Often in production, MIG welding. Certifications are key to moving up.
Mid-Career	25-40 years	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.08 - $26.44	Where the median ($48,503) falls. Likely has AWS certs, TIG experience.
Senior	40-55 years	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25	Supervisor or lead welder. May be a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector).
Expert/Specialist	25+ years	$65,000 - $85,000+	$31.25 - $40.87	Pipe welder, underwater welder, or automation programmer. Highly niche.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

• Des Moines Metro: Wages are slightly higher ($50,000 - $52,000 median) due to more corporate and union shops (e.g., at John Deere in nearby Urbandale or wind turbine manufacturers). Commuting from Ankeny is very common.
• Cedar Rapids: A manufacturing powerhouse (Collins Aerospace, General Mills). Median welder pay is closer to $52,000, but the market is more specialized in aerospace and heavy machinery.
• Dubuque: A hub for heavy equipment (John Deere). Wages can be competitive ($50,000+), but the job market is less diverse than the Des Moines/Ankeny corridor.
• Sioux City: A major meatpacking and transportation center. Welder pay is often in the $45,000 - $48,000 range, similar to Ankeny, but with more work in food plant maintenance.

Insider Tip: Ankeny’s strength is its location. You’re not limited to Ankeny employers. A 15-minute drive south puts you in Des Moines. A 20-minute drive east can get you to the industrial parks in Urbandale and Johnston. Don’t confine your job search to the 50102 and 50103 zip codes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get to the bottom line. How does a $48,503 salary feel in Ankeny? You’ll take home roughly $3,500 - $3,700 per month after federal taxes, FICA, and Iowa state income tax (using a single filer standard deduction). Iowa’s state tax is progressive, so your take-home will vary.

The biggest variable is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Ankeny is $787/month. This is very affordable on a welder’s salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Career Welder ($48,503/year)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$3,600	After taxes, assuming single filer.
Housing (1BR)	$787	This is the city average. You can find places in the $700s in older buildings or $900s in new complexes near the S.E. 14th St corridor.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Wtr)	$150	Varies by season. Winters can be cold; budget for higher heating.
Groceries	$350	Ankeny has multiple Aldis, Hy-Vee, and a Walmart. Prices are moderate.
Transportation	$300	Most residents drive. This covers a modest car payment, gas, and insurance. The Ankeny Metro bus system exists but is limited for industrial shifts.
Health Insurance	$250	If employer-provided, your share. If buying on the marketplace, higher.
Misc. & Entertainment	$400	This is your buffer for savings, hobbies, or going out.
Total Expenses	$2,237
Remaining for Savings/Debt	$1,363	This is a healthy surplus for this cost of living.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is one of the biggest draws of Ankeny for skilled tradespeople. With a $48,503 salary, you are in a strong position to buy a home. The median home price in Ankeny is around $280,000. On a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800 - $2,000.

Your take-home pay of ~$3,600 can comfortably support this, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many welders in Ankeny live in neighborhoods like Sawyer Heights or West Park (see below) and own their homes on a single wage. Start building your credit score and saving for a down payment now.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

Ankeny’s economy is anchored in manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing. Here are the specific employers you should be targeting:

1. FFG (Formerly Frerichs Fabrication Group): Located on S.E. 14th Street, FFG is one of the largest custom metal fabrication shops in the region. They do everything from structural steel for buildings to precision components for automation. They are a major hirer for MIG and TIG welders and often promote from within. They have a reputation for stable work but can be busy.

2. The Marmon/ Berkshire Hathaway Companies: Ankeny is home to several Marmon companies (a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary) like Marmon Utility and Marmon Energy Services. These are large-scale industrial manufacturers. They look for welders with experience in heavy fabrication and pipe welding. These are often union shops (IBEW, UA) with excellent benefits, but they can be competitive to get into.

3. Pioneer (Corteva Agriscience): While primarily an ag-tech company, Pioneer’s seed processing plants in Ankeny and nearby Jefferson require a team of maintenance welders. This is a different kind of job—less about new fabrication and more about repairing complex agricultural machinery. It’s a great path if you enjoy problem-solving.

4. Ankeny Food Processing Facilities: Ankeny is part of the Iowa Food Processing Corridor. Companies like Tyson Foods and Cargill have major facilities nearby (in nearby towns like Madison County). These plants need welders for maintenance and repairs on processing lines, boilers, and structural supports. Work can be in high-traffic, sterile environments.

5. Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) & Ankeny Community School District: Both districts have large, modern facilities requiring in-house maintenance teams. The job is for a “facilities welder” who handles repairs for HVAC, structural, and plumbing systems. It’s a government job with great benefits and a predictable schedule, but openings are infrequent.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward automation. Employers like FFG and Marmon are investing in robotic welding cells. Your value isn’t just in your hand skill, but in your ability to program, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems. Learning robotic welding (e.g., Fanuc, Lincoln Electric systems) is the single best career move you can make in Ankeny.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa does not have a state-level welding license. Instead, your credentials are based on certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS). This is the industry standard.

Process & Costs:

1. Get Your Basic Education: You don’t need a 4-year degree. A certificate or diploma from a technical school is sufficient. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has an excellent, affordable welding program at its Ankeny campus. A full certificate program can cost $5,000 - $8,000 and take 9-12 months.
2. Get AWS Certified: This is the key. A test for a specific process (e.g., GMAW-MIG) and position (e.g., 3G vertical) costs $150 - $300. Most employers will require at least 2-3 certifications to start. Many shops will even pay for you to get re-certified.
3. Specialty Certs: For pipe welding or structural work, you’ll need more advanced certs like AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) or ASME Section IX (Pressure Vessels). These are more expensive ($400+ per test) but command a premium wage.

Timeline: You can be job-ready in under a year. Complete a DMACC certificate (9 months), get your basic AWS certs, and you can start at an entry-level position ($17-$20/hour). From there, you gain experience and stack more certifications.

Insider Tip: The Iowa Workforce Development office in Ankeny often has grants or scholarships for training in high-demand fields like welding. It’s worth a visit before you take out loans.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Ankeny is a "city of neighborhoods" with distinct vibes. Your choice depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Sawyer Heights (Southwest Ankeny): This is a classic, established neighborhood with small to mid-sized homes (many built in the 70s/80s). It’s quiet, family-friendly, and has great access to S.E. 14th Street, the main industrial corridor. You can be at FFG or Marmon in under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is rare here, but a small apartment or sharing a house is feasible. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 2BR apartment.

2. West Park (West Ankeny): One of the most desirable areas. It’s near Ankeny Centennial High School and has newer developments. Commute to the west-side industrial parks is excellent. It’s more expensive but offers newer amenities. A welder earning $65,000+ (senior level) could comfortably rent a 1BR here. Rent Estimate: $850 - $950 for a 1BR.

3. Downtown Ankeny: The area around Main Street is seeing a revitalization. It’s walkable with cafes, pubs, and the Ankeny Art Center. Commute times are low for jobs in the city center. It’s a great spot for a younger welder who wants a social scene. Rent Estimate: $800 - $900 for a 1BR.

4. The "South Loop" (Near S.E. Oralabor Rd): This is a mix of older and newer apartments, close to Ankeny High School and the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center. It’s a practical, no-frills location with easy access to both the Des Moines metro (via I-35) and local industrial zones. Rent Estimate: $750 - $850 for a 1BR.

5. Oakwood Woods (North Ankeny): A quieter, suburban neighborhood with larger homes and lots. Commute to the southern industrial parks is longer (15-20 mins), but it’s a great place to buy a first home. Renting here is less common. Rent Estimate: $850+ for a 1BR (limited availability).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for welders is projected to be 2% nationally, which is slower than average. This means competition for the best jobs will be steady. To thrive in Ankeny, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Pipe Welding (ASME): +15-25% over base wage. Essential for power plants, refineries, and high-pressure systems.
  • Robotic Welding Programming: +20-30%. This is the future. Companies like FFG and Marmon are desperate for technicians who can run and maintain robotic cells.
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): +30-40%. This is a move into quality control and supervision. It requires more training and exams but offers a clear path to management.
  • Underwater Welding (Commercial Diver): +50% or more. This requires specialized training in diving and welding, most jobs are in coastal areas, but there is niche work in inland waterways (like the Des Moines River).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Welder -> Lead Welder -> Shop Supervisor: The classic path. You need strong people skills and organizational ability.
  2. Welder -> Robotic Technician -> Automation Engineer: The high-tech path. Requires learning PLCs and programming.
  3. Welder -> CWI -> Quality Manager: The quality assurance path. You become the person who ensures all welds meet code.

10-Year Outlook: Ankeny will remain a solid, stable market. The biggest growth will be in automation support roles. The pure manual welding jobs will be more competitive. The welders who succeed will be those who adapt to new technology and pursue continuous education.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

Ankeny offers a compelling package for welders: a low cost of living, a diverse job market, and a high quality of life. It’s not a place to get rich overnight, but it’s a fantastic place to build a stable, middle-class career.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing: Rent and home prices are well below national averages. You can own a home on a welder's salary.	Moderate Wages: Salaries are slightly below national average and the Des Moines metro.
Strong Job Stability: 148 jobs in a stable industrial base. Not boom-and-bust.	Slower Job Growth (2%): Competition for top-tier jobs is steady.
Strategic Location: Easy commute to Des Moines, expanding your job options.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Vibe: It’s a family-oriented suburb. For big-city energy, you'll drive to Des Moines.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, plenty of parks and community events.	Seasonal Weather: Winters are cold and can be long; summers are hot and humid.
Diverse Industries: From food processing to heavy machinery, you can diversify your skills.	Car Dependency: A reliable vehicle is a must for commuting and daily life.

Final Recommendation: Ankeny is an excellent choice for a welder at the mid-career stage ($45k-$60k) who values stability, affordability, and a family-friendly environment. It’s also a great launchpad for a younger welder to gain experience. If you’re aiming to be a top-earning specialist ($75k+) or crave a dense urban environment, you might look closer to Des Moines or a larger hub. But for most, Ankeny hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to get a welding job in Ankeny?
A: Technically, no. Some very small shops might hire on basic skill. However, for any reputable employer (FFG, Marmon, etc.), having at least one AWS certification is almost mandatory. It’s the fastest way to prove your skill and is worth the investment.

Q: What’s the weather like for outdoor welding jobs?
A: Brutal in winter. Many jobs