CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IA Board of Trades

Plumber Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Plumber in Iowa

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: No educational requirements
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    There is some indication that this license exists in Iowa, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,230 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of 61,230, Plumbers in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $62,970. Iowa ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$61,230

Hourly estimate

$29.44
3% below national median

Difference: -$1,740

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,840
  • P2525th percentile$48,510
  • P50Median$61,230
  • P7575th percentile$80,450
  • P9090th percentile$92,690

State vs National Median

State: $61,230
National: $62,970

Total employment: 6,350 | Annual openings: N/A

Plumber Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Plumber median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Illinois96,200
#2Oregon93,110
#3Minnesota83,280
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5Alaska83,090

Nearby States Comparison

Plumber licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$61,230No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$83,280Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wisconsin$78,510Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Illinois$96,200No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Missouri$62,090Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$62,880Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$50,790Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

There is some indication that this license exists in Iowa, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

See official licensing board website

Phone: N/A

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Carpenter$54,080Specific course required6-24 months
Electrician$62,880Specific course required6-24 months
Elevator Installer$107,010Specific course required6-24 months
HVAC Technician$59,490No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Plumber in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Plumbers in Iowa?

Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.

What education do you need to become a Plumber in Iowa?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Plumber licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Plumber salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Plumbers in Iowa is 61,230. Salaries range from $41,840 (10th percentile) to $92,690 (90th percentile).

How does the Plumber salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Plumbers in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $62,970, with a state median of 61,230.

How many Plumbers work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 6,350 Plumbers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Plumber license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Plumbers in Iowa?

The licensing agency is There is some indication that this license exists in Iowa, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts.