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Permit&Labor
US Construction & Trade Index
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Reviewed by Arthur M. Vance, PE, CBO Verified Professional
Licensed Professional Engineer (Lic #PE-88412) & ICC Certified Building Official. Validated against 2026 BLS OEWS May regional updates and Iowa Department of Labor benchmarks.
Iowa (IA) SOC 47-2152 2020 NEC Active

Master & Journeyman Plumber Hourly Rates & Contractor Costs in Iowa (2026)

State-specific wage telemetry for Iowa derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS). Regional hourly compensation, billable contractor spreads, and licensing verification for Iowa.

📌 Iowa Master & Journeyman Plumber Cost Snapshot (2026)

IA Labor Index: 0.93x
Iowa Median Wage
$30.18 / hr
Contractor Billable Range
$79–$149 / hr
Journeyman Billable
$97.65 / hr
Governing Code
2021 IRC (Local Opt-In)
IA 10th Percentile
$19.34
Entry-level wage
IA Median Wage
$30.18
BLS Iowa median
IA 90th Percentile
$48.45
Master mechanic tier
Iowa Billable Spread
$79–$149/hr
Contractor invoice rate
Interactive Calculation Engine

⚡ Quick Iowa Master & Journeyman Plumber Cost Calculator

Iowa Multiplier: 0.93x
Labor Total: $0.00
Materials & Tax: $0.00
Est. Permit Allocation: $150.00
Total Estimated Outlay: $0.00

👨‍🔧 Iowa Experience Tiers & Billing Rates

Apprentice: $22.13/hr (Billable: $55.80/hr)
Journeyman (IA Licensed): $33.02/hr (Billable: $97.65/hr)
Master / Specialist: $46.50/hr (Billable: $139.50/hr)

🏛️ Iowa Governing Codes & Licensing Authority

State Building Code: 2021 IRC (Local Opt-In)
Electrical / Energy Code: 2020 NEC
Cost of Labor Index: 0.93x national baseline
🔗 Iowa Licensing Board Portal

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Iowa Master & Journeyman Plumber Rates)

How much does a Master & Journeyman Plumber charge per hour in Iowa?

In 2026, licensed Master & Journeyman Plumbers in Iowa average a median BLS wage of $30.18/hour. Billable contractor rates range between $79 and $149/hour depending on master tier certification, service complexity, and whether the job is scheduled or emergency after-hours.

What is the difference in billing rates between Journeyman and Master Master & Journeyman Plumbers in Iowa?

In Iowa, Journeyman mechanics bill out at approximately $97.65/hour, while Master contractors and specialized technicians bill between $139.50 and $148.80/hour for complex engineering scopes and service calls.

What technical building and electrical codes apply in Iowa?

All Master & Journeyman Plumber work in Iowa must comply with 2021 IRC (Local Opt-In) and 2020 NEC. Failing to meet these standards can result in failed municipal rough-in inspections and re-inspection penalties.

How can I verify a Master & Journeyman Plumber contractor license in Iowa?

Property owners and general contractors can verify active state licensing, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage directly through the official Iowa licensing portal at https://iowadps.gov/.

🛠️ Other Specialized Trade Labor Rates in Iowa

Licensed Electrician $30.86/hr HVAC / Mechanical Contractor $28.04/hr Roofing Contractor & Installer $24.64/hr Framing & Finish Carpenter $27.71/hr Concrete & Masonry Contractor $28.37/hr Drywall & Plaster Finisher $25.48/hr Professional Painting Contractor $23.44/hr Structural Engineer & Plan Reviewer $52.82/hr

Need Licensed Master & Journeyman Plumber Quotes in Iowa?

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