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Electrician in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Iowa employs 10,310 electricians, with a statewide median of $60,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.

What Electricians Earn in Iowa (May 2025)

Iowa median pay: $60,860 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $39,770
Experienced (75th percentile): $79,970
Top earners (90th percentile): $89,480
Employed in Iowa: 10,310
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,350 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Iowa markets:

Davenport: $76,950 (1,450 employed)
Waterloo: $63,420 (360 employed)
Des Moines: $62,840 (2,870 employed)
Omaha: $62,440 (3,530 employed)
Iowa City: $59,510 (370 employed)
Cedar Rapids: $50,230 (1,690 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa

Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,860 median stretches to roughly $69,317 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)

Iowa is projected to grow electricians employment +12.1%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 860 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Iowa License and Certification Requirements

Journeyman Electrician (Class A or B) license — regulated by the Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) — Electrical Examining Board.

Complete a state-certified apprenticeship and document at least 6,000 hours of practical experience.
Pass the journeyman exam.
Apply to DIAL; advance to a master electrician/contractor license to run your own jobs.

Official requirements: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) — Electrical Examining Board →

Training in Iowa

IBEW/IEC/ABC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 6,000 hours. Iowa licenses electricians statewide through DIAL.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:

Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate / Associate
Iowa Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
Iowa Lakes Community College — Associate
Iowa Western Community College — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.

Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.

Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.

First Steps

Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in Iowa?

The median wage for electricians in Iowa is $60,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,770, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,480. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Iowa?

Journeyman Electrician (Class A or B) license, overseen by the Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) — Electrical Examining Board. Complete a state-certified apprenticeship and document at least 6,000 hours of practical experience.

Is being an Electrician a good career in Iowa?

Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.

Which Iowa metros pay electricians the most?

Among Iowa metro areas, Davenport leads at $76,950, followed by Waterloo ($63,420), Des Moines ($62,840). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an Electrician in Iowa?

Real Iowa options include Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Central Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Electrician a growing career in Iowa?

Iowa projects electricians employment to change +12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 860 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) — Electrical Examining Board (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.