Solar Installer in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Iowa employs 180 solar installers, with a statewide median of $56,740 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $56,740 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $41,430
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,650
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $72,450
- Employed in Iowa
- 180
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
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 $56,740 median stretches to roughly $64,624 in national buying-power terms.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential — regulated by the No dedicated Iowa license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- Iowa has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Training in Iowa
Iowa's solar market is growing alongside its renewable-energy leadership. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in Iowa
Real Iowa power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Highland Wind Project (IA) — Primghar
- Orient Wind Farm — Orient
- Rolling Hills Wind Farm — Massena
- Palo Alto Wind Farm — Emmetsburg
- North English — Montezuma
- Beaver Creek Wind — Ogden
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in Iowa?
The median wage for solar installers in Iowa is $56,740 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $41,430, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $72,450. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Iowa?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential, overseen by the No dedicated Iowa license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. Iowa has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Iowa?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
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 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated Iowa license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing (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
Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.