Iowa Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 93.0
Iowa wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Iowa mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $33.67 | $34.70 | -3.0% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $28.83 | $28.49 | +1.2% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $30.38 | $34.37 | -11.6% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $27.71 | $31.55 | -12.2% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $25.04 | $26.64 | -6.0% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $25.59 | $30.58 | -16.3% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $24.80 | $25.02 | -0.9% |
How Iowa compares
Iowa ranks 28th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 3.3 points below the median state (96.3). 1 of the 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Delaware (94.0) and North Dakota (91.7).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Iowa mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 93.0 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 7.0% below the national average here. Labor is roughly two thirds of a bathroom remodel bill, so a wage gap of this size moves the labor half of a quote, not the whole quote.
National project ranges, which apply to Iowa as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Iowa bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Iowa contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Iowa?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Iowa earn 7.0% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is drywall and ceiling tile installers at -16.3%, the narrowest is construction laborers at -0.9%.
What does a plumber earn in Iowa?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Iowa was $33.67 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Iowa index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Iowa sits 28th of 51 on wages, so the labor part of a quote starts lower than the national average, but overhead, insurance, materials, permits and profit are separate.
Other states
See the labor cost index for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.