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Average Carpenters Salary in Iowa

Carpenters in Iowa can expect an average annual salary of $55,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,010, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to the Hawkeye State. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the state's unique economic landscape and the specific needs of its construction and manufacturing sectors.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,400.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,650 Carpenters, Iowa presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this trade. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of Carpenters in Iowa is very close to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with national trends. The presence of 4.261 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent need for skilled carpentry professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,560

The average Carpenters in Iowa earns-13.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.7

Weekly

$1,068

Monthly

$4,630

Carpenters Salary Distribution in Iowa

Salary progression for Carpenters in Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise with increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,820$18.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,670$20
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,080$26
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,450$33.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$74,400$35.8

Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,940

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The average annual salary of $55,560 in Iowa for Carpenters is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Carpenters in Iowa holds greater purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a higher cost-of-living area. Consequently, the effective standard of living for a Carpenter in Iowa can be quite favorable.

Job Market Context

6,650

Total Jobs

4.261

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Iowa has 0.94x the national average concentration of Carpenters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the market for Carpenters in Iowa is neither significantly over- or under-saturated compared to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, offering a stable environment for employment. While not a hotbed of concentrated demand, the steady presence of Carpenters signifies consistent opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Carpenters

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Carpenters Salary$55,430↓ 0%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Carpenters Salary$59,200↑ 7%37 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Carpenters Salary$55,550↓ 0%55 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Carpenters Salary$56,210↑ 1%79 mi
Iowa City, IA Carpenters Salary$52,760↓ 5%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Carpenterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenters make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Iowa is $55,560. This typically ranges from $37,820 for entry-level positions to $74,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 13.2% lower than the national median of $64,010.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Carpenters?

Yes, for its cost of living.While the average salary of $55,560 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living (89.7 index) makes the effective purchasing power of this salary quite competitive. This offers a good standard of living for Carpenters.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Carpenters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($55,430) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does Iowa's Carpenter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Carpenters in Iowa is $55,560, which is approximately $8,450 less than the national average of $64,010.

What is the concentration of Carpenters in Iowa?

Iowa has a Location Quotient of 0.94 for Carpenters, indicating that the profession is present in Iowa at a rate very close to the national average concentration.

How many Carpenters are employed in Iowa?

There are approximately 6,650 Carpenters employed in Iowa, representing a significant portion of the state's skilled trades workforce.

Does experience impact Carpenter salaries in Iowa?

Yes, like most trades, Carpenter salaries in Iowa increase significantly with experience, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,650 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 4.261 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Carpenters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa