Burlington vs Cedar Rapids: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Burlington, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,027 | $85,307▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $41.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,262 | $49,035▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,754 | $53,198▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,395 | $87,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,141 | $96,974▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is $23,280 (37.53%). Cedar Rapids's median is +30.42% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $50,879,Cedar Rapids spans $47,939. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($95,890 effective) pays 39.75% more than Burlington ($68,614 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,974)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,890)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Burlington grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$53,817 (2024) → $60,502 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$62,950 (2019) → $83,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Burlington or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Cedar Rapids as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Burlington vs Cedar Rapids?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov