Plumber Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $30.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Dubuque, IA runs $30.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.3, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,757 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median rate of $30.25, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This wage caters to various working arrangements, enabling both part-time and per-diem plumbers to earn a competitive living. For instance, part-time plumbers working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial income, with the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments. The hourly pay range for plumbers in the city extends from $19.48 for entry-level positions to $50.22 for experienced professionals operating in specialized fields. Such environments may include commercial construction sites, residential service calls, or intricate hospital plumbing systems, all of which present unique challenges and opportunities for skilled workers.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.48 | $155.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.30 | $194.38 |
| Median (P50) | $30.25 | $242.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.44 | $323.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.22 | $401.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $30.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.25/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $62,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,304. With a cost-of-living index of 87.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,210.15 | $5,244 | $62,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.09 | $3,146 | $37,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.06 | $2,098 | $25,171 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Dubuque) | $30.25 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $62,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.79% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.60% below the Iowa state average of $64,607.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.25/hr = $37,757/year (purchasing power: $43,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,928/year (purchasing power: $72,059).
CoL index: 87.328 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Dubuque grew -14.5% from $34.51/hr (2019) to $29.51/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Dubuque
When it comes to part-time work, a plumber clocking in for 24 hours each week can potentially earn around $37,800 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but still a viable option depending on personal circumstances. Per diem plumber pay in Dubuque can be particularly lucrative for those venturing into out-of-town projects, with some travel pipefitters earning between $100 and $175 each day in addition to hourly wages that may range from $40 to $65. Self-employed plumbers can take advantage of high-demand markets, often charging effective rates from $100 to $180 per hour. Hourly rates vary greatly depending on employer types, such as union contractors who may offer a premium of 30-50% over non-union shops. When negotiating rates, it's wise for plumbers to consider the benefits associated with lower pay, like health insurance, versus higher pay that comes without those perks. Balancing pay and benefits in this field can make a significant difference in long-term satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Dubuque. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov