Plumber Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $65,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $65,127/year (≈ $31.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $72,043 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For plumbers in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $65,127, closely aligning with the national median of $65,408. Salaries in the area range from $44,284 at the lower end to a robust $100,946 for those in the top 10% of earners. These figures, informed by state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlight the compensation variations available in Cedar Falls. Additionally, the city's job market reflects a solid demand for plumbing services, driven by factors such as aging infrastructure and the need for specialized skills in areas like medical gas and industrial plumbing. This creates opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned professionals to thrive in a competitive yet rewarding market.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,284 | $21.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,934 | $25.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,127 | $31.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,362 | $40.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,946 | $48.53 |
Median Salary Position
0.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,662 (2026 est.). At $65,127, the local median is 0.43% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Falls Plumber Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $65,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,610 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | -0.43% less |
Plumbers in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $65,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.43% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 0.80% above the Iowa state average of $64,610.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $65,127 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,043 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,923
2025 BLS Actual
$63,526
2026 Current Est.
$65,127
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,923 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,088 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,623 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,832 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,923 (2019) to $63,526 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,845 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,284 – $53,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,934 – $65,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,127 – $83,362 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,362 – $100,946 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Cedar Falls
While only eight plumbers are currently employed in Cedar Falls, the local job environment reveals a unique set of circumstances regarding earnings. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, take-home purchasing power can significantly influence a plumber's decision-making process. Employers that often provide higher compensation include both union and non-union contractors, with union signatories typically offering better wages. The disparity in pay often stems from various factors, such as whether a plumber holds specialized certifications, or operates within high-demand sectors like industrial maintenance. To maximize earnings, plumbers should consider obtaining advanced licenses, specializing in niche services, and seeking employment with established firms offering higher commissions and overtime opportunities. By honing their skills and aligning with strong employers, individuals can effectively enhance their plumber pay in Cedar Falls, IA.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,526 for plumbersin the Cedar Falls metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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