Plumber Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $62,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $62,383/year (≈ $29.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,008 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Council Bluffs, Iowa, the 2026 median annual salary for plumbers is projected to be $62,383, reflecting a notable economic scenario for both employed and self-employed plumbing professionals. Salary estimates range from $43,190 at the 10th percentile to $96,695 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy diversity in earnings within the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level figures and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences, provides insight into the earnings potential while illustrating the balance between the benefits of being an employed plumber versus the opportunities offered by self-employment, which can often entail greater risk and variability. In particular, Council Bluffs presents a unique market shaped by local demand and the qualifications of its plumbing workforce.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,190 | $20.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,815 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,383 | $29.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,851 | $38.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,695 | $46.49 |
Median Salary Position
4.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,505 (2026 est.). At $62,383, the local median is 4.62% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Plumber Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $62,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,579 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -4.62% less |
Plumbers in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $62,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.62% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $64,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs 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.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $62,383 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,008 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,609
2025 BLS Actual
$60,850
2026 Current Est.
$62,383
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,609 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,725 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,127 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,955 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $52,609 (2019) to $60,850 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,955 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,346 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $43,190 – $48,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,815 – $62,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,383 – $79,851 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,851 – $96,695 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Council Bluffs
In terms of local job dynamics, only 12 plumbers are currently employed in Council Bluffs, which hints at a specialized market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, plumbers in this area may enjoy a relatively stronger purchasing power despite the average paycheck. Larger employers in the region, such as union plumbing contractors (UA signatories) and big service companies (like Roto-Rooter), typically offer higher wages, substantially influenced by the union pipefitter premium which can reach up to 50% above non-union rates. Pay disparities stem from various factors, including specialization—plumbers focused on medical gas or industrial services often command higher salaries. For those looking to maximize their plumber pay in Council Bluffs, pursuing state licensure, accumulating specialized credentials, and considering opportunities in emerging sectors, such as medical plumbing or infrastructure maintenance, can yield better financial outcomes in this evolving local market.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $60,850 for plumbersin the Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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