Plumber Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $59,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $59,297/year (≈ $28.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $65,594 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in 2026 is set at $59,297, which reflects a competitive rate within the local market, though it is approximately 9.34% lower than the national median of $65,408. The salary range spans from $43,972 at the lowest decile to a competitive $91,909 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability in earnings based on experience, specialties, and employment type. These figures are from estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating the unique economic environment in Fort Dodge. The job market, shaped by an aging workforce and critical infrastructure maintenance needs, benefits local plumbers, especially those with advanced specialties like medical gas certification or union memberships.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,972 | $21.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,934 | $23.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,297 | $28.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,900 | $36.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,909 | $44.19 |
Median Salary Position
9.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,937 (2026 est.). At $59,297, the local median is 9.34% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Plumber Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $59,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,593 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -9.34% less |
Plumbers in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $59,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $64,593.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $59,297 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,594 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,006
2025 BLS Actual
$57,839
2026 Current Est.
$59,297
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $50,006 (2019) to $57,839 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,785 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $43,972 – $47,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,934 – $59,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,297 – $75,900 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,900 – $91,909 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Fort Dodge
With only four plumbers employed in Fort Dodge, the local job market for this trade is relatively small, creating an environment where competition for skilled labor is coupled with a lower cost of living, as evidenced by a cost-of-living index of 90.4. This index suggests that plumbers' take-home pay may stretch further compared to more expensive markets. Among local employers, union plumbing contractors typically offer the highest salaries, benefiting from collective bargaining agreements that surpass non-union wages. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to the specialized skills required for high-demand roles, with union pipefitters commanding premiums over their non-union peers. To maximize earning potential in Fort Dodge, plumbers should consider pursuing additional certifications, specializing in high-demand sectors, or aligning with established companies that offer competitive compensation packages reflective of industry standards.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 $57,839 for plumbersin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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