Iowa · BLS OEWS May 2025
The highest paying trades in Iowa
Seven skilled trades, ranked by what they actually pay in Iowa. Elevator Installers lead at a $115,300 median, and our 10-year model puts that path $702,964 ahead of the average college route. Every number is BLS data; every trade links to its full state breakdown.
Reviewed by Brad Zemke, third-generation tradesman, 20+ years in the field.
| # | Trade | Median | Per hour | 10-yr edge vs college |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $115,300 | $55.43/hr | $702,964 |
| 2 | Lineworker | $100,200 | $48.17/hr | $581,939 |
| 3 | Wind Turbine Technician | $74,880 | $36.00/hr | $392,183 |
| 4 | Aircraft Mechanic | $69,890 | $33.60/hr | $333,754 |
| 5 | Plumber | $63,890 | $30.72/hr | $279,345 |
| 6 | Electrician | $60,860 | $29.26/hr | $247,890 |
| 7 | HVAC Technician | $60,680 | $29.17/hr | $269,491 |
| 8 | Heavy Equipment Operator | $60,330 | $29.00/hr | $253,271 |
| 9 | Diesel Mechanic | $59,680 | $28.69/hr | $251,331 |
| 10 | CDL Truck Driver | $58,070 | $27.92/hr | $260,692 |
| 11 | Carpenter | $57,710 | $27.75/hr | $215,120 |
| 12 | Welder | $55,090 | $26.49/hr | $212,397 |
| 13 | Auto Mechanic | $50,510 | $24.28/hr | $174,733 |
"10-yr edge" = cumulative net earnings advantage over the average bachelor's path after 10 years, per our documented model. Elevator installer pay is real, but union apprenticeship entry is competitive.
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