Dreaming of a stable, hands-on career with strong earning potential? Plumbing offers just that—and in Iowa, demand for skilled tradespeople is rising fast. If you’re wondering how to become a licensed plumber in Iowa, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from apprenticeship to exam day, with official details, expert insights, and real-world advice—all tailored for U.S. readers, especially Iowans ready to build a future in the trades.
Why Get a Plumbing License in Iowa?
Before diving into the “how,” it helps to understand the “why.” In Iowa, only licensed plumbers can legally perform plumbing work on residential or commercial properties. Working without a license risks fines, legal trouble, and limited job opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers in Iowa earn a median annual wage of $58,000, with top earners making over $85,000. Plus, the BLS projects 10% job growth nationwide through 2032—faster than average—thanks to aging infrastructure, new construction, and green plumbing innovations.
Getting licensed isn’t just about legality; it’s about credibility, higher pay, and career control.
Step 1: Meet Iowa’s Basic Eligibility Requirements
To start your journey, you must meet these minimum requirements set by the Iowa State Plumbing Board:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Pass a background check (felonies may disqualify you—check with the board)
💡 Tip: While not required upfront, having basic math, reading, and mechanical aptitude skills will make training much smoother.
Step 2: Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship
Iowa requires 4 years (or 8,000 hours) of supervised plumbing experience before you can sit for the journeyman exam. The most common path? A registered apprenticeship.
How to Find an Apprenticeship in Iowa
- Apply through local unions: The United Association (UA) Local 166 in Des Moines offers paid apprenticeships.
- Work for licensed plumbing contractors: Many Iowa-based companies hire apprentices directly.
- Enroll in a technical school program: Schools like Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offer plumbing courses that count toward your hours.
📌 Important: Your apprenticeship must be under a licensed master plumber in Iowa. Keep detailed logs of your hours—forms are available on the Iowa Plumbing Board website .
Step 3: Accumulate Required Experience Hours
You need exactly 8,000 hours of hands-on plumbing work over 4 years. Breakdown per year:
| 1 | 2,000 | Pipe cutting, basic fixture installs |
| 2 | 2,000 | Drain systems, water supply lines |
| 3 | 2,000 | Gas piping, code compliance |
| 4 | 2,000 | Complex system design, troubleshooting |
Each year, you must also complete at least 144 hours of classroom instruction—often provided by your apprenticeship sponsor or trade school.
Step 4: Apply for the Journeyman Plumber Exam
Once you’ve hit 8,000 hours, you’re eligible to take the Iowa Journeyman Plumber Exam.
Exam Details:
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Passing score: 70% or higher
- Topics: Iowa plumbing code, safety, drainage, venting, water supply, gas systems
How to Apply:
- Download the application from plumbing.iowa.gov
- Submit proof of your 8,000 hours (signed by your supervising plumber)
- Pay the $100 application fee
- Schedule your exam through PSI Services (Iowa’s testing partner)
📘 Study Tip: Use the Iowa Plumbing Code (based on the International Plumbing Code) and review materials from the International Code Council (ICC) . Many candidates also use prep courses from organizations like PlumbingExam.com.
Step 5: Pass the Exam & Get Licensed
After passing, you’ll receive your Iowa Journeyman Plumber License. This allows you to:
✅ Work independently on residential and commercial jobs
✅ Pull permits for plumbing installations
✅ Earn higher wages (typically 20–30% more than unlicensed helpers)
Your license must be renewed every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education.
Optional: Advance to Master Plumber
After holding a journeyman license for 3 years and completing 2,000 additional supervised hours, you can apply for the Master Plumber License.
Benefits include:
- Ability to own a plumbing business
- Authority to supervise apprentices and journeymen
- Higher earning ceiling (average master plumber salary in Iowa: $78,000+)
The master exam includes business law and advanced code interpretation—so plan extra study time.
Costs & Timeline Summary
| Apprenticeship (tools, books) | $500–$1,500 | 4 years |
| Application fees (journeyman) | $100 | — |
| Exam prep materials | $100–$300 | 1–3 months |
| License renewal (every 2 years) | $75 | Ongoing |
💰 Good news: Many Iowa apprentices earn $18–$25/hour while training—so you can earn while you learn!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping classroom hours: Even if you have field experience, you still need the 144 annual classroom hours.
- ❌ Not documenting hours properly: Use the board’s official log sheets and get them signed monthly.
- ❌ Ignoring local codes: Iowa adopts the IPC, but cities like Cedar Rapids or Iowa City may have amendments. Always verify locally.
For a deeper look at plumbing licensing across the U.S., see Wikipedia’s overview of plumbing regulations .
FAQ: How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Iowa
Q1: Can I get a plumbing license in Iowa with experience from another state?
A: Yes—but you must still meet Iowa’s 8,000-hour requirement and pass the Iowa-specific exam. Iowa does not have full reciprocity with other states, though some experience may transfer. Contact the Iowa State Plumbing Board for evaluation.
Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Iowa?
A: Typically 4 years as an apprentice, plus 1–3 months to study for and pass the exam. If you attend a trade school with accelerated programs, you might finish classroom requirements faster—but the 8,000-hour rule still applies.
Q3: Do I need a college degree to become a plumber in Iowa?
A: No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. Many successful plumbers start right after high school through apprenticeships.
Q4: What’s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber in Iowa?
A: A journeyman can work independently but can’t own a plumbing business or supervise others. A master plumber can do all that—and is required to pull permits for commercial projects over a certain size.
Q5: Are there plumbing scholarships or grants in Iowa?
A: Yes! Check with Iowa Workforce Development, local unions, and trade schools like DMACC. Programs like Future Ready Iowa also support skilled trades training.
Q6: Can felons become plumbers in Iowa?
A: It depends. The Iowa Plumbing Board reviews applications case by case. Misdemeanors may not disqualify you, but serious felonies (especially fraud or violence) could. Disclose everything upfront.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed plumber in Iowa is a smart, future-proof career move. With clear steps, steady income, and growing demand, the path is challenging but highly rewarding. You now know exactly how to become a licensed plumber in Iowa—from day one of your apprenticeship to holding that official license in your hands.
Ready to start?
➡️ Visit plumbing.iowa.gov to download forms
➡️ Contact a local trade school or union today
If this guide helped you, share it with someone who’s considering a trade career! Your next apprentice could be your best friend, sibling, or neighbor. 💧🔧
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