Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,307▲ | $75,937 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.02▲ | $36.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,035 | $54,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,198 | $58,816▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,470 | $97,199▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,974 | $117,702▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $9,370 (12.34%). Cedar Rapids's median is +30.42% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $47,939,West Des Moines spans $63,408. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($95,890 effective) pays 14.15% more than West Des Moines ($84,001 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,307/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,890)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,702)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.2% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$62,950 (2019) → $83,210 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$54,771 (2024) → $74,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov