Iowa Home Repair Guide
In Iowa, the median wage is $30.72 an hour for plumbers and $29.26 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Iowa
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Iowa requires registration, rather than a competency license, for individuals and businesses that earn at least $2,000 a year from construction work. Registration is handled by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. | Source |
| Plumber | The Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board issues plumbing journey and master licenses. A person may do volunteer work on an owner's principal residence without a plumbing license. | Source |
| Electrician | Iowa's Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing handles electrical licensing, including Class A journeyman licenses under Iowa Code chapter 103. | Source |
| HVAC | The Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses and regulates those working in the hydronic, HVAC, refrigeration and sheet metal trades. | Source |
| Roofer | Roofers are among the trades that must register as contractors in Iowa if they earn at least $2,000 a year from construction. | Source |
Can homeowners do their own work?
People who work only on their own real estate or property do not have to register as contractors. Local permit or inspection requirements may still apply. Source
File a complaint against a contractor: DIAL File a Complaint
What common jobs cost in Iowa
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,350 | $19,500 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,350 |
| Toilet Replacement | $230 | $910 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $990 | $3,100 |
| Drain Cleaning | $100 | $400 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $640 |
Hourly rates in Iowa
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $30.72 | $77 | $138 |
| Electrician | $29.26 | $73 | $132 |
| HVAC Technician | $29.17 | $73 | $131 |
| Handyman | $25.08 | $63 | $113 |
| Roofer | $23.39 | $58 | $105 |
| Carpenter | $27.75 | $69 | $125 |
| Painter | $23.90 | $60 | $108 |
Licensing last verified 2026-11-03
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.