Friday, August 21, 2026
LABOR ECONOMICS AUDIT • IOWA

Is a $58,500 Licensed Electrician Salary in Iowa Worth It? (2026 Audit)

A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, Flat 3.8% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Des Moines metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.

Licensed Electrician Compensation Architecture in Iowa
Iowa Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Des Moines Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)

Licensed Electrician Compensation Architecture in Iowa

Median Gross Salary
$58,500
Above: Journeyman electrician wiring high-capacity electrical distribution panels to code.Photo: Skilled Trades Labor Bureau
Median Annual Gross
$58,500
$28.13/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$44,548
~$3,712/month
State Income Tax Rate
Flat 3.8%
COL Index: 89.8
Median Monthly Rent
$1,150
Des Moines Metro Avg

Licensed Electrician Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Iowa)

2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
$42,120$58,500$84,825
Take-Home Pay ($44,548)Federal + Iowa Tax ($13,952)
76% Net Income
24% Taxes
Keep $3,712/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: Flat 3.8%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:

A $58,500 USD salary in Iowa converts approximately to:

UK Equivalent (GBP)
£46,215 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
53,820 / yr

For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Iowa offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Licensed Electrician in the Des Moines metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $58,500 per year.

However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in Iowa's tax architecture (Flat 3.8%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $44,548.

2026 Iowa Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator

Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Iowa State Taxes.

Gross Pay
$4,875
Total Deductions
-$1,163
~24% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$3,712
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Iowa state revenue statutes.

Licensed Electrician Compensation & Career Specifications

Career CategorySkilled Trades
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)$42,120 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)$84,825 / year
National U.S. Baseline$65,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth+11% (High Demand)
Required Education / LicenseApprenticeship + State Journeyman License
Top Hiring Employers in IowaPrincipal Financial, John Deere, UnityPoint Health
Highest Demand SkillsetsNEC Codes • Commercial Wiring • Conduit Bending • High-Voltage Panels

Frequently Asked Questions: Licensed Electrician in Iowa

As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Licensed Electrician in Iowa is $58,500 ($28.13/hour). Entry-level roles average $42,120, while senior professionals command upwards of $84,825.