Trade Schools
On this page, we have compiled information about the best Plumbing schools in Iowa and the programs they offer.
Our selection includes certificate programs as well as paid apprenticeships.
Programs focus on teaching job-ready skills, such as:
- Reading blueprints
- Understanding and applying plumbing code requirements
- Installing plumbing systems
- Repairing plumbing fixtures
- Providing information to customers about their plumbing
- And more
With a projected job growth of six percent by 2024, this profession can be both stable and financially rewarding.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage reported by plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550 per year, as of May 2023.
Salaries range from less than $40,000 to more than $100,000 per year depending on education, experience, skills, region, and a variety of factors.
So, if you’re interested in starting a career in this field we encourage you to start by reading our list of the best training options available in your state.
1Iowa Western
Iowa Western offers a Plumbing Technology Diploma program that provides the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the plumbing industry.
The program prepares students for entry-level positions with hands-on training and comprehensive coursework.
Students gain practical experience in the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and focus on safety, tools, materials, and pipe joining methods.
They also learn plumbing code book layout, plan and print reading, and essential trade calculations for residential and commercial projects.
Students earn a Plumbing Technology certificate by completion of this program.
Courses Offered
The course sequence includes:
- Technical Math
- Plan and Print Reading for Plumbing
- Plumbing Code
- Residential Plumbing Lab
- Applied Plumbing Practices
- And more
In total, 29 semester hours are required.
Courses Offered
- Address: 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Phone: 712-325-3200
- Website: https://www.iwcc.edu
2Iowa Central
About the School
Iowa Central provides a Plumbing Technology program that gives students the education, skills, and experience needed to be successful plumbers in today’s workforce.
The program gives students core competencies in troubleshooting, problem-solving, customer service, and technical skills.
Classes focus on technical skills in safety, power tools, blueprint and estimating, code, piping, and pipe fitting.
The program culminates with a summer internship before graduating with a Diploma.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following courses:
- Technical Math
- Plumbing Tools and Terminology
- Plumbing Fundamentals
- Blueprint Reading for Plumbers
- CPR, First Aid, and Safety
- Estimating for Plumbers
- And more
Courses Offered
- Address: One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
- Phone: 800-362-2793
- Website: https://www.iowacentral.edu
3Kirkwood Community College
About the School
Kirkwood Community College offers a Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship program that prepares students for the Plumbing Industry.
The program provides entry-level skills and knowledge for students who are preparing to enter the plumbing industry.
Graduates have nearly a 100 percent employment placement in the plumbing industry.
Courses Offered
Students learn the following skills:
- Protecting themselves and others
- Communicating effectively with others
- Designing plumbing systems
- Planning and preparing for the project
- Installing pipe, fittings valves, and supports
- Installing fixtures, equipment, and appliances
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
- Phone: 319-398-5411
- Website: https://www.kirkwood.edu
4Hawkeye Community College
About the School
Hawkeye Community College offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship that gives trainees the opportunity to work with experienced plumbers to learn how to install, fix, and maintain plumbing systems.
Students earn money while they learn so they can build a career and support themselves at the same time.
Apprentices are also required to complete a set number of classroom hours that cover topics such as:
- Basic Plumbing Theory
- Safety Practices
- Blueprint and Diagram Reading
- Codes and Regulations
- Water Systems and Waste Disposal Systems
Contact Information
- Address: 1501 East Orange Road, P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
- Phone: 319-296-2320
- Website: https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu
5Sioux Career Academy
About the School
Sioux Career Academy offers a two-year regional pathway that includes instruction in blueprint reading and final inspection and testing of all finished systems while following local codes.
The program covers the following key competencies:
- Understanding and applying coursework in safety, engineering, manufacturing, power, and construction
- Installing fixtures, faucets, and appliances
- Identifying the types of pipe and fittings used in residential and commercial plumbing systems
- Using fundamental plumbing and pipefitting properties
- And more
The program includes high school credits such as:
- Basic Plumbing
- Industrial Safety
- Basic Electrical Theory
- Commercial Fixtures
- Residential Code
- Commercial Piping
- Commercial Code
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Main ESC Campus, 627 4th St., Sioux City, IA 51101
- Phone: 712-279-6668
- Website: https://www.siouxcityschools.org
6Western Iowa Tech Community College
About the School
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a Plumbing Systems Diploma Program.
This program prepares students to pursue a career as licensed plumbers.
Students have hands-on opportunities to install, maintain, and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
The program also includes instruction in blueprint reading and final inspection and testing of all finished systems while adhering to the local codes and standards that are enforced by the State of Iowa.
After completing the Plumbing Systems Diploma Program, students will have the opportunity to take a test to enter the Plumbing Apprenticeship program.
In-state tuition and fees sum up to $8,094
The diploma program includes 38 credits and is available in Sioux City.
Contact Information
- Address: 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa 51106
- Phone: 712.274.8733
- Website: https://www.witcc.edu
7Plumbers Training Institute
About the School
Plumbers Training Institute offers the following Iowa online plumber courses:
- Iowa 2021 UPC Plumber Exam Prep
- Iowa Master Plumber Isometrics
- Iowa Plumber Math
- Iowa Plumbing Vents
Course costs range from $29 to $289, depending on the course duration.
The Iowa 2021 UPC Plumber Exam Prep guides students who are preparing to take a plumbing exam based on the Uniform Plumbing Code.
The program also includes isometric drawings, specialty plumbing, math problems, and hundreds of practice questions and problems.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-284-8738
- Website: https://www.plumberstraininginstitute.com
8Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College offers high-quality, affordable training designed to enhance students’ skills or help them explore new careers.
Students learn from instructors with technical backgrounds and vast industry experience.
Courses Offered
The college offers Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing courses.
Courses are led by instructors who are experts in their field and meet the requirements of the Iowa Electrical Examining Board and the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.
Several courses are also approved by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Electrical Boards.
Contact Information
- Address: 1625 Highway 150 South, Calmar, IA 52132
- Phone: 844.642.2338
- Website: https://www.nicc.edu
9Penn Foster
Online plumbing courses are also available at schools located in other states.
About the School
Penn Foster offers a Plumber School program that leads to a career diploma in just six months.
The school offers flexible online classes that equip students with skills such as pipefitting, reading blueprints, water heater installation, and more.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs like plumbing technician, pipefitter technician, steamfitter technician, and fire sprinkler installer.
The online program includes interactive study guides, how-to-videos, and animations that allow students to apply what they have learned to real-world plumbing situations.
Courses Offered
Courses include:
- Modern Plumbing
- Introduction to Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Reading Piping Prints
If paid in full, this program costs $839.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 US
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
10U.S. Career Institute
About the School
U.S. Career Institute offers a self-paced online plumbing program that teaches students everything they need to know in order to obtain a Plumbing Apprentice position.
Students learn skills such as:
- Applying basic customer service principles to on-the-job situations.
- Describing tools of the plumbing trade and their proper use
- Describing common plumbing fixtures, faucets, and valves
- Interpreting plumbing drawings and sketches
Students can study anytime, from anywhere, at their own pace.
If paid in full, this course costs $1,239.
Tuition includes access to instructors, all the learning materials, and career support.
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO
- Phone: 866-262-7883
- Website: https://learn.uscareerinstitute.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 160 | $63,470 | $30.52 | $83,080 | $45,820 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 870 | $69,260 | $33.30 | $86,790 | $46,480 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 860 | $71,940 | $34.59 | $105,240 | $45,800 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 2,260 | $67,610 | $32.51 | $94,610 | $46,520 |
| Dubuque, IA | 140 | $59,240 | $28.48 | $84,830 | $23,990 |
| Iowa City, IA | 200 | $61,150 | $29.40 | $85,160 | $39,030 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 340 | $60,670 | $29.17 | $81,930 | $39,130 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 240 | $62,460 | $30.03 | $90,270 | $38,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in trades, the plumbing profession is worth exploring.
Now that you have read our list of the best Plumbing schools in Iowa it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
