What this means Our calculation
21 of 29 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $103,080. Prices run 11% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (3.8%) and the population is growing slowly (+1.0% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Cedar Rapids Government data
All 29 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $103,080 | +6% | $115,868 | 100 | #90 |
| Construction Supervisor | $86,880 | +13% | $97,659 | 1,120 | #77 |
| Plumber | $83,210 | +35% | $93,533 | 780 | #37 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $82,090 | +34% | $92,274 | 190 | #23 |
| Ironworker | $75,380 | +18% | $84,732 | 80 | #53 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $73,800 | +16% | $82,956 | 530 | #74 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $72,920 | +17% | $81,967 | 230 | #74 |
| Building Inspector | $68,210 | +1% | $76,672 | 150 | #163 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $66,010 | +29% | $74,199 | 60 | #7 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $63,310 | +6% | $71,164 | 490 | #131 |
| HVAC Technician | $60,680 | +2% | $68,208 | 380 | #165 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,010 | -1% | $67,455 | 490 | #216 |
| Flooring Installer | $59,990 | +7% | $67,433 | 30 | #22 |
| Carpenter | $58,920 | +5% | $66,230 | 530 | #162 |
| Concrete Finisher | $58,160 | +2% | $65,375 | 130 | #156 |
| Glazier | $57,760 | +5% | $64,926 | 50 | #72 |
| Welder | $56,750 | +9% | $63,791 | 560 | #120 |
| Machinist | $56,000 | -2% | $62,948 | 180 | #201 |
| Maintenance Technician | $51,880 | +7% | $58,316 | 1,260 | #110 |
| Telecom Line Installer | $50,840 | -23% | $57,147 | 160 | #208 |
| Electrician | $50,230 | -20% | $56,462 | 1,690 | #356 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $49,910 | -3% | $56,102 | 130 | #209 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,890 | +2% | $56,079 | 650 | #167 |
| Construction Laborer | $48,670 | +4% | $54,708 | 990 | #155 |
| Roofer | $47,840 | -5% | $53,775 | 120 | #181 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $47,820 | -1% | $53,753 | 40 | #72 |
| Painter | $46,190 | -3% | $51,920 | 290 | #237 |
| Pest Control Technician | $45,290 | +2% | $50,909 | 50 | #87 |
| Landscaper | $39,830 | +6% | $44,771 | 680 | #114 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids area has about 124,618 homes. 52% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is older than most; 13% were built in 2010 or later. Older homes often need more repair, replacement and upgrade work. 73% of households own their home, and the median home value is $226,700.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Working outdoors in Cedar Rapids Government data
In an average year, Cedar Rapids has 18 days at 90°F or hotter (fewer than most metros; typical metro 33), 134 nights below freezing (typical 90) and 69 days with a tenth of an inch of rain or more, and 34 inches of snow. Summer afternoons average 84°F and winter nights 16°F. That matters for outdoor trades: heat and freezes shape the working season and the hours.
NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020 averages, Cedar Rapids #1, IA station. Compare cities on outdoor work weather.
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.8% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Cedar Rapids area's population grew 1.0% from 2020 to 2025 (276,615 → 279,285), ranking #252 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +1,057) account for part of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Cedar Rapids are up 10% from 2021 to 2025 (898 → 987). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Cedar Rapids area is 21 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 9% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 78% drive alone, 1% take transit and 11% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Iowa Official source
The main state licensing office in Iowa is the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Iowa licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Union membership
In 2025, 6.8% of wage and salary workers in Iowa were union members, below the U.S. rate of about 10% (#28 of 51 states and D.C.), and 8.2% were covered by a union contract. These figures cover all jobs in the state, not only the trades.
BLS Union Members, 2025 (Current Population Survey), table 5.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Iowa.