Quick answer: General contractors in Iowa typically bill $105–$145 per hour (2025) — and more in higher-cost metros like Sioux City, IA-NE-SD. The median general contractor earns $47.73/hr ($99,280/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a general contractor charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what general contractors earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Iowa compares to other states.
General contractor income in Iowa (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Iowa's ~3,070 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $31.38 | ~$5,439 | ~$65,270 |
| Median (typical) | $47.73 | ~$8,273 | $99,280 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $80.41 | ~$13,938 | ~$167,253 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a general contractor takes home. What a general contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median general contractor wage (earned) | ~$48/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $105–$145/hr |
Where Iowa ranks
Iowa pays general contractors 14% below the national median, ranking 46th of 51 states — among the lowest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Iowa (46th) | $47.73 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Iowa metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $55.27/hr | $120–$165/hr |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $49.96/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $49.21/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $47.91/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Cedar Rapids | $47.30/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| Iowa City | $46.98/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $44.75/hr | $100–$135/hr |
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for general contractors, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common contracting jobs cost in Iowa
At Iowa billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Iowa range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,000–$21,500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,000–$43,000 |
| Room addition | $21,500–$77,500 |
| Basement finishing | $17,500–$52,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $43,000–$172,500 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,000 |
| Detached garage build | $17,500–$43,000 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $52,000–$172,500 |
| Structural repair | $4,500–$26,000 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,000–$21,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Iowa
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Iowa's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $47.73/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Plumber | $30.72/hr | $70–$90/hr |
| Electrician | $29.26/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| HVAC technician | $29.17/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $27.75/hr | $60–$85/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free general contractor estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do general contractors need a license in Iowa?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Iowa contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Iowa, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Iowa?
In 2025, most Iowa general contractors bill $105–$145 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $48/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average general contractor salary in Iowa?
The median general contractor in Iowa earns about $99,280 a year ($47.73/hr). Entry-level general contractors earn around $65,000 and the most experienced earn $167,000 or more.
Do general contractors earn more in Iowa than nationally?
Iowa's median general contractor wage is about 14% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 46th of 51 states.
Which Iowa city pays general contractors the most?
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD, at a $55.27/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.