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Building Trades Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

In this job you must have four years of full-time work experience in one or more of the following building trades: plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, masonry, or concrete. Preferred ...

The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting ... Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician ...

Six years' experience in building construction, construction trade, or code inspection. Candidates with a code inspection degree from an accredited university or trade school may qualify with three ...

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Building Trades information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do building trades jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for building trades in Iowa is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are building trades?

Building trades refer to a group of skilled occupations involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of buildings and other structures. This includes jobs such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, and HVAC technicians. Workers in the building trades use specialized tools and techniques to ensure structures are safe, functional, and meet building codes. These trades often require apprenticeships or vocational training, and they play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the building trades, and why are they important?

To thrive in the Building Trades, you need practical skills in construction, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, often supported by a high school diploma, apprenticeship, or trade certification. Familiarity with power tools, construction blueprints, safety protocols, and systems like OSHA regulations is crucial. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals coordinate effectively on job sites and adapt to changing project needs. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality completion of construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the building trades, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in the building trades often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining consistent safety standards, and adapting to tight project deadlines. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive safety training, the use of protective equipment, and strong communication within teams to coordinate tasks efficiently. Many employers also provide ongoing skills development and encourage collaboration between different trades to ensure that projects run smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Building Trades vs Electrician?

AspectBuilding TradesElectrician
Credentials/CertificationsVaries by specialization; often includes apprenticeships and trade licensesRequires electrical licenses, apprenticeships, and certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renovation projects, commercial and residential buildingsElectrical systems in buildings, industrial facilities, maintenance settings
Employer & Industry UsageGeneral construction companies, contractors, unionsElectrical contractors, maintenance firms, industrial plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding trade roles, career paths, certificationsElectrical work specifics, licensing, job duties

Building Trades is a broad category encompassing various construction-related roles, while Electrician focuses specifically on electrical systems. Electricians often require specialized licenses and certifications, and their work environment is primarily electrical installations and repairs. Both roles are integral to construction and maintenance industries, but Electrician is more specialized within the Building Trades sector.

Infographic showing various Building Trades job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,090 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Trades Helper, Temp - Iowa Veterans Home

State of Iowa

Marshalltown, IA

$18.43 - $23.39/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit, temporary position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. The Iowa Veterans Home is seeking an individual who is interested in starting their building trades career.

The selected temporary candidate would work Monday through Friday 7:00a.m. through 3:30 p.m. by assisting our building trades team by hanging pictures, minor furniture repair, installing ceiling tile, modifying modular office furniture and other general carpentry work

This is a non-merit position. Rate of pay will be $18.43-$23.39. **All applicants are subject to a Criminal Background Check Dependent Adult Abuse and Child Abuse Check

E-Verify and Right to Work: The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements There are no minimum requirements for this temporary position


What State Of Iowa employees say

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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939