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Underground Utility Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Underground Utility information

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$18

$30

How much do underground utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility in Iowa is $18.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Underground Utility job?

An Underground Utility job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining essential infrastructure such as water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications lines beneath the ground. Workers use specialized equipment to dig trenches, lay pipes or cables, and ensure proper connections. Safety and adherence to regulations are crucial due to the risks of working around existing utilities. These jobs are essential for urban development, water management, and communication networks.

What is an underground utility worker?

An underground utility worker installs, maintains, and repairs underground infrastructure such as water, gas, electric, and communication lines. The job often involves operating specialized equipment, working in confined spaces, and following safety protocols and regulations. It requires physical stamina, technical skills, and sometimes certifications in excavation or safety training.

How much does an underground utility worker make?

Underground utility workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work with specialized tools and may require safety training and physical stamina for outdoor, underground environments.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of underground utility work, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, utility construction executives, or specialized engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes long hours or on-site management. However, such salaries are more common in executive or highly specialized roles rather than standard field jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Underground Utility position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Utility worker, you need hands-on experience with utility installation, repair, and maintenance, along with knowledge of safety standards and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like pipe locators, trenchers, and reading utility maps, as well as OSHA certifications, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help workers excel in diverse and often physically demanding environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of utility projects while minimizing risks to personnel and infrastructure.

What typical challenges do Underground Utility workers face on the job?

Underground Utility workers often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with unexpected obstructions or utility line locations, and adapting to varying site conditions and weather. Precision and attention to detail are essential to avoid damaging existing utilities or causing safety hazards. Teamwork and communication are crucial, as crews must coordinate closely to follow plans, adjust to field discoveries, and ensure everyone's safety. Overcoming these challenges not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a supportive and efficient team environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Underground utility jobs such as skilled equipment operators, linemen, or specialized technicians can pay around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require physical skill, safety training, and knowledge of tools and infrastructure but may not require a college degree.
What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Utility jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Underground Utility jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility jobs in Iowa? For Underground Utility jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Underground Utility jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Utility jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Underground Utility jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Underground Utility job openings:
Underground Utility jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Utility job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,537 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Underground Utility Locator

Underground Utility Locator

Vannguard Utility Partners

Council Bluffs, IA

$22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Vannguard Utility Partners rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Great Opportunity for Outdoor Work and Freedom!

Salary: $22.75 per hour
We are recruiting Underground Utility Locators in your area for a rewarding career!
Vannguard is currently seeking new team members with the right attitude in a drug-free environment.
Our Underground Utility Locators are responsible, self-motivated individuals who enjoy the freedom of working outdoors. We will train the right individual who is committed to safety, comfortable working on their own, pays close attention to detail, and takes pride in completing a job well done.
Our Underground Utility Locators drive a company vehicle to job sites and use computer utility maps along with specialized equipment to find underground cables, pipes and other underground utilities to prevent damages and ensure safety within the excavation, landscaping and construction community.
Problem-solvers who are not afraid of hard work and know that quality is their priority should consider a career as an Underground Utility Locator with Vannguard Utility Partners Inc.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Drive a company vehicle directly from home to job sites in response to routine ticket requests, emergencies, and relocates.
  • Utilizes the provided mapping tools and other location information, along with locating equipment, to locate underground utilities including, but not limited to: electric and gas utilities telephone and other communication lines.
  • Indicates utility locations through the utilization of paint, flags, and communicates other relevant information to excavation personnel or other appropriate authorities.
  • Responds to after-hours emergency call-outs in accordance with the established rotation schedule.

Benefits Include:

  • Company Vehicle
  • Paid Training
  • Competitive Wages
  • Dental, Health and Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid vacation
  • Overtime

Required Knowledge, Skills and Attitude:

  • Computer Skills
  • Valid driver's license in applicable state of employment.
  • Must be able to work overtime when duties cannot be performed within a normal work schedule.
  • Will be subject to Vannguard's Drug-Free Workplace Program, and complete a pre-employment drug screening.
  • Able to self-manage and communicate with supervisors and clients in a timely manner.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, employees regularly:

  • Drive 50 to 300+ miles daily as required by the assigned geographic locating area.
  • Get in and out of a vehicle 50+ times a day.
  • Stand and walk lengthy distances (1+ miles) over uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • Sit for long periods of time while driving.
  • Lift and/or move 50 to 150 pounds.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Required)

License:

  • Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

  • Multiple locations

This Job Is:

  • A job for which military-experienced candidates are encouraged to apply

Job Type: Full-time
COVID-19 considerations: This position is outdoors and involves minimal contact and interaction with others.

Salary: $22.75 per hour


Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off

Compensation package:

  • Hourly pay
  • Overtime pay

Physical setting:

  • Outdoor work

Schedule:

  • 10 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • On call
  • Overtime

Experience:

  • Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Utility locating: 1 year (Preferred)

What Vannguard Utility Partners employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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