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Utility Locating Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Utility Locating information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$17

$25

How much do utility locating jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locating in Iowa is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility locator?

Utility locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to identify and mark the location of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, and telecommunications lines. Their main role is to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction projects by ensuring that workers know where underground infrastructure is buried. This helps protect public safety, prevents costly repairs, and ensures compliance with local regulations. Utility locators often work for private companies, government agencies, or utility providers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility locator?

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need a strong understanding of underground utility systems, map reading, and attention to detail, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping software, and safety procedures is typically required, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help you interact effectively with contractors, property owners, and team members. These skills ensure accurate identification and marking of utilities, which is crucial for preventing service interruptions and ensuring job site safety.

What are some common challenges utility locators face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility locators often work in varied and sometimes unpredictable environments, making it challenging to accurately identify and mark underground utilities, especially in areas with congested or outdated maps. Weather conditions, difficult terrain, and interference from other buried infrastructure can also present obstacles. Effective communication with contractors, property owners, and team members is essential to overcome these challenges, as is using advanced locating equipment and continuously updating one's knowledge of local utility layouts. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols help ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of utility strikes.

What is the difference between Utility Locating vs Pipe Fitting?

AspectUtility LocatingPipe Fitting
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but safety training is commonTrade certifications or technical training required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, utility corridorsIndoor and outdoor, construction sites, industrial facilities
Industry UsageUtility companies, construction, excavationPlumbing, construction, industrial facilities
Common Search/ComparisonUtility Locating vs Pipe FittingUtility Locating vs Pipe Fitting

Utility locating involves identifying underground utilities to prevent damage during excavation, while pipe fitting focuses on installing and repairing piping systems. Both roles are essential in construction and maintenance, but utility locators primarily work outdoors with detection equipment, whereas pipe fitters handle pipe assembly and repair in various environments.

Is a utility locating a good career?

Utility locating is a skilled trade involving identifying underground utilities using tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility maps. It offers steady employment, often requires certification or training, and can lead to advancement in construction, excavation, or infrastructure maintenance fields.

What do you need to become a utility locator?

To become a utility locator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of underground utility systems, and training in the use of locating tools such as ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detectors. Some employers may require certification or on-the-job training to develop skills in safe and accurate utility detection.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Locating jobs in Iowa?

For Utility Locating jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Locating jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Locating jobs in Iowa are:

Utility Locating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Locating job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,992 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Utility Locator/GPS Layout Technician

Price Industrial Electric, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

PRICE ELECTRIC is looking for a skilled Utility Locator & GPS Layout Technician to join our field operations team. In this role, you will be responsible for locating, mapping, and laying out underground utilities using Trimble GPS and surveying equipment. You will play a key role in ensuring construction work aligns with design plans while minimizing conflicts and delays on commercial and industrial projects.
What You'll Do:
Utility Locating
  • Locate and mark underground utilities using GPS equipment and as-built drawings
  • Identify conflicts between existing and proposed utilities
  • Coordinate with utility companies, contractors, and survey teams

GPS Layout & Staking
  • Perform layout and staking using Trimble GPS systems
  • Translate design drawings and CAD files into field layouts
  • Verify elevations, offsets, and coordinates before installation

As-Built Documentation
  • Capture accurate as-built data for installed systems
  • Record utility and equipment locations
  • Maintain organized digital documentation

Field Coordination
  • Work closely with field crews and supervisors
  • Coordinate with civil, mechanical, and other trades
  • Stay ahead of crews by preparing layout needs in advance

Quality Control
  • Ensure layout meets project specifications and tolerances
  • Identify and communicate discrepancies early
  • Verify installations match approved drawings

What We're Looking For:
  • 3+ years of experience in utility locating, GPS layout, or construction surveying
  • Prior experience with Trimble GPS equipment and software preferred
  • Understanding of construction drawings and strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Problem-solving mindset in a fast-paced environment

Why Price Electric?
Join a team focused on safety, teamwork, and high-quality workmanship while working on meaningful projects.
  • Competitive wages paid weekly
  • Company provided vision, disability & life insurance
  • Elective medical, dental, life & accident insurance
  • Paid time off & holidays
  • 401k with company match
  • Company clothing, tool discounts and boot & eyewear reimbursements
  • Provided Continuing Education classes and job training & development
  • High quality resources/specialty equipment and systems
  • Numerous career growth opportunities for high performers

Employment is contingent upon passing a drug test and background check.
PRICE ELECTRIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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