3 registered apprenticeship programs in Iowa. Starting wages from $17.60/hr, advancing to $25.14/hr at journeyman level.
$17.60/hr
Starting wage
$25.14/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
3
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the IA state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Iowa UA Local 125 Des Moines | UA Local 125 — Plumbers & Steamfitters, Des Moines | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 45 Iowa | Sheet Metal Workers Local 45 | 5 years | 46% → 57% → 68% → 79% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — Iowa PHCC | PHCC of Iowa | 4 years | $16/hr → $18/hr → $21/hr → $24/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Iowa journeyman median of $25.14/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $12.57/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $15.08/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $17.60/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $20.11/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $25.14/hr |
Iowa Department of Workforce Development — Apprenticeship Program
https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/apprenticeshipRegister your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Iowa right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Iowa take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Iowa typically start around $17.60/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $25.14/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.
