Can A Welder Afford Rent in Waukee, IA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 40.6% of gross income.
Waukee rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Waukee, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukee
View full rent data for Waukee, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Waukee, IA?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,601 a month. A typical welder in Iowa earns about $47,297 a year, which makes that rent 40.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Waukee?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Iowa (~$47,297/yr) supports up to $1,182 a month in rent. Waukee's current median rent is $1,601/mo, which is $419/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Waukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a welder in Iowa works roughly 70.4 hours a month to cover Waukee's median rent of $1,601.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukee for a welder?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Altoona ($1,593/mo), Altoona ($1,577/mo), Altoona ($1,568/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.