a bridge being built

Construction Jobs and Careers in Greater Des Moines

Construction jobs in Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding areas are in high demand. Already employing more than 85,000 people in the state, the construction industry holds much opportunity in Greater Des Moines (DSM), which is the fastest growing major metro in the Midwest (U.S. Census Bureau). DSM Is also a top 10 metro in its population class for the number of economic development projects (Site Selection Magazine). According to the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, there are also more opportunities in the affordable housing market as well. It all adds up to incredible opportunities for careers in construction and trades like carpentry, electrical and plumbing.  

Search Construction Jobs in DSM

Major Construction Companies in Des Moines, Iowa

As one of the best cities for construction jobs, Des Moines and its surrounding communities offer opportunities at major companies like: 

  • The Weitz Company in Des Moines: full-service construction firm
  • Ryan Co. in Des Moines: national commercial real estate company
  • Baker Electric in Des Moines: full-service electrical contractor servicing commercial/industrial/residential
  • Baker Group in Ankeny: contractor for commercial/retail/industrial
  • Tri-City Electric in Des Moines: electrical contractor
  • MidAmerican in Urbandale: a global leader in energy production
  • Alliant Energy: utility company offering electric and natural gas services
  • Waldinger Corp. in Des Moines: full-service mechanical, electrical, sheet metal and service contractor  

Whether you’re interested in finding a job as a construction foreman or manager, electrician, carpenter, laborer or other position, DSM is one of the best places to live for construction jobs, training and more.  

The Weitz Company, one of the oldest construction firms in the U.S. (celebrating 170 years in 2025!) offers many opportunities for construction jobs in Des Moines. The company has previously been ranked as the number two best place for business and the best city in the U.S. for young professionals by Forbes and is responsible for projects like theGrimes Public Library in Grimes, Jojo's Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit at ChildServe in Johnston and the ongoing Des Moines International Airport New Terminal project in Des Moines, among many others. 

Baker Group, 100% employee-owned, offers a commitment to high-quality construction and design. For the eighth consecutive year, Baker Group was recognized by the Des Moines Register as a top workplace in the state thanks to its positive workplace culture that promotes collaboration, innovation and career development. 

Construction Job Training in Des Moines, Iowa

MidAmerican Energy Company, whose corporate headquarters are in Des Moines, offers job opportunities like substation electrician and registered apprenticeships for electrical jobs and opportunities in Des Moines. Registered apprentices will master skills to advance in their training and become a journeyperson in that craft. Thanks to a partnership with Avenue Scholars Des Moines, MidAmerican has also been able to offer high school students the opportunity to intern and be exposed to their workforce. The company continually hires a diverse range of applicants, including current and former members of the military. For doing so, MidAmerican has been recognized by the Department of Defense for supporting these types of employees. 

If you need to acquire skills within the construction industry, the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Building Trades program will help build skills and knowledge with active work on homes within Des Moines, and even includes transportation to build sites in some cases. A degree in Construction Management is also available at DMACC. The Iowa School of Construction is another option, focused on certification for jobs in carpentry, equipment operations, concrete, painting, interior finishes and tile installers, and Founder Perlla Deluca is looking to open up the construction industry for women and people of color. Named one of the Des Moines Register’s 15 People to Watch in 2023, Deluca’s course is set up to direct young adults to training for the construction skills they need to take on any shortage of construction workers in the region. 

Construction Industry Trade Organizations

In Iowa, the Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) is the recognized leader of the construction industry in the state and a provider of comprehensive services including education, safety guidelines and more. MBI provides the latest construction news, legislative updates on the construction industry, networking opportunities and carpenter or electrical jobs in Des Moines and around the region. MBI resources include an annual Construction Week celebration to highlight professionals in the field and increase visibility of the construction industry. Additionally, Build Iowa career fairs feature vendors and members in three state-wide locations including Des Moines and a business and event center — ELEVATE — which offers construction companies who are members of MBI a place to hold trainings, parties and meetings. 

Construction jobs in Des Moines are a sure way to find employment in the region, and whether you’re hoping to find training in the trade or a company to grow your career with, you can find it with a construction company in the best city for construction jobs … Des Moines! 

Build Your Construction Career in DSM! 

Are you ready to build your construction career in DSM? Meet our communities and find your place. Our relocation guide can help you decide where to make your move to DSM, including which communities are the best fit for someone working at one of the region's top construction companies or for an construction-adjacent employer. Make your move to DSM!