Aluminum fence cost in Waterloo, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $3,650 – $10,900
- Per linear ft
- $24 – $72
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −4%
- US $7,600
- Rank of 300 metros
- #156
- 1 = most expensive
An aluminum fence in Waterloo, IA usually costs $3,650 to $10,900 for 150 linear ft. That works out to about $24 to $72 per linear ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $330 less. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Waterloo, IA, standard level
$5,800 to $8,700
About $38.50 to $57.50 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 36% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,600 | $5,550 |
| Labor | $2,150 | $3,050 |
| Permits and fees | $65 | $100 |
| Total | $5,800 | $8,700 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Waterloo, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,100 | $4,550 | $7,050 | 63% |
| Labor | $1,500 | $2,600 | $3,750 | 36% |
| Permits and fees | $35 | $85 | $130 | 1% |
| Total | $3,650 | $7,250 | $10,900 | 100% |
What is behind the Waterloo number
Labor is 36% of the midpoint bill here, against 35% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (40%), construction laborers (40%), sheet metal workers (20%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Waterloo the blended ratio comes out at 1.00.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Waterloo is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $4,900 nationally becomes $4,550 here (midpoint, 150 linear ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 87.1: $35 to $130.
Cost by quality level and size in Waterloo
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Waterloo. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from pool fence (100 linear ft) to 200 ft (200 linear ft).
Basic
$3,650 to $6,550
Standard picket or ornamental, 4 ft
Standard
$5,800 to $8,700
Ornamental pool-code fence, 4-5 ft
Premium
$8,000 to $10,900
Tall privacy slat or custom ornamental
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| pool fence (100 linear ft) | $2,450 – $4,400 | $3,900 – $5,850 | $5,350 – $7,300 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $3,650 – $6,550 | $5,800 – $8,700 | $8,000 – $10,900 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $4,850 – $8,700 | $7,750 – $11,600 | $10,600 – $14,500 |
What local crews earn in Waterloo
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Waterloo the blend is 1.00.
Carpenters (47-2031), 40% of the weighting: a median of $26.85 an hour, 8% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.07 and $29.81 an hour. About 260 work in the metro. That is 30.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $24.01 an hour, which is 6% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.83 and $28.75 an hour. BLS counts 710 of them working in the area, 84.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Sheet metal workers (47-2211), 20% of the weighting: a median of $30.40 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.71. The middle half of them earn between $25.89 and $32.54 an hour. About 80 work in the metro. That is 9.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 7.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $110 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $140. That is a swing of roughly 1.9% to 1.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Waterloo-Cedar Falls has 84,260 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 229th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 40% | $23.07 | $26.85 | $29.81 | $29.12 | 0.92 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $21.83 | $24.01 | $28.75 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Sheet metal workers (47-2211) | 20% | $25.89 | $30.40 | $32.54 | $29.71 | 1.02 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.00 | |||||
Waterloo weather and the aluminum fence calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Waterloo Muni Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Waterloo are March through November: 9 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January, February and December the average high stays below 45°F. Sealants, adhesives and some materials, such as vinyl, are harder to install well in the cold, and short daylight cuts the working day.
Waterloo gets about 36 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 39 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (5.7 inches in June). Inside the workable window, March and November are the driest, at 2.0 and 1.9 inches. The station averages about 15 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 11 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 33 | 15 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 47 | 27 | 2.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 61 | 38 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 73 | 50 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 82 | 61 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 85 | 64 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Aug | 83 | 61 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 77 | 52 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 40 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 47 | 28 | 1.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 34 | 17 | 1.4 | Cold |
Is Waterloo cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (150 linear ft), priced for the nearest metros. Rochester is the priciest of the group at $7,800. Iowa City is the cheapest at $7,150.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo, IAthis page | $3,650 – $10,900 | $7,250 | |
| Cedar Rapids, IA55 miles | $3,750 – $11,200 | $7,450 | +3% |
| Dubuque, IA80 miles | $3,700 – $11,000 | $7,350 | +1% |
| Iowa City, IA80 miles | $3,550 – $10,700 | $7,150 | −2% |
| Des Moines, IA95 miles | $3,700 – $11,100 | $7,400 | +2% |
| Rochester, MN100 miles | $3,950 – $11,700 | $7,800 | +7% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $3,650 – $10,900 | $7,300 | level |
| United States | $3,800 – $11,400 | $7,600 | +4% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Waterloo ranks #156 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Waterloo is 0% below the Iowa figure.
Elsewhere in Iowa
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $3,700 – $11,100 | $7,400 | +2% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $3,800 – $11,300 | $7,550 | +4% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $3,750 – $11,200 | $7,450 | +3% |
| Iowa City, IA | 93,760 jobs | $3,550 – $10,700 | $7,150 | −2% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $3,600 – $10,800 | $7,200 | −1% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $3,700 – $11,000 | $7,350 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Waterloo against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $3,850 – $11,400 | $7,650 | +5% |
| Houma, LA | 83,440 jobs | $3,350 – $10,200 | $6,750 | −7% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $3,550 – $10,700 | $7,150 | −2% |
| Bowling Green, KY | 82,160 jobs | $3,500 – $10,600 | $7,050 | −3% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Waterloo bid
Permit
A fence permit runs $40-$150.
Style
Aluminum picket runs $25-$50 per linear foot installed, ornamental fence $40-$75, and privacy designs $75-$130 (HomeGuide).
Soil and slope
Steep slopes and rocky clay can add $15-$20+ per linear foot in labor.
Extras that change the Waterloo total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.97 for Waterloo, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.00) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $190 – $870 |
What nearby projects cost in Waterloo
Jobs that often go together with aluminum fence are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Waterloo wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, inground pool comes out highest (+9%) and vinyl fence lowest (−5%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,300 – $8,700 | −5% |
| Wood fence | 150 linear ft | $2,900 – $7,300 | −5% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,500 – $6,050 | −2% |
| Inground pool | 450 sq ft | $39,500 – $123,000 | +9% |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $5,800 to $8,700 for Waterloo, IA is attached.
Detailed aluminum fence report for Waterloo, IA, $9
The report lays out the aluminum fence numbers for Waterloo, IA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Aluminum fence in Waterloo: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an aluminum fence in Waterloo?
For 150 linear ft, expect $3,650 to $10,900 in the Waterloo area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,800 to $8,700. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for aluminum fence in Waterloo?
About $24 to $72 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $35 to $130 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $25 to $75.
+Is aluminum fence cheaper in Waterloo or Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is 55 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $7,450, which is 3% more than Waterloo ($7,250). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Waterloo?
About 36% at the midpoint, or $2,600 out of $7,250. Materials are 63% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 35%.
+What would 150 ft (150 linear ft) cost in Waterloo?
$3,650 to $10,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does aluminum fence need a permit in Waterloo?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $35 to $130 for fees in the Waterloo area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Waterloo expensive for aluminum fence compared with the rest of Iowa?
Waterloo is 0% below the Iowa statewide estimate ($7,300 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Waterloo?
The BLS median is $26.85 an hour in the Waterloo area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.07 to $29.81.
+What do basic and premium aluminum fence work cost in Waterloo?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $3,650 to $6,550 and premium work $8,000 to $10,900. Basic means: standard picket or ornamental, 4 ft. Premium means: tall privacy slat or custom ornamental.
+When is the best time to install an aluminum fence in Waterloo?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. March and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add one gate" add in Waterloo?
$190 to $870, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Aluminum fence near Waterloo
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does an Aluminum Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed range minus HomeGuide's $10-$25/ft labor range.