Construction & Real Estate Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Construction Manager Salary in Iowa

The median construction manager salary in Iowa is $90,317 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $101,480.

Median Salary
$90,317
vs National
$-11,163
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Construction Manager Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for construction manager compensation. Construction Manager salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $90,317 per year, construction managers in Iowa earn $11,163 less than the national median of $101,480.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $90,317 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $101,480 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: construction managers at the 10th percentile earn $53,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,750 — a $102,350 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $96,406.

Nationally, construction manager employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for construction managers across the country.

Construction Manager Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level construction manager earns around $55,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,850 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,180
$-6,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,670
$-11,330 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,850
$-18,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $53,400
25th Percentile $69,420
Median (50th) $90,317
75th Percentile $120,150
90th Percentile $155,750

Construction Manager Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for construction managers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Construction Manager in Iowa

Education

Most construction manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Project ManagementBudgetingBlueprint ReadingBuilding CodesSchedulingContract Management

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, construction manager employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Construction Manager Salary in Iowa

How much does a Construction Manager make in Iowa? ▼
The median construction manager salary in Iowa is $90,317 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $101,480. Salaries range from $53,400 (10th percentile) to $155,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Construction Manager make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,317, a construction manager in Iowa earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for construction managers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for construction manager pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level construction managers earn $55,180, while senior professionals earn $146,850.
How does Iowa compare to other states for construction manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for construction managers is Hawaii at $172,516. Iowa's median of $90,317 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($91,332) and Ohio ($91,332).
What is the entry-level construction manager salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level construction manager in Iowa earns approximately $55,180 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,670. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $146,850.
What city in Iowa pays construction managers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for construction managers, with a median salary of $96,406. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.