Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,745▲ | $95,250 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.92▲ | $45.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,268 | $71,763▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,577▲ | $82,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,683▲ | $114,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,129▲ | $156,878 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo is $6,495 (6.82%). Cedar Rapids's median is -14.44% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $102,861,Waterloo spans $85,115. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($114,368 effective) pays 4.53% more than Waterloo ($109,411 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,129)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,368)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.9% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$78,970 (2019) → $98,380 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$65,370 (2019) → $92,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Cedar Rapids or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov