Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,745 | $106,085▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.92 | $51.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,268▲ | $66,731 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,577▲ | $80,404 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,683▲ | $135,789 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,129▲ | $164,432 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $4,340 (4.27%). West Des Moines's median is -10.80% 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,West Des Moines spans $97,701. 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, West Des Moines ($117,351 effective) pays 2.61% more than Cedar Rapids ($114,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,129)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,085/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,351)
- ✓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 16.1% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$78,970 (2019) → $98,380 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$88,340 (2024) → $102,577 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines?
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