Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,448 | $104,425▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.25 | $50.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,320▲ | $63,765 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,536 | $86,007▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,920 | $132,050▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,030▲ | $158,627 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln and Scottsbluff are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $1,977 (1.93%). Scottsbluff's median is -12.19% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $100,710,Scottsbluff spans $94,862. Lincoln 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, Scottsbluff ($114,126 effective) pays 2.02% more than Lincoln ($111,866 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,030)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,425/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,126)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Lincoln grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$73,320 (2019) → $99,060 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$86,053 (2024) → $100,972 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?
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