Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $63,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,226 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,940 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,805) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the construction management field in Marshalltown, IA, can anticipate starting salaries around $63,226 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the projected median annual salary of $98,805 for the city, highlighting a noticeable growth path for entry-level professionals. Over the first few years, it is realistic for a new construction manager's earnings to progress through the $75,410 mark at the 25th percentile, moving closer to the median salary as they gain experience and build their skills. For recent graduates, Marshalltown offers a favorable employment climate for those looking to establish their careers in construction, especially with the ongoing demand driven by regional mega-projects like data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Entry-level construction managers in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $63,226 and $75,410 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,805 — 16.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 86.99% of the starting construction manager pay ($63,226/year) in Marshalltown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $63,226 to $75,410, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Marshalltown is $89,922 ( 142.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,226, experienced hygienists can earn up to $153,148.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,248
2025 BLS Actual
$61,135
2026 Current Est.
$63,226
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,248 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,364 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,388 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,248 in 2019 to $61,135 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,388. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your construction management Career in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, several large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Skanska, frequently seek out entry-level construction managers to fill assistant project manager roles through campus recruitment. Specialty contractors also provide opportunities centered on specific trades, whereas real estate developers typically look for candidates with more experience, ideally 5-10 years in the field. New grads can enhance their earning potential by pursuing credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering, and optional certifications like CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP (Project Management Professional). The industry is currently experiencing a surge in demand due to significant projects in data centers and EV battery plants, making the first few years in this profession crucial for establishing a career. Entry-level construction managers can realistically expect salary growth as they progress through their early years in the field, with opportunities to transition into roles with better work-life balance and competitive pay on the owner’s representative side.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Marshalltown in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov