Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $48.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Iowa City, IA runs $48.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,636 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Iowa City, the construction manager hourly pay is projected to be $48.59 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $57.17. This disparity highlights the diverse earning potential based on the specific work situation, particularly for those engaged in part-time or per-diem roles. Construction managers working three days a week might take home a substantial income, focusing their efforts in environments such as construction site project management trailers, general contractor corporate offices, and hybrid remote settings. The hourly range offers a spectrum for both entry-level managers starting at approximately $32.12 and seasoned professionals reaching upwards of $99.62. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data illustrates the financial landscape for construction managers in Iowa City, where the demand for experienced professionals is on the rise due to ongoing mega-project developments.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.12 | $256.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.38 | $307.03 |
| Median (P50) | $48.59 | $388.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.41 | $539.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.62 | $797.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $48.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.59/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $101,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,304. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,943.47 | $8,422 | $101,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,166.08 | $5,053 | $60,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $777.39 | $3,369 | $40,424 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Iowa City) | $48.59 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.88 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $46.55 |
| Cost Estimator (National Avg) | $37.53 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Construction (National Avg) | $38.11 |
Construction Managers in Iowa City, IA earn a median of $101,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.03% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 2.60% below the Iowa state average of $103,749.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.59/hr = $60,636/year (purchasing power: $66,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,060/year (purchasing power: $110,438).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Iowa City grew 29.9% from $36.17/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem construction managers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa City 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.
Working as an Hourly Construction Manager in Iowa City
Analyzing the earning potential provides insight into both full-time and part-time avenues for construction managers in Iowa City. A construction manager working part-time at 24 hours per week might see earnings significantly influenced by their hourly pay structure. While full-time managers can trade their hours for comprehensive benefits—often essential in maintaining long-term employment—part-time roles still offer attractive options. Per-diem or agency-based construction managers in the area can command hourly rates significantly higher than those of full-time positions, with typical bills ranging from $100 to $180 per hour. Specialized roles for senior project executives or owner’s representatives may demand even higher rates, often justified by their expertise in managing high-stakes projects. Given the competitive nature of hourly compensation in Iowa City, negotiation becomes critical; construction managers should consider not just the hourly rate but the value of health benefits and stability associated with full-time roles versus the higher pay but lack of benefits in per diem opportunities.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Iowa City in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in Iowa City?
Are construction managers in Iowa City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time construction manager make per year in Iowa City?
Do construction managers earn more per hour working part-time in Iowa City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for construction managers in Iowa City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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