Construction Manager Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $100,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $100,185/year (≈ $48.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $110,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for construction managers in Council Bluffs is projected at a median annual salary of $100,185, which reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $118,923. The local salary range spans from $60,750 at the lower end to an impressive $155,287 for the highest earners, illustrating the diverse employment conditions for professionals in this field. This data, derived from state-level estimates and regional cost adjustments, reveals the potential for meaningful earnings, particularly when experienced managers pivot from general contracting to roles as owner’s representatives. Council Bluffs’ job market offers unique opportunities that can impact lifestyle choices, especially amid the ongoing demand driven by local mega-projects.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,750 | $29.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,730 | $36.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,185 | $48.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,237 | $61.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,287 | $74.66 |
Median Salary Position
15.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,537 (2026 est.). At $100,185, the local median is 15.76% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Construction Manager Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $100,185/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $103,711 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -15.76% less |
Construction Managers in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $100,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.76% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $103,711.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $100,185 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,824 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,251
2025 BLS Actual
$96,872
2026 Current Est.
$100,185
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,491 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,372 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $80,251 (2019) to $96,872 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,360 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,750 – $76,730 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,730 – $100,185 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,185 – $128,237 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,237 – $155,287 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Council Bluffs
With only 12 construction managers currently employed in Council Bluffs, the job market presents both challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, indicating greater purchasing power for construction manager salaries when compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include established general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska USA, along with specialty contractors focusing on mechanical or electrical trades. Pay differentials hinge on project size and complexity, as well as the type of employer—whether a top-tier general contractor, real estate developer, or boutique construction management firm. To maximize earning potential, professionals should pursue roles in specialized areas such as healthcare or data centers, leverage opportunities for out-of-town assignments, and consider the benefits of transitioning to owner’s rep positions, which often allow for a more balanced lifestyle while still providing competitive construction manager pay in Council Bluffs, IA.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $96,872 for construction managersin the Council Bluffs metropolitan area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Council Bluffs 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