Construction Manager Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $95,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $95,226/year (≈ $45.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $105,338 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The booming construction scene in Fort Dodge, driven by developments in data centers and semiconductor facilities, has significantly influenced the local construction manager salary landscape. In 2026, construction managers in the area are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $95,226, a figure that reflects the growing demand for leadership in large-scale projects. The salary range ranges from $61,908 at the bottom 10th percentile to $145,426 at the 90th percentile, showing a wide disparity in pay that correlates with project scope and complexity. These figures are based on estimated data from 2025 BLS information, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which offers further insight into the compensation dynamics for construction managers in Fort Dodge. As mega-projects continue to emerge, the market remains ripe for experienced professionals seeking lucrative opportunities.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,908 | $29.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,347 | $36.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,226 | $45.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,890 | $58.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,426 | $69.91 |
Median Salary Position
19.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,518 (2026 est.). At $95,226, the local median is 19.93% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Construction Manager Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $95,226/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $103,732 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -19.93% less |
Construction Managers in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $95,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.93% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $103,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $95,226 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,338 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,278
2025 BLS Actual
$92,077
2026 Current Est.
$95,226
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,981 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,483 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $76,278 (2019) to $92,077 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,483 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,205 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $61,908 – $75,347 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,347 – $95,226 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,226 – $121,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,890 – $145,426 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Fort Dodge
Analyzing the employment dynamics in Fort Dodge reveals a compact but competitive job market, currently employing four construction managers. Despite a lower cost of living index at 90.4, below the national average, the effective purchasing power remains strong, especially for those in higher-paying roles. Notably, leading general contractors such as Bechtel and Turner Construction, along with specialized contractors, offer some of the highest salaries within the community. The variation in earning potential is influenced by a myriad of factors, ranging from the size and complexity of projects—where seasoned project managers can earn base salaries exceeding $200,000—to the firm's tier within the ENR rankings. For construction managers aiming to enhance their pay in Fort Dodge, a strategic focus on acquiring diverse project experience, pursuing certifications like CMAA CCM or PMP, and being willing to engage in roles that involve substantial travel can maximize compensation opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $92,077 for construction managersin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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