Construction Manager Salary in Des Moines, WA: $154,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Des Moines, WA earns a median $154,045/year (≈ $74.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $143,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the construction manager salary in Des Moines, WA, presents an appealing profile for experienced professionals in the industry, with a median annual income reaching $154,045. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of $118,923, reflecting the local market's demand for expertise in an evolving job landscape. Compensation for construction managers in the area can range widely, from $95,261 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $238,770 for those at the top of their game (P90). These projections utilize estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, providing a nuanced view of the local job market. The robust earning potential in Des Moines sets the stage for individuals contemplating a shift from general contractor project management to owner's representative roles, where work-life balance may compensate for any slight dip in potential salary.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,261 | $45.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,026 | $57.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,045 | $74.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,177 | $94.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,770 | $114.80 |
Median Salary Position
29.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,509 (2026 est.). At $154,045, the local median is 29.53% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Construction Manager Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $154,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $155,444 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | +29.53% more |
Construction Managers in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $154,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.53% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $155,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,431 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,394
2025 BLS Actual
$148,951
2026 Current Est.
$154,045
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,394 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,881 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,201 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,313 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $123,394 (2019) to $148,951 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,313 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,919 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $95,261 – $119,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,026 – $154,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,045 – $197,177 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,177 – $238,770 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Des Moines
In terms of employment dynamics, there are currently only seven construction managers in the Des Moines area, indicating a niche but specialized job market. A cost-of-living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power remains a consideration for professionals in the field. Employers such as Bechtel and Skanska USA, known for their top-tier projects, tend to offer higher compensation packages, especially for roles managing large-scale developments. The disparity between higher and lower salaries in the region often hinges on factors like project complexity and size, influencing compensation structures tied to both bonuses and project profitability. For construction managers aspiring to optimize their income in Des Moines, focusing on projects in sectors like healthcare or technology can be beneficial. Additionally, pursuing certifications such as CMAA, PMP, or LEED AP can enhance qualifications and position candidates favorably in this competitive market.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $148,951 for construction managersin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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