Senior Construction Manager Salary in Burlington, IA: $154,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $154,397/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $170,793 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned professionals in construction management can expect salaries that reflect their expertise and leadership capabilities in Burlington, Iowa. With the median annual pay set at $99,611, those who ascend to the top tier of the industry stand to earn as much as $154,397, a compelling figure that highlights the substantial experience premium in play. This significant earnings potential comes from capitalizing on advanced skill sets, networking within the industry, and a track record of successfully managing complex projects. To reach these remarkable salary levels, construction managers must not only possess a wealth of practical experience—typically seven years or more—but also demonstrate proficiency in managing large-scale projects, including those in booming sectors like infrastructure and healthcare construction, both of which are critical to Burlington's economic fabric.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $127,502 and $154,397 per year (2026 est.). This $90,819 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $99,611 sits 16.24% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,611 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,502 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $154,397 | $195,919 |
In Burlington, experienced construction managers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Construction Manager Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $99,611 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $127,502–$154,397 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced construction managers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured construction managers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Construction Managers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Construction Manager Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #13 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $154,397).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Burlington ($154,397) is 17.07% below the Iowa average P90 ($186,176).
2019 BLS Actual
$129,865
2025 BLS Actual
$149,291
2026 Current Est.
$154,397
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,677 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $129,865 in 2019 to $149,291 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.42% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $159,677 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Construction Manager Earnings in Burlington
When analyzing the factors that influence senior construction manager pay in Burlington, specific specializations emerge that command higher compensation. Roles in commercial and healthcare construction, particularly those involving hospital systems or advanced technology facilities, are well-positioned to offer premiums. Compensation also varies depending on the type of employer; for instance, top firms on the ENR list, such as Bechtel and Skanska USA, generally provide lucrative salaries paired with demanding project commitments. Alternatively, real estate developers and program management firms may offer competitive pay with comparatively better work-life balance. Career advancement paths are structured and linear, allowing for movement from project manager to senior project manager, and ultimately to executive positions, each step often bringing significant salary increases. Additionally, certifications like the CMAA CCM, PMP, and LEED AP can enhance earning potential, while non-salary compensation factors, including project size, complexity, and bonus structures, further influence total earnings for those at the senior level in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Burlington?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $149,291 for construction managers in the Burlington metro area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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