Construction Manager in Bellevue, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Bellevue, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

As a local who’s watched Bellevue’s growth from the suburbs of Omaha to its own city, I can tell you the job market here is stable and competitive. For a Construction Manager, this isn't a place where you make headlines with astronomical salaries, but the purchasing power is excellent.

Median Salary: $105,775/year
Hourly Rate: $50.85/hour
National Average: $108,210/year

Bellevue sits slightly below the national average, which is common for the Midwest. However, when you factor in the cost of living here, that gap closes significantly. There are 128 jobs currently in the metro area for this role, and the 10-Year Job Growth is 8%. That’s modest growth, but it’s steady. This isn’t a boomtown like some Texas cities; it’s a reliable market.

Salary progression here is tied heavily to experience and the size of the projects you manage. Local firms tend to value tenure and reliability over flashy resumes.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn as you climb the ladder in the Omaha metro, including Bellevue.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Bellevue Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $115,000
Senior	8-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$135,000 - $160,000+

Note: These ranges are based on local market data and BLS figures for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Bellevue is affordable, but how does its pay stack up against other hubs in the state?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Value
Bellevue	$105,775	92.5	High
Omaha (Downtown)	$110,450	94.0	High
Lincoln	$104,200	93.5	High
Grand Island	$98,500	87.5	Very High

Insider Tip: While you might earn slightly more in downtown Omaha (about a 15-20 minute commute from Bellevue), the commute and parking costs often negate the difference. Bellevue offers a quieter lifestyle with access to the metro area's resources without the downtown price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: a salary is just a number until you see what’s left for the mortgage. Nebraska has a progressive income tax system (ranging from 2.46% to 6.84%), and Bellevue’s property taxes are a significant factor.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Construction Manager earning $105,775

Here’s a realistic monthly snapshot for a single person filing as head of household, using Bellevue’s specific data.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,814	($105,775 / 12 months)
Federal & State Taxes	~$2,200	Includes NE income tax & FICA
Net Monthly Pay	~$6,614	Your take-home pay
Average 1BR Rent	$878/month	Bellevue average
Utilities	$250	Gas, electric, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assume $300 payment + $200 insurance
Groceries/Food	$450
Health Insurance	$300	(If employer covers the rest)
Retirement Savings (10%)	$881
Discretionary/Remaining	$3,255	For travel, hobbies, savings

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is one of Bellevue’s biggest draws. The median home price in Bellevue is around $265,000. With that $3,255 in discretionary income, a Construction Manager could comfortably afford a mortgage payment of $1,600-$1,800 (including property taxes and insurance), putting you in a solid 3-bedroom home in a good neighborhood. Compare this to cities like Austin or Denver, where that same salary would barely cover rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

Bellevue’s construction scene is dominated by residential and light commercial work. The presence of Offutt Air Force Base (just south of the city) creates a steady stream of government-contracted work, which is a huge plus for experienced managers.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. MCL Construction: A major Omaha-based firm with a significant presence in Bellevue. They specialize in commercial, healthcare, and educational projects. They are known for their internal training programs and are a great landing spot for mid-career managers.
2. Noddle Companies: While their HQ is in Omaha, they develop and manage properties throughout the Bellevue region, especially along the I-80 corridor. They handle a lot of retail and mixed-use projects.
3. The City of Bellevue Planning Department: Direct government employment. This role is less about hands-on building and more about overseeing permits, zoning, and code compliance. It’s a stable, 9-to-5 job with excellent benefits.
4. Bellevue Public Schools: The district frequently runs bond issues for new constructions and renovations (e.g., the recent updates to Bellevue East High School). Working as a facilities manager or on their construction projects means public sector stability.
5. Offutt Air Force Base (Contractors): The base is a massive economic driver. Companies like Parsons, Jacobs, and Hensel Phelps hold major contracts for facility management, new barracks, and sensitive infrastructure work. You’ll need security clearance for some roles, but pay is often higher here. Insider Tip: Getting a clearance can take 6-12 months, but it essentially locks in a career for life in this region.
6. Local Custom Home Builders: Firms like Platinum Homes and Hartman Custom Homes focus on the higher-end residential market in Bellevue and the surrounding Papillion/Sarpy County area. Pay can be commission-based but leads to high earnings on successful projects.
7. McCown Gordon (Omaha-based, serves Bellevue): A leader in healthcare and commercial construction. They manage projects for the Alegent Creighton Health system, which has a major clinic in Bellevue.

Hiring Trends: Post-2020, there’s been a push for managers who are proficient with project management software (Procore, PlanGrid) and who have a strong grasp of sustainable building practices. The military sector (Offutt) is particularly focused on resilience and energy efficiency.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a state-level license for Construction Managers specifically (unlike General Contractors in many states). However, there are critical requirements and certifications that are non-negotiable.

1. State Licensing Board: The Nebraska Department of Labor and the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services regulate construction. For General Contractor work (which many Construction Managers eventually need), you must register with the state.
2. Certification is Key: While a degree (Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture) is preferred, it’s not always mandatory. The most respected credential is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This requires a combination of education and experience (4-8 years) and passing a rigorous exam.
3. Costs:
   • CCM Exam: ~$625 for members, ~$725 for non-members.
   • State Registration (if acting as GC): Fees vary but expect to pay $200-$400 for the application plus a surety bond (which can be 1-5% of your project value, typically $10,000-$50,000 for a small firm).
   • Niche Certifications: EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification (~$200) is required for any work on pre-1978 homes.
4. Timeline to Get Started:
   • If you have experience and a degree: You can apply for jobs immediately. Obtaining a CCM will take 3-6 months of studying while you work.
   • If you’re new to the field: Start with an entry-level role as a Project Engineer or Superintendent. Aim to get your CCM within 2-3 years to accelerate salary growth.

Local Insight: The Omaha Metro (which includes Bellevue) uses the same metro building codes, which are largely based on the International Building Code (IBC). Familiarity with the IBC is a must.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Bellevue isn’t a single, uniform city. It’s a collection of neighborhoods, each with a different vibe. Your choice depends on commute, family needs, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Home Price (Median)	Best For...
Downtown Bellevue	Historic, walkable, near the "Old Town" shops and the river. 10-15 min to most jobs.	$900 - $1,100	$285,000	Professionals who want history and walkability.
South Bellevue / Offutt Area	Suburban, military-friendly. Very close to Offutt AFB. Safer, more modern homes.	$850 - $1,000	$260,000	Those working on base or seeking quiet, family-friendly streets.
Hawley Park Area	Established, wooded, slightly larger lots. About 15 min from downtown, 20 min to Omaha.	$800 - $950	$250,000	Managers who want space and a suburban feel without being far from action.
Papillion / La Vista (Adjacent)	These are technically separate cities but part of the same metro. Modern, planned communities, top-rated schools.	$950 - $1,200	$300,000+	Families prioritizing school districts and newer amenities. A short commute to Bellevue jobs.
The Ridge	A newer development on Bellevue’s west side. Modern townhomes and single-family homes.	$1,000 - $1,300	$320,000	Younger professionals or couples wanting a modern, low-maintenance lifestyle.

Insider Tip: If you work for a contractor based in Omaha but live in Bellevue, your commute against grain traffic (south in the morning, north in the evening) is usually easy. The I-80 and I-29 corridors are your best friends.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Construction Managers in Bellevue is stable and steady. The 8% growth projection is realistic, driven by three factors: Offutt’s ongoing modernization, the expansion of healthcare facilities (Alegent Creighton, Methodist), and steady residential demand in the Omaha suburbs.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in medical projects (infection control, MEP coordination) can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Federal/DoD Work: Having security clearance and experience with federal specs (UFC) is a golden ticket, often pushing salaries 20% above the median.
• Sustainability (LEED): While not as high-demand as in coastal cities, LEED AP credentials are becoming a differentiator for commercial projects.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Engineer/Coordinator (Entry) -> Assistant PM (Mid) -> Project Manager (Senior) -> Director of Operations/VP (Expert).
2. Field Superintendent Track: Field-focused managers are always in demand. It’s more physically demanding but offers high visibility and strong compensation.
3. Owner’s Representative: Some managers pivot to representing the client (e.g., a hospital or school district) overseeing construction. This offers a better work-life balance and a salary often comparable to the general contractor side.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in coastal cities.	Limited High-End Projects: You won’t be managing skyscrapers. Most projects are mid-sized.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Offutt AFB and the Omaha metro.	Slower Pace: Career growth can feel gradual; the 8% growth reflects a steady market, not explosive opportunity.
Low Commute Times: Easy access to jobs in Bellevue, Omaha, and Papillion.	Harsh Winters: Construction schedules are heavily impacted by cold and snow, typically from November to March.
Strong Community Feel: Family-oriented, safe, and a sense of local pride.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: If you crave big-city energy, you’ll drive to downtown Omaha.
Short Drive to Omaha: Access to airports (Eppley), pro sports (College World Series, U.S. Nationals), and major conferences.	Taxes: Nebraska’s property and income taxes are higher than in some neighboring states.

Final Recommendation:
Bellevue is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who prioritizes financial stability, a family-friendly environment, and a manageable work-life balance. If you’re looking for the highest possible salary and don’t mind high costs and competition, you might look to Denver or Dallas. But if you want to buy a home on a single income, enjoy access to a major city without the congestion, and build a long-term career in a stable sector, Bellevue is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Bellevue’s construction scene?
Not necessarily, but it helps. The market is more relationship-driven than in large metropolitan areas. Attend the local Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Nebraska chapter meetings in Omaha. Networking here is casual and often leads to opportunities not posted online.

2. How do winters affect the work schedule?
Significantly. Outdoor work typically halts from December through February. This is a time for planning, bidding, and indoor work. Experienced managers budget for this downtime, so ensure your employer offers year-round salaries (most do) and not just seasonal pay.

3. Is a degree mandatory to move up?
For entry-level, often yes. For mid-to-senior roles, experience and the CCM certification can sometimes outweigh a degree, especially if you have a portfolio of successful projects. However, for corporate roles in larger firms like MCL or McCown Gordon, a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum barrier.

4. What’s the competition like for the 128 jobs?
Moderate. The 128 jobs aren’t all high-paying senior roles. Many are for entry-level or assistant managers. The competition for the top-tier jobs (senior PM on federal projects) is fierce but limited to those with the right experience and clearances. For a mid-career manager with 5-7 years of experience, the market is very accessible.

5. Can I work remotely as a Construction Manager here?
Partially. The design and pre-construction phases can be done remotely. However, the site management, inspections, and client meetings require a physical presence. Many Bellevue-based firms offer hybrid schedules, but you will be on-site regularly.

Sources: Salary data aggregated from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, Nebraska Department of Labor, and local industry reports. Rent and home price data from current market analyses (Zillow, RentCafe).
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Salaries and conditions can change. Always verify with current employers and state boards.