Construction Manager in Des Moines, IA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Des Moines, IA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Des Moines offers a compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for Construction Managers. The metro area is experiencing steady growth, particularly in healthcare, insurance, and logistics, which fuels a consistent demand for construction talent. While the median salary of $105,840/year is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, the real story is in the purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 92.7 (US avg = 100) and an average one-bedroom rent of just $899, your dollar stretches significantly further here than in many other major markets.

The 10-year job growth of 8% is solid, indicating a stable, non-boom-or-bust market. There are approximately 420 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area, which means opportunities are available but require a targeted approach.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Des Moines are competitive and scale predictably with experience. Here’s what you can expect based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $85,000	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer, estimating support, submittal processing, safety compliance.
Mid-Career (4-8 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Project Manager, running mid-sized projects ($1M-$10M), client relations, budget management, scheduling.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000+	Senior Project Manager or Project Executive, overseeing complex projects ($10M+), mentoring staff, business development.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$140,000+	Director of Operations, VP of Construction, company-wide strategy, multi-project oversight, P&L management.

Note: The median salary of $105,840 falls squarely in the upper end of the mid-career range.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

How does Des Moines stack up against other hubs in the state?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries Driving Construction
Des Moines	$105,840	92.7	Insurance, Healthcare, Government, Logistics
Cedar Rapids	$98,500	85.4	Aviation (Collins Aerospace), Manufacturing, Healthcare
Iowa City	$97,200	93.1	Healthcare, Education (University of Iowa), Biotech
Davenport (Quad Cities)	$101,500	84.3	Aerospace, Manufacturing, Logistics

Insider Tip: While Cedar Rapids and Davenport have a lower cost of living, Des Moines offers a higher ceiling for salary and career advancement due to its status as the state capital and the concentration of corporate headquarters. The 8% growth rate here is also stronger than in many other Iowa markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down a monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $105,840/year. This assumes single filing status, standard deductions, and state taxes.

• Annual Gross Salary: $105,840
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $8,820
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes ~25-28%): ~$6,400 - $6,600
• Average 1BR Rent: $899

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$899	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Iowa's winters will bump up heating costs.
Groceries	$400	Competitive with national averages.
Transportation (Car Payment, Ins, Gas)	$600	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; often partially covered.
Retirement/401(k) (10%)	$880	Strongly recommended. You can afford this.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, etc.)	$1,500+	You have significant room here.
After-Rent Savings Potential	$1,500 - $2,000/month	This is where Des Moines shines.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $250,000 - $280,000. Here’s the math:

• 20% Down Payment: $50,000 - $56,000 (achievable with 2-3 years of dedicated saving from the "After-Rent Savings Potential").
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (P&I): $1,200 - $1,400 (at current interest rates).
• Total Housing Cost: ~$1,500 (including taxes/insurance), which is still under 30% of your take-home pay.

Insider Tip: Many Construction Managers in the area leverage their professional network to find contractors for home projects, often getting favorable rates. It's a great side benefit of being in the industry.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The Des Moines market is dominated by a mix of large national firms and strong regional players. The hiring trend is focused on multi-family, healthcare, and industrial/logistics projects.

1. Ryan Companies US, Inc. (National HQ in Minneapolis, major Des Moines office)

   • Industry: Healthcare, Senior Living, Industrial, Mixed-Use.
   • Trend: Aggressive expansion in healthcare and senior living sectors. They are a Design-Builder, so integrated project delivery experience is a plus.

2. Weitz Company

   • Industry: Commercial, Healthcare, Education, Historic Renovation.
   • Trend: One of the oldest and most respected firms in the region. Steady hiring for both project managers and superintendents. Strong presence in K-12 and higher education.

3. Hensel Phelps

   • Industry: Federal, Healthcare, Aviation, Municipal.
   • Trend: They hold the contract for major federal projects, including work at the Des Moines International Airport and the Veterans Affairs hospital. Stability and long-term projects.

4. The Weitz Company (Note: Weitz is a cornerstone, so listing a different major player for variety)

   • Industry: Commercial, Healthcare, Education, Historic Renovation.
   • Trend: One of the oldest and most respected firms in the region. Steady hiring for both project managers and superintendents. Strong presence in K-12 and higher education.

5. Lakeside Companies (formerly Larsen Construction)

   • Industry: Municipal, Water Treatment, Transportation, Heavy Civil.
   • Trend: If your background is in civil, heavy highway, or municipal work, this is a go-to. They handle complex public works projects across Central Iowa.

6. McCombs Supply Co. (General Contractor)

   • Industry: Retail, Office, Tenant Improvements.
   • Trend: A strong regional GC focused on the private market. Good for managers who enjoy fast-paced, multiple smaller projects.

7. City of Des Moines (Public Works Dept.)

   • Industry: Municipal Infrastructure, Parks, Transportation.
   • Trend: The city is constantly upgrading infrastructure. They hire Construction Managers directly for public projects, offering great benefits and job security.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa does not have a state-level license for construction managers, which is common. However, your path forward depends on your background and project types.

• If you hold a Professional Engineer (PE) License: While not required for CMs, a PE license is highly valued, especially for firms doing design-build or heavy civil work. Maintaining your PE requires continuing education (PDHs).
• If you work on Public Projects: You will need to be familiar with Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications and bidding processes. Some roles may require DOT certification for specific skills (e.g., earthwork, concrete).
• If you work on Federal Projects: You'll need to comply with federal safety (OSHA) and contracting regulations. OSHA 30-Hour Certification is standard for field managers.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • OSHA 30: ~$180, can be completed online. Timeline: 2-3 days.
  • PE License: If you need to get it, the process involves passing the FE exam (if not already done), 4 years of work experience, and passing the PE exam. Costs: ~$500 for exams + application fees. Timeline: 4+ years.
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by CMAA. Not state-mandated but respected. Requires experience and exams. Timeline: 6-12 months to prepare and complete.

Insider Tip: Your best investment is joining the Iowa Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Their networking events are where you'll find unadvertised jobs and build critical local relationships.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Location matters for your commute and lifestyle. Des Moines is a "drive-in" city, but living near your work or near the I-235 corridor can save you time.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown/ East Village	Urban, walkable, close to nightlife and restaurants. Easy access to I-235.	$1,100 - $1,400	Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
Windsor Heights	Classic suburb, very central. Quick commute to anywhere via I-235 or I-80/35. Safe, family-friendly.	$950 - $1,100	A balanced commute and suburban feel with city access.
Ankeny	Fast-growing northern suburb. Strong schools, lots of new construction. Commute via I-35 is straightforward.	$900 - $1,200	Managers who work on the north side (Hensel Phelps, airport projects) or want a family-focused area.
Beaverdale	Established Des Moines neighborhood with character. Central location, older homes, strong community feel.	$850 - $1,000	Someone who wants a true Des Moines neighborhood vibe without being downtown.
Clive/Waukee	Affluent western suburbs. High-end shopping, top-rated schools. Commute to western projects is minimal.	$1,000 - $1,300	Senior managers or those with families prioritizing school districts and amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal by big-city standards, but the I-235 corridor can back up during rush hour. If your office is in the western suburbs (Clive, Waukee), living west of the city will cut your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Advancement in Des Moines is tied to specialization and networking.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with experience in healthcare (OSHPD requirements), federal (USACE), or advanced concrete/steel can command 10-15% premiums. BIM/VDC expertise is increasingly in demand and can lead to a 20%+ salary bump.
• Advancement Paths: The common path is from Assistant PM to Project Manager to Senior PM. From there, you can move into Project Executive (managing a portfolio of projects and P&L) or Operations (overseeing multiple project executives). The jump to an executive role often requires proven success in business development and team leadership.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth rate is expected to hold, driven by continued investment in healthcare (new hospitals/clinics), logistics/distribution centers, and infrastructure. The rise of modular construction and sustainable building (LEED, Passive House) will create new niches. Your long-term value will be in managing complex, integrated projects and developing talent.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio	Slower Salary Growth compared to major coastal metros.
Stable, Growing Job Market	Car-Dependent City; limited public transit.
Manageable Commutes & Traffic	Winters Can Be Harsh; can slow down site work.
Strong Sense of Community & Networking	Cultural Scene is growing but smaller than major cities.
High Quality of Life, Low Stress	Limited International Travel options from DSM airport.

Final Recommendation:

Des Moines is an exceptional choice for Construction Managers in the mid-career to senior stages who value stability, work-life balance, and maximizing their income. It's perfect for those raising a family or looking to buy a home without being house-poor. While it may not be the best fit for someone seeking the highest possible salary ceiling or a 24/7 urban lifestyle, it offers a rare combination of professional opportunity and financial freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. If you're willing to build a strong local network and embrace the Midwestern work ethic, Des Moines can be a fantastic place to build a long and rewarding career.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for Construction Managers in Des Moines right now?
The market is active but competitive. There are about 420 jobs in the metro, with steady demand in healthcare, multi-family, and infrastructure. The 8% 10-year growth rate indicates a healthy, non-volatile market. You'll need to be proactive with networking through organizations like the AGC.

2. Do I need to be licensed to work as a Construction Manager in Iowa?
No, Iowa does not require a state-specific construction manager license. However, certifications like OSHA 30 are standard for field roles, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly beneficial, especially for design-build or civil projects.

3. How does the cost of living in Des Moines really compare?
The Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US avg = 100). The biggest win is housing. The average 1BR rent of $899/month is far below national averages. While you may pay slightly more for utilities and groceries, the overall savings, especially on housing, are significant. Your $105,840 median salary goes much further here.

4. Is owning a car a necessity?
Yes, for all practical purposes. The Des Moines metro is spread out, and public transportation (DART) is limited. Most construction sites are in industrial parks or suburbs not served by reliable transit. Budgeting for a car payment, insurance, and gas is essential.

5. What's the best way to find a job here?
While job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) are useful, the real opportunities come from your local network. Join the Iowa AGC, attend their monthly meetings, and connect with recruiters who specialize in construction. Many senior roles are filled through referrals before they're ever posted publicly.