Construction Manager in Fremont, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

As a local who's watched the construction landscape in Fremont for years, I can tell you the numbers here tell a compelling story for skilled Construction Managers. You're looking at a median salary of $105,126/year or $50.54/hour. That's not just a solid number—it's significantly above the national cost-of-living-adjusted average. While the national average for Construction Managers sits at $108,210/year, Fremont's lower living costs make your dollar stretch further.

Let's break down what you can expect based on experience:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Salary Range (Fremont)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, sub-contractor liaison, on-site supervision
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Full project management, budget oversight, client relations
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000	Multi-project oversight, business development, strategic planning
Expert	15+ years	$135,000+	Executive leadership, complex commercial/industrial projects

Compared to other Nebraska cities, Fremont holds its own. Omaha's market is more saturated with competition, pushing salaries slightly higher but also increasing living costs significantly. Lincoln follows a similar pattern. What makes Fremont unique is the intersection of steady municipal growth and agricultural/commercial development, creating consistent demand without the intense competition you'd face in larger metros.

Insider Tip: The 8% 10-year job growth in our metro area outpaces many similar-sized Midwestern communities. This isn't speculative growth—it's backed by concrete projects like the ongoing expansion at the Fremont Regional Airport and the steadily growing industrial park north of Highway 275.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. With a median salary of $105,126, your take-home pay after Nebraska's progressive income tax (ranging from 2.46% to 6.84%) and federal taxes will be approximately $78,000-$81,000 annually (roughly $6,500-$6,750 monthly). This assumes you're taking standard deductions and aren't itemizing extensively.

Your biggest expense will be housing. The average 1BR rent in Fremont is $859/month. For a Construction Manager likely needing slightly more space, you might look at 2BR apartments ($1,100-$1,300) or small houses ($1,200-$1,500). Let's build a realistic monthly budget:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Mid-Level Manager, $105,126 salary)

Category	Amount	Percentage	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,750	100%	After taxes and standard deductions
Housing	$1,200	18%	2BR apartment or small rental house
Utilities	$250	4%	Includes gas, electric, water, internet
Transportation	$450	7%	Car payment, insurance, gas (Fremont is car-dependent)
Food/Groceries	$600	9%	Mix of home cooking and local restaurants
Healthcare	$300	4%	Employer-sponsored plan premiums
Retirement Savings	$1,000	15%	401k/IRA contributions (recommended)
Discretionary	$1,200	18%	Entertainment, dining out, hobbies
Emergency Fund	$500	7%	Building savings
Miscellaneous	$250	4%	Clothing, subscriptions, etc.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. With the median home price in Fremont around $220,000-$250,000, a 20% down payment would be $44,000-$50,000. At your income level, that's achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $1,400-$1,600—still under 25% of your gross income, which is the conservative guideline.

Local Reality Check: Many Construction Managers I know buy homes in the $180,000-$220,000 range in established neighborhoods like Beverly Acres or Northwest Fremont. These areas offer good value and reasonable commutes to most job sites.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

Fremont's construction job market is driven by a mix of agricultural, municipal, and commercial development. Here are the key players:

1. Zimmerman Construction (Local, 50+ employees): The largest general contractor in the area, specializing in agricultural buildings, commercial retail, and industrial projects. They handle everything from new grain elevators to the recent expansion at the Fremont Public Schools administrative building. Hiring trends: Steady, with 2-3 project manager openings annually, often filled by internal promotions.

2. Fremont Public Schools (Municipal, 800+ employees): With a constant need for facility upgrades, new construction (like the recent middle school expansion), and maintenance projects. They maintain an in-house construction management team. Hiring is cyclical—budget cycles in spring often trigger new hires. They value local knowledge and relationships.

3. Noddle Development Company (Commercial Developer, Omaha-based but active in Fremont): Behind many of the newer commercial developments along Highway 275 and in the downtown revitalization projects. They subcontract most construction but employ 2-3 full-time construction managers for oversight. Hiring is project-based but can lead to long-term roles.

4. Fremont Regional Airport Authority (Municipal/Authority): Currently in a multi-year expansion and modernization project. They contract with firms like Lamp Rynearson for engineering but need on-site construction management. This is a high-visibility project that looks excellent on a resume.

5. Midwest Concrete & Construction (Local, 30 employees): Specializes in concrete work for agricultural, municipal, and industrial projects. Smaller but growing, often hiring for project superintendent roles that can lead to management positions. They value hands-on experience.

6. Fremont Health (now part of Methodist Health System) (Healthcare, 1,200+ employees): Constant facility maintenance, occasional new construction (like the recent clinic expansions). They have an in-house facilities management team that includes construction management roles. Stable employer with good benefits.

7. Local Agricultural Cooperatives (Various): Including Fremont Cooperative and Frontier Cooperative. They regularly upgrade grain storage, processing facilities, and retail locations. These are often overlooked opportunities but offer excellent job security (agriculture is recession-resistant in Nebraska).

Hiring Trends: The market is steady, not booming. Most hiring happens through networking rather than job postings. The 8% growth is real but gradual. The sweet spot is mid-sized projects ($500K-$5M) where local firms have capacity but need experienced oversight. The recent infrastructure bill has created some new municipal projects, particularly around water/sewer upgrades in the older parts of town.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska doesn't have a state-level construction manager license, but you'll need to navigate several requirements depending on your specialty. Here's the practical breakdown:

Licensing Requirements:

• General Contractor License: Required if you're contracting directly with homeowners. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Labor. Requires proof of experience (4+ years), financial solvency, and passing an exam. Cost: $200 application fee + $150 exam fee.
• Electrical/Plumbing/HVAC: Separate licenses through the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office. Requires apprenticeships, exams, and continuing education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you're involved in structural design aspects. Requires ABET-accredited engineering degree, FE exam, 4 years of experience, and passing the PE exam. Administered by Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects. Cost: $500-$700 total.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Immediate (0-3 months): If you're already licensed in another state, Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri (and others). You'll need to submit your current license, proof of experience, and pay reciprocity fees ($100-$300).
2. 3-6 months: If you're new to licensing, start gathering experience documentation. Nebraska accepts a combination of education and work experience (4-year degree + 2 years experience OR no degree + 6 years experience).
3. 6-12 months: Study for and pass required exams. Many local community colleges (like Mid-Plains Community College in nearby North Platte) offer exam prep courses.
4. 12+ months: For PE licensure, the timeline extends to 4+ years after completing your FE exam.

Insider Tip: The Nebraska Department of Labor's Construction Industry Division in Lincoln is your best resource. Call them directly—they're surprisingly helpful. Also, join the Nebraska Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). They offer mentorship and can help navigate licensing complexities. Many Fremont contractors are members.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Fremont's neighborhoods vary significantly in character, commute times, and housing costs. Here's a local's breakdown:

1. Beverly Acres (Northwest Fremont)

   • Commute to Job Sites: 10-15 minutes to most industrial/commercial areas
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200-$1,500/month for 2BR
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, established neighborhood with larger lots. Popular with families and professionals. Close to Fremont High School and Dodge County Hospital. Good access to Highway 275.
   • Construction Angle: Many older homes here need updating, providing side project opportunities if you're licensed.

2. Downtown Fremont

   • Commute: Walking distance to city offices, close to municipal projects
   • Rent Estimate: $900-$1,300/month for 2BR (apartments/lofts)
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, historic, with growing restaurant scene. The Keene Memorial Park and Fremont Opera House are highlights. Parking can be challenging.
   • Construction Angle: Direct access to ongoing downtown revitalization projects. Networking with city officials happens naturally here.

3. Northwest Fremont (near Highway 275)

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to industrial park and airport
   • Rent Estimate: $800-$1,200/month for 2BR
   • Lifestyle: Newer developments, more apartment options, easy highway access. Close to Wal-Mart Supercenter and commercial corridors.
   • Construction Angle: Prime location for contractors working on commercial/industrial projects. Many construction managers live here for the convenience.

4. West Fremont (near Dodge County Fairgrounds)

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most job sites
   • Rent Estimate: $700-$1,100/month for 2BR
   • Laza Lifestyle: More rural feel, larger properties, better value. Close to Fremont State Recreation Area for outdoor activities.
   • Construction Angle: If you work on agricultural or municipal projects west of town, this cuts commute time significantly.

5. South Fremont (near N. Main St.)

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most areas
   • Rent Estimate: $750-$1,100/month for 2BR
   • Lifestyle: Mixed residential/commercial, older homes with character. Close to Fremont Family YMCA and Fremont Public Library.
   • Construction Angle: Diverse project opportunities, from residential to light commercial. Good for building a broad portfolio.

Neighborhood Selection Strategy: For a Construction Manager, proximity to the Fremont Regional Airport and Highway 275 corridor is key. I recommend starting in a rental in Northwest Fremont or Beverly Acres to scope out the area before buying. The commute difference between these neighborhoods and downtown is minimal (5-10 minutes), but the lifestyle trade-offs are significant.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Fremont offers solid, if not explosive, career growth for Construction Managers. Here's the realistic 10-year outlook:

Specialty Premiums (Above Base Salary):

• Commercial/Industrial: +10-15% (e.g., $115,638 - $120,895 on $105,126 base)
• Agricultural: +5-10% (specialized knowledge, steady demand)
• Municipal/Public Works: +0-5% (stable, lower premium but excellent benefits)
• Residential (Custom/High-End): Variable (project-dependent, can be higher but less stable)

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager (3-5 years): Requires managing budgets over $2M successfully. Many Fremont managers hit this level by year 5-7.
2. Senior PM → Operations Manager (5-8 years): Overseeing multiple projects. Requires strong leadership and financial acumen.
3. Operations Manager → Regional/Executive (8-12 years): Rare in Fremont itself but possible with Omaha-based firms. Many local managers use this as a stepping stone to remote executive roles.
4. Consulting/Entrepreneurship (10+ years): Many experienced managers start their own small firms, focusing on niche markets like agricultural construction or municipal projects.

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):

• Demand Drivers: Continued agricultural modernization, municipal infrastructure upgrades (Fremont's water/sewer systems need work), and steady commercial development.
• Potential Headwinds: Interest rate fluctuations could slow residential construction, but agricultural and municipal work are more stable.
• Growth Prediction: The 8% job growth is realistic, translating to about 4-5 new positions annually in the metro. The sweet spot will be managers who can bridge traditional construction with modern technologies (BIM, project management software) and sustainability practices.
• Insider Insight: The big opportunity is in retrofitting existing structures. Fremont has many older industrial buildings and agricultural facilities that need upgrades for energy efficiency and modern capacity. This niche is underserved and offers excellent margins.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Let's cut through the promotional fluff. Here's the honest assessment:

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power with salary $105,126 vs. housing costs	Limited high-end project variety compared to Omaha/Lincoln
Low competition for experienced managers	Slower career velocity (fewer promotion opportunities)
Stable job market tied to agriculture/municipal work	Car-dependent city; limited public transit
Short commutes (avg 10-15 minutes)	Cultural amenities are modest (no major league sports, limited nightlife)
Tight-knit professional network	Quality of healthcare is good but not top-tier for complex cases
Lower cost of living (Index 90.5)	Air quality can be an issue during certain agricultural seasons
8% 10-year growth provides security	Fewer professional development opportunities locally

Final Recommendation:
Fremont makes excellent sense for Construction Managers who value stability, work-life balance, and community over the fast-paced, high-visibility projects of major metros. It's ideal for:

• Experienced managers (5+ years) looking to buy a home and build equity
• Those with agricultural or municipal project experience
• Professionals who want to be a big fish in a small pond
• Anyone seeking a shorter commute and more manageable pace

It's less ideal for:

• Early-career managers craving constant challenge and variety
• Those requiring cutting-edge project types (high-rise, complex institutional)
• People who need extensive cultural/entertainment options

The Bottom Line: With median salary $105,126, cost of living index 90.5, and rent at $859/month, Fremont offers one of the best quality-of-life-to-income ratios for Construction Managers in the Midwest. Your expertise will be valued, your dollar will go far, and you'll build a strong professional network. If you're patient with career growth and value community, Fremont is a smart move.

FAQs

1. How does Nebraska's weather impact construction management here?
Fremont experiences four distinct seasons, with construction typically running March-November. Winters can be harsh, requiring winterization planning, but this creates predictable downtime for planning and professional development. Snow removal and salt damage are significant budget items for municipal projects. Many agricultural projects have tighter seasonal windows, making project timing critical.

2. Do I need to join local professional associations?
Absolutely. The Nebraska AGC Chapter and Fremont Chamber of Commerce are essential for networking. The Chamber often hosts "meet the contractor" events where municipal and commercial developers scout talent. Membership costs ($200-$400/year) are easily justified by the connections. The Dodge County Builders Association is smaller but valuable for residential/commercial crossover opportunities.

3. What's the typical project size in Fremont?
Most projects are in the $500K-$5M range. There are occasional $10M+ projects (like