Construction Manager in Grand Island, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Grand Island Stands

As someone who's watched this town grow from a simple railroad hub to a thriving regional center, I can tell you the numbers for Construction Managers in Grand Island are solid, especially when you factor in our low cost of living. The median salary here is $104,087/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.04/hour. That puts you just under the national average of $108,210/year, but the local purchasing power is significantly stronger. There are approximately 105 construction management jobs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%, which is steady and sustainable for our size.

Here’s how experience level typically breaks down in our market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Grand Island)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordinator, assistant superintendent, estimating support. Often starts with a commercial or residential builder like Schrock or Mid-Continent.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Managing 1-3 medium projects, direct oversight of subcontractors, budget control. This is where most licensed PEs or experienced CMs land.
Senior (10-15 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Overseeing multiple projects, client relations, complex logistics (e.g., hospital expansions, industrial builds).
Expert (15+ years)	$135,000+	Executive roles, business development, mentoring, large-scale public works. Often with firms like HGM or on the municipal side.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities:
Grand Island's median of $104,087 is competitive within the state. It trails Omaha (~$112,000) and Lincoln (~$110,000), where the market is larger and denser. However, it beats out smaller metros like Kearney (~$98,000) and North Platte (~$96,000). The real advantage here is the cost-of-living index of 87.3 (national average = 100). That means your $104,087 salary in Grand Island has the same purchasing power as a salary of about $119,000 in a national average-cost city. For a construction manager, this is a key strategic advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. For a single filer with no dependents, earning $104,087/year in Nebraska (which has a progressive income tax), your take-home pay after federal and state taxes is roughly $78,000 - $80,000 annually, or about $6,500 - $6,667 per month. (This is a general estimate; consult a CPA for your exact situation.)

Now, let's layer in the housing cost. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Grand Island is $829/month. A more realistic choice for a professional might be a comfortable 2-bedroom, which runs about $1,100/month in a safe, central neighborhood.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (for a Mid-Career CM earning the median):

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,600
• Rent (2-BR): -$1,100
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Car Payment/Insurance (Nebraska has high car insurance rates): -$500
• Fuel & Maintenance: -$200
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored, single): -$150
• Discretionary/Savings/Retirement (401k, etc.): ~$3,900

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Grand Island metro is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,200 (including property taxes and insurance). This is only slightly more than the cost of renting a 2-bedroom apartment. For a construction manager with stable income, saving for that down payment is very feasible within 2-4 years of living here, especially if you're single.

Where the Jobs Are: Grand Island's Major Employers

Grand Island's construction market is driven by healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education. The jobs are stable and often long-term. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Hastings Regional Health Services (State Hospital Campus): This is a major, ongoing employer. They have constant facility maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects. They often hire a dedicated construction manager or work with large firms. It's a prime spot for public-sector project management.
2. Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS): With multiple schools and ongoing capital improvement projects (think gymnasiums, safety upgrades), GIPS is a consistent source of work. They often contract with local firms but may have an in-house facilities director.
3. Mid-Continent Steel (ConAgra Brands): This is a massive processing plant. The work here is industrial—plant expansions, utility upgrades, and maintenance projects. It's high-stakes and requires someone with industrial experience.
4. CHI Health St. Francis: The local hospital is part of a larger network and frequently updates facilities. From new outpatient clinics to major remodels, this is a key client for regional construction firms.
5. Schrock Builders / Mid-Continent Builders: These are the two largest local commercial/residential construction firms. They are the primary employers for on-the-ground construction managers. Hiring is often through networking, and they value local knowledge.
6. City of Grand Island / Hall County: Public works projects—roadways, water treatment, municipal buildings—are a steady pipeline. These jobs offer great benefits and job security but often require a PE license or significant public works experience.
7. Pinnacle Bank & Other Financial Institutions: As the region's financial hub, banks are constantly building new branches or renovating existing ones. Their projects are smaller but frequent, offering good networking opportunities.

Hiring Trend: The trend is steady, not explosive. The 8% growth is driven by aging infrastructure (especially in public and institutional sectors) and the ongoing need for agricultural processing facilities. It's a relationship-driven market. Insider Tip: Get involved with the Central Nebraska Home Builders Association (CNHBA); that's where the real job leads are shared.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a state-level "Construction Manager" license. Instead, the key credential is the Professional Engineer (PE) license for those managing public works or signing off on structural elements, or the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA for private sector project management.

1. PE License (Most Common Path):

   • Requirements: Accredited engineering degree (ABET), pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of progressive experience under a PE, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Cost: FE exam: $225. PE exam: ~$300. Application fees: ~$200. Total: **$725** plus study materials.
   • Timeline: Minimum of 4-5 years from FE to PE. Start studying for the FE during your final year of college.
   • State Board: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Professional Licensure Unit.

2. CCM Certification (For Private Sector):

   • Requirements: 4 years of construction management experience (with a relevant degree) or 8 years without. Must pass the CCM exam.
   • Cost: Exam fee: $600. Annual renewal: ~$150. Total first-year cost: **$750**.
   • Timeline: Can be achieved once you meet the experience requirement. No waiting period if you're already qualified.

Insider Tip: In Grand Island, a PE license is often treated as a "master key." It opens doors to public projects and greatly increases your credibility and salary potential, often pushing you into the $120,000+ range. It's worth the investment if you plan to stay in Nebraska.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Grand Island is a compact city, so commutes are short. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a walkable downtown vibe, suburban quiet, or proximity to industrial zones.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Median Rent (2-BR)	Best For
Downtown / Southside	Historic, walkable, near the Platte River. 5-10 mins to most offices.	$1,000 - $1,300	Younger CMs who want nightlife, restaurants (like The Grand), and a short commute.
Northridge	Quiet, family-oriented, good schools. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,400	Mid-career professionals looking to buy a home in a stable area. Safe and established.
West Lawn / Fairmont	Mix of older homes and new builds. Central location, near St. Francis hospital.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want a central location with a bit more character and a short drive to everything.
Southwest / Industrial Corridor	Newer subdivisions, modern homes. Close to Mid-Continent Steel and the airport.	$1,200 - $1,500	Managers who work in industrial construction and want a quick, easy commute.
Eastside (near Grand Island Senior High)	Older, established neighborhood with large lots. Very central.	$900 - $1,150	Value-seekers who want space and don't mind a slightly older home stock.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a firm like Schrock, living in West Lawn or Southwest gives you the best access to both commercial sites and residential projects, which are often on the city's growing edges.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Grand Island, career growth is less about dramatic title jumps and more about expanding your project portfolio and obtaining the right credentials.

• Specialty Premiums: You'll earn a premium for experience in:
  • Industrial/Ag Processing: $10k-$20k above median.
  • Healthcare Construction (HIPAA-compliant projects): $15k-$25k above median.
  • Public Works (with PE license): $15k-$30k above median, with superior benefits.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Assistant Superintendent → Project Manager → Senior PM → Operations Manager. In smaller firms, you might jump to a Vice President role. The biggest leap comes from moving from a purely operational role to a business development/estimating role, where you bring in clients.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The demand won't be for new firms, but for skilled managers to replace retiring baby boomers. The biggest opportunities will be in:
  1. Sustainable Construction: As regulations tighten, managers with green building (LEED, etc.) knowledge will be in high demand for public and institutional projects.
  2. Technology Integration: BIM (Building Information Modeling) and project management software expertise is becoming a baseline expectation, not a bonus.
  3. Infrastructure: Nebraska's aging water and road systems guarantee public works projects for decades.

The Verdict: Is Grand Island Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Purchasing Power: Your salary stretches far due to the low cost of living (87.3 index).	Limited Upside: The salary ceiling is lower than in Omaha or Lincoln. Major promotions often require moving.
Stable, Steady Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, ag, and government. Low unemployment.	"Nebraska Nice" Can Be Slow: Business moves at a deliberate pace. It takes time to build relationships.
Easy Commutes & Quality of Life: 10-15 minute commutes, low crime, good schools, strong community.	Cultural & Social Scene is Limited: It's a family-oriented town. Nightlife is sparse; you'll drive to Omaha for major concerts/sports.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It's easy to know everyone in your industry, which is great for job hunting.	Weather: Harsh winters with ice and snow, and hot, humid summers can impact construction schedules.

Final Recommendation: Grand Island is an ideal choice for a construction manager in the mid-to-late career stage who values stability, homeownership, and community over chasing the highest possible salary. It's perfect for someone with a family or who is planning to start one. It's less ideal for a young, single professional seeking a bustling urban environment or an early-career climber who needs the rapid project turnover of a major metropolis.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Grand Island?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited, and most job sites are spread out. Even living downtown, you'll need a car to get to suburbs or industrial areas. Budget for it.

2. How competitive is the job market for out-of-state applicants?
It's moderately competitive. Local firms often hire from within their networks or from nearby universities like UNL. However, they are open to experienced out-of-state candidates, especially those with a PE license or healthcare/industrial project experience. Your best bet is to apply directly to firms like Schrock or HGM and network via the CNHBA.

3. What's the winter work schedule like?
In the winter, outdoor work slows or stops. This is a season for planning, estimating, indoor fit-outs, and equipment maintenance. It's a different rhythm. Some CMs use this time for training and certification. Snow removal can be a side hustle for some companies.

4. Is it better to work for a large firm or a small local builder?
Depends on your goal. Large firms (like those with offices in Omaha) offer more structured career paths and varied projects but may have a more corporate culture. Local builders (Schrock, Mid-Continent) offer more autonomy, direct client contact, and a strong sense of community impact. Pay is similar, but benefits may differ.

5. How do I get involved in the local construction community?
Join the Central Nebraska Home Builders Association (CNHBA) and the Nebraska section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Attend the monthly luncheons. Also, get to know the staff at the Hall County Clerk's office and the City of Grand Island Planning/Zoning department—they are the gatekeepers for permits and will be your daily contacts. A friendly relationship there is worth its weight in gold.