Construction Manager in Lincoln, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Lincoln, Nebraska.

---

As a career analyst with deep roots in Lincoln, I’ve watched this city grow in steady, predictable waves. It’s not a boomtown like some coastal cities, but its stability is its strength. For Construction Managers, Lincoln offers a unique blend of steady municipal and university work, a lower cost of living that stretches your paycheck, and a community where you can actually build a life, not just a career. This guide is your on-the-ground report, built on data and local insights, to help you decide if Lincoln is the right foundation for your next project.

The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

Let’s get right to the numbers. A Construction Manager in Lincoln, NE earns a median salary of $105,612 per year, which breaks down to a solid $50.77 per hour. It's important to understand that this is the median—the point where half of all managers earn more and half earn less. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience, the complexity of the projects you manage, and the type of firm you work for.

The Lincoln metro area (which includes surrounding counties) currently supports 589 jobs for Construction Managers, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it signals a healthy, sustainable demand for skilled leadership on job sites. The national average salary for this role is $108,210/year, meaning Lincoln sits just slightly below the national mark. However, when you factor in Lincoln’s significantly lower cost of living (more on that later), that salary goes much further here than it does in most other metro areas.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn as you build your career in Lincoln:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$90,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$120,000 - $155,000
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$155,000+

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

How does Lincoln stack up against other major hubs in the state?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Notes
Lincoln	$105,612	92.0	State capital, major university, steady municipal work.
Omaha	$109,850	92.8	Larger corporate HQs (Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha) and a bigger healthcare scene.
Grand Island	$98,500	88.5	Central hub for agricultural and logistics construction; lower salary but also lower COL.
Kearney	$96,200	89.0	Education and healthcare-driven; home to UNK.

As you can see, Omaha offers a slightly higher median salary, but Lincoln’s unique profile—centered on government, education, and healthcare construction—provides a different kind of stability. The projects here are often publicly funded or from long-term institutional clients, which can mean less volatility compared to the private commercial sector.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $105,612 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down for a single person with no dependents.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $105,612 / 12 = $8,801
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,300/month (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro for your situation).
• Net (Take-Home) Pay: ~$6,501/month

Now, let’s layer in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln is $856/month. This is a key advantage. After rent, you’re left with $5,645 for utilities, groceries, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending. This is a very comfortable margin.

Insider Tip: Many of the nicer, newer 1-bedroom apartments in desirable areas like the Haymarket or near South Lincoln’s shopping districts will run you closer to $1,000 - $1,200/month. Even at that higher end, your post-rent disposable income is still a strong $5,301/month.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is where Lincoln truly shines for a professional earning the median salary. The median home value in Lincoln is approximately $275,000.

• 20% Down Payment: $55,000
• Loan Amount: $220,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (at ~6.5% interest): $1,390
• Property Taxes & Insurance (est.): $450/month
• Total Estimated Monthly Housing Payment: $1,840

A monthly housing payment of $1,840 is about 21% of your gross monthly income—well within the recommended 28-30% range. Owning a home in Lincoln is a realistic and financially sound goal for a Construction Manager.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln’s job market for construction management is driven by a few key sectors. It’s less about speculative high-rises and more about institutional, municipal, and healthcare projects. Here are the primary employers you should be targeting:

1. City of Lincoln (Public Works & Building Department): The city itself is one of the largest employers. They manage an endless pipeline of infrastructure projects—road expansions, water treatment facilities, park improvements, and public building renovations. You’ll find roles here managing public contracts and ensuring compliance with city codes.
2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL): As a major Big Ten university, UNL is in a constant state of growth and renewal. They manage everything from new dormitories and research facilities (like the recent $150M Animal Science Complex) to stadium renovations and historic building preservation. The scale is massive and the projects are technically complex.
3. Lincoln Public Schools (LPS): The third-largest school district in Nebraska, LPS regularly passes bond issues to fund new school construction, additions, and modernizations. These are long-term, community-focused projects with strict budgets and timelines.
4. Bryan Health & CHI Health: Lincoln’s two major healthcare systems are in a perpetual state of expansion. Bryan Health’s main campus and CHI Health St. Elizabeth’s Hospital both require managers skilled in healthcare construction—a niche with its own set of regulations (HIPAA, infection control) and technical demands.
5. Large General Contractors (Local & Regional): This is where most of the private-sector commercial work is. Key players include Lauritzen Inc., Noddle Development Companies, and regional firms like Sampson Construction (based in nearby Kearney). These companies handle everything from corporate office buildings in the Haymarket District to retail developments in South Lincoln.
6. Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT): While state-level, NDOT has a significant presence in Lincoln, managing major highway projects like the ongoing I-80 and I-180 interchange work. These roles are for managers who specialize in large-scale civil infrastructure.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, especially with the university and public school districts. Having LEED or WELL certification on your resume will make you a standout candidate for these institutional projects.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s licensing for Construction Managers is handled by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of the State Fire Marshal. It’s a structured process.

• The Designation: The official title is a "Construction Manager" (CM). Nebraska operates under a tiered system based on experience and project size.
• Requirements: You must document a combination of education (typically a bachelor's degree in a related field) and progressive experience in construction management. For the CM designation, you'll often need to pass an exam administered by the state.
• Costs: Expect to pay application and examination fees totaling around $200 - $400. This is a one-time cost to get your initial license. You will also need to renew it periodically (typically every 2 years), which incurs a smaller fee.
• Timeline: If you already have your experience and education documented, the process from application to holding your license can take 3 to 6 months. This includes processing time and scheduling the exam.

Insider Tip: Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with several states. If you are already a licensed CM in another state, the process is often streamlined. Check directly with the NE DHHS for the most current reciprocity guidelines.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Lincoln will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is divided by a simple grid system, making navigation easy. Here’s a breakdown of top areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Core Employers
The Haymarket/Downtown	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. New loft apartments and historic buildings. Close to UNL and City/County offices.	$1,100 - $1,400	5-10 min walk or bike ride.
South Lincoln (Cotner/84th St. Corridor)	Family-friendly, modern suburbs, excellent schools, major retail hubs.	$950 - $1,200	15-25 min drive to downtown/university.
Near South / College View	Quiet, established neighborhoods with older, character-filled homes. Close to Union College and parks.	$800 - $1,000	10-15 min drive to downtown.
Clinton/Bethany	Mix of older, affordable homes and new infill developments. Convenient to I-80 for travel to job sites outside the city.	$750 - $950	15-20 min drive to downtown.

Personal Insight: If you’re single and enjoy an urban feel, the Haymarket is unbeatable. For managers with families or those who value space and quiet, South Lincoln is the clear winner. A commute from South Lincoln to a job site in the Haymarket or near UNL is rarely more than 20 minutes, barring major accidents.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lincoln is not a place for get-rich-quick career jumps, but it’s an excellent environment for steady, sustainable growth.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command higher salaries. Healthcare construction management is the top earner, often paying 10-15% above the median due to its complexity. Large-scale civil/infrastructure (e.g., NDOT projects) and higher education construction also come with premiums.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer > Assistant PM > Project Manager > Senior Project Manager > Director of Operations/VP. In Lincoln, many senior managers eventually move into ownership roles at local general contracting firms or start their own boutique firms specializing in a specific niche (e.g., historic preservation, sustainable building).
• 10-Year Outlook (8% Growth): The projected 8% job growth is directly tied to the city’s aging infrastructure and the constant need for institutional expansion. The most in-demand managers will be those who can handle complex projects, navigate public funding, and lead teams effectively. The rise of pre-fabrication and modular construction will also create new opportunities for managers who adapt to these methods.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Lincoln offers a high quality of life for Construction Managers, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a final, honest assessment.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your salary goes much further here than in larger metros.	Limited "Showpiece" Projects: You won't be managing many 50-story skyscrapers.
Stable Job Market: Driven by government, education, and healthcare, not volatile private markets.	Slower Pace: Career acceleration can feel more gradual compared to boomtowns.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you can live anywhere and get to work easily.	Cultural & Dining Scene is Smaller: While improving, it can't match the options in Omaha or larger cities.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to build a network and a life outside of work.	Winters are Cold: Be prepared for snow and ice, which can impact construction schedules.

Final Recommendation: Lincoln is an ideal choice for a Construction Manager who values stability, work-life balance, and financial security over chasing the next headline-grabbing project. It's perfect for those looking to put down roots, buy a home, and become a respected leader in a close-knit professional community. If you’re an experienced manager who wants to build a tangible legacy in a growing city, Lincoln should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

1. How does Lincoln's cost of living affect a construction manager's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 92.0 (compared to the US average of 100), your $105,612 salary in Lincoln provides a higher standard of living than the same salary in a city with a 100+ index. Essentially, your housing, transportation, and daily expenses are about 8% cheaper than the national average, meaning your disposable income is significantly higher.

2. Is a car necessary in Lincoln?
For a Construction Manager, yes. While the downtown core and university area are walkable and bikeable, job sites are spread across the entire metro area. You will be regularly visiting sites in industrial parks, suburban schools, and outlying infrastructure projects. Having a reliable vehicle is essential.

3. What's the best way to network in Lincoln's construction scene?
Join the Nebraska Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) and attend their events. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce also hosts mixers where you can meet developers and city officials. The local scene is tight-knit; being visible and involved is key.

4. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
Partially. While the core of construction management requires being on-site, you can expect a hybrid schedule. You might spend 2-3 days a week in the office for planning, budgeting, and meetings, and the rest on-site. Purely remote roles are rare and typically reserved for high-level estimators or project executives.

5. How do the seasons affect construction work in Lincoln?
The construction season is most intense from April through October. Winters (November-March) are slower, with a focus on interior work, planning, and bidding for the upcoming year. Snow and cold can cause delays, so good managers build buffer time into their schedules. This cycle provides a natural rhythm to the year, though it requires careful financial planning for the slower months.