Construction Manager in West Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where West Des Moines Stands

As a local, I’ll tell you straight: West Des Moines isn't the most lucrative market for Construction Managers on the national stage, but it's a stable, respectable earner with a cost of living that makes it a practical choice. The median salary here is $105,840/year, which breaks down to about $50.88/hour. While that’s slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, the difference is marginal and easily offset by our lower expenses.

The job market is tight but growing. The metro area has about 144 jobs for Construction Managers currently, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This growth is largely fueled by the steady expansion of residential subdivisions, commercial retail spaces, and infrastructure projects around the Des Moines metro. The West Des Moines area, in particular, is a hotspot for new development, especially along the Grand Avenue corridor and the burgeoning "Grand View District" near Raccoon River.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in our area:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Years in Field	Typical Salary Range (West Des Moines)
Entry-Level	0-5 years	$75,000 - $95,000
Mid-Career	5-10 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	10-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$140,000 - $170,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior often comes with taking on larger, more complex projects (like multi-family developments or light industrial facilities) for local firms like R&R Contracting or Weitz. Project value and team size are your biggest levers for salary growth.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Iowa Cities

West Des Moines is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan statistical area (MSA). While Des Moines proper has a similar median, the suburbs offer different opportunities. Here’s a quick comparison:

City	Median Salary	Notes & Local Context
West Des Moines	$105,840	Strong residential/commercial growth; lower cost of living than Des Moines proper.
Des Moines (City)	~$106,500	Higher density of large commercial and public works projects.
Iowa City	~$98,500	Driven by university and healthcare construction; smaller job market.
Cedar Rapids	~$102,000	Strong industrial and manufacturing base; different project mix.
Davenport	~$99,000	More industrial and infrastructure-focused; lower salary, lower cost.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A salary of $105,840 sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life in West Des Moines? After federal, state, and FICA taxes (estimated at a combined 25-28% for this bracket), your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $6,400 - $6,600.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in West Des Moines is $899/month. This is a key advantage. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,500	After taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$899	Citywide average. Can be higher in premium areas.
Utilities & Internet	$150	Includes electric, gas, water, and high-speed internet.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	A necessity in this metro. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Dining	$600	Competitive grocery prices (Hy-Vee, Fareway).
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; this is a common premium contribution.
Retirement (401k)	$500	Contributing to match is highly recommended.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$3,601	This is a very healthy surplus.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in West Des Moines is around $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) might be around $1,600 - $1,800. That’s only about double the average rent, and well within your budget. Local lenders like Veridian Credit Union and Iowa State Bank are popular for mortgages. Many construction professionals I know own homes here, often in neighborhoods like Clive or Urbandale.

Where the Jobs Are: West Des Moines's Major Employers

The market here is segmented into general contractors, specialty subcontractors, and developers. The demand is for managers who can handle both residential and commercial projects. Here are the key players:

1. R&R Contracting (West Des Moines): A major player in commercial construction, from retail centers to medical offices. They’re consistently hiring for project managers, especially those with strong subcontractor coordination skills. They have a significant presence in the Jordan Creek area.

2. Weitz (Des Moines, serves metro): One of the largest and most reputable firms in the state. They handle large-scale projects (hospitals, corporate headquarters). Getting in here is competitive, but it’s a career-maker. They often promote from within.

3. The Knapp Family of Companies (Multiple locations): A powerhouse in concrete and general construction. They are the go-to for many infrastructure and municipal projects in the Des Moines metro. Hiring trends are stable, with a focus on civil and industrial projects.

4. Larsen Construction (Des Moines): Specializes in commercial and industrial projects. Known for a strong company culture and investing in their managers' development. A great place for mid-career professionals looking to step up.

5. Weiman Company (West Des Moines): A leading commercial HVAC and plumbing contractor. A fantastic niche if you want to move into specialty trades management. The demand for skilled MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) managers is high and growing.

6. Local Developers (e.g., Hubbell Realty, Blackbird Investments): These firms aren’t contractors but are the source of the work. They often hire construction managers directly to oversee their own projects, especially in the booming West Des Moines residential market. It’s a different pace—more focused on long-term planning and less on day-to-day field work.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often filled through networking before they’re posted. Join the Central Iowa Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. Attending their monthly luncheons is the single best way to hear about opportunities.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa does not have a state-level license for general construction managers, which is common in the Midwest. However, licensing is required for specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and for home builders. This is a critical distinction.

• Home Builder License: If you plan to manage residential projects (single-family, duplexes), you must obtain a Residential Contractor License from the Iowa Division of Labor.

  • Requirements: Pass an exam, provide proof of financial responsibility (bond or letter of credit), and carry general liability insurance.
  • Cost: Exam fee is $150. Bond/insurance costs vary but expect $5,000 - $10,000 in upfront costs.
  • Timeline: From application to license, allow 2-3 months.

• Commercial Projects: For commercial work, licensing is not required for the manager per se, but the project itself must comply with all codes. Your value is your experience and your ability to navigate the permit process with the West Des Moines Building Department.

• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is highly respected. It’s a major differentiator for commercial roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. West Des Moines and its surrounding suburbs offer a range of options.

1. Jordan Creek Area (West Des Moines):

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to major project sites. Close to the Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping/dining.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools (Waukee Community School District). Newer housing stock.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month (1BR).

2. Downtown West Des Moines:

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to many downtown Des Moines projects.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, with growing bars and restaurants. More of a "city-lite" feel. Home to the R&R Contracting office.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month (1BR).

3. Clive:

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to West Des Moines job sites.
   • Lifestyle: Affluent, quiet, with large lots and beautiful parks (like the Raccoon River Park Trail). A popular choice for senior managers.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month (1BR). Note: Rental inventory is lower here; many opt to buy.

4. Waukee:

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes. This is the frontier of growth, with massive new subdivisions.
   • Lifestyle: Rapidly growing, family-centric, with a small-town feel that’s disappearing fast. Constant construction (which can be an advantage or a nuisance).
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month (1BR).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% is a solid indicator of stability, but to maximize your earnings, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: With major providers like UnityPoint Health and MercyOne in the metro, managers with hospital project experience can command a 10-15% salary premium.
  • Industrial/Warehouse: The logistics boom (driven by Amazon's nearby fulfillment center) has created a high demand for managers skilled in large-scale, fast-track industrial projects.
  • Sustainable Building (LEED): While not as prevalent as on the coasts, there's growing demand. Getting a LEED AP credential can open doors to corporate and public projects.

• Advancement Path: The typical path is Project Engineer -> Assistant PM -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Operations Manager/VP. The leap from PM to Senior PM is the most significant, often requiring you to manage budgets over $5M and teams of 10+. The next step is moving into executive leadership, focusing on business development and strategic planning.

The Verdict: Is West Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. Your $105,840 goes much further than in coastal cities.	Limited job market size. With only 144 jobs, your options are narrower than in a major metro.
Stable, growing market. The 8% growth is steady, not boom-and-bust.	Reliance on the local economy. A downturn in Midwest agriculture or manufacturing can ripple through construction.
Excellent work-life balance. 50-hour weeks are common, but 60+ is rare compared to larger cities.	Cold winters can slow outdoor projects for 3-4 months, affecting schedules and cash flow.
High quality of life. Safe, clean, with easy access to outdoor recreation and a vibrant downtown.	Professional networking is smaller; you must be intentional about building your circle.

Final Recommendation: West Des Moines is an excellent choice for construction managers seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals who want to buy a home, start a family, and grow their career without the intense pressure of a major coastal market. It’s less ideal for those seeking the highest possible salary or the most cutting-edge, large-scale urban projects.

FAQs

1. I’m a construction manager from out of state. How long will it take to get hired?
In my experience, it typically takes 2-4 months. The market is selective. Your best bet is to start applying remotely, then plan a visit to interview. Be prepared to discuss Iowa-specific building codes and weather considerations.

2. How important is a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?
It’s not a requirement, but it’s a huge advantage. Many project sites require you to drive dump trucks or other equipment. Having a CDL can separate you from other candidates.

3. Is there a lot of union vs. non-union work?
It’s a mix. Commercial and public works projects often involve union labor (IBEW, Carpenters). Residential and smaller commercial projects are typically non-union. Understanding both labor dynamics is key.

4. What’s the biggest mistake new hires make?
Underestimating the local relationships. Success here is built on knowing the subcontractors, the inspectors at the West Des Moines Building Department, and the local suppliers. It’s a relationship-driven market.

5. Can I work remotely?
Partially. You can do paperwork, scheduling, and meetings from home, but you must be on-site regularly. The nature of construction management requires physical presence. It’s not a remote-friendly field.