The Bellevue Project Manager Career Guide

A Local's Guide to Salary, Jobs, and Life in Bellevue, Nebraska

As someone who’s lived in the Omaha metro for years and knows Bellevue’s unique rhythm, I’ve put together this guide to give you the real picture. Bellevue isn’t the bustling downtown core of Omaha, but it’s a stable, affordable military hub with a surprisingly deep job market for project management, especially in defense, aviation, and municipal contracting. If you’re eyeing a move here, this is the data you need.

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

Bellevue’s project management salaries are competitive for Nebraska but sit slightly below the national average. The market here is heavily influenced by the presence of Offutt Air Force Base and the defense contractors that orbit it. You won’t find the sky-high tech salaries of Austin or Seattle, but your paycheck goes much, much further here.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in the Bellevue area (based on local data from BLS and aggregated job postings):

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Bellevue-Specific Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Often starts in assistant project coordinator roles for defense or municipal firms.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot for most openings. The median salary of $99,001 falls right here.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Requires PMP or similar, often managing multi-million dollar defense contracts.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$140,000 - $160,000+	Program management roles at major contractors like Boeing or Leidos.

Compared to other Nebraska cities:

• Omaha: Entry-level is slightly higher (~$80k), but senior roles cap out similarly. The cost of living in Omaha's core is higher.
• Lincoln: Salaries are 5-8% lower across the board, with a smaller concentration of defense/aviation roles.
• Fremont/Grand Island: Significant drop in both salary and opportunity for specialized PM roles.

The Hourly Rate: For contract or hourly work, the local rate is $47.6/hour. This is a key benchmark for freelance or short-term project roles, especially in IT or engineering support.

The National Context: The U.S. median for Project Managers is $101,280/year (BLS, 2023). Bellevue’s $99,001 is 2.2% below that, a small but real difference. However, with the Cost of Living Index at 92.5 (where U.S. average = 100), your $99k in Bellevue feels like $107,000 nationally. It’s a net gain in purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’ve been offered a $99,001 project manager position in Bellevue. What does your monthly budget actually look like?

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard deduction, NE state tax ~5.5%, federal ~12%. This is an estimate; use a payroll calculator for your exact situation.

• Gross Monthly: $8,250
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,100 - $2,300
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,950 - $6,150

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $878
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance: $500 (Bellevue is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $1,500
• Remaining (Buffer/Savings/Debt): ~$2,122 - $2,322

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes. With a $99,001 salary, you’re in a prime position. The median home price in Bellevue is approximately $245,000.

• 20% Down Payment: $49,000 (a significant upfront cost, but your savings rate here makes it achievable in 2-3 years of disciplined saving).
• Monthly Mortgage (30-year, 6.5%): ~$1,235 (including taxes/insurance).
• This is only ~$357 more than the average rent. For many, the trade-off for equity and space is worth it. Neighborhoods like Sunnyside or Benson Park offer homes in this range with good commutes.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

Bellevue’s job market is anchored by aerospace, defense, and federal government support. It’s not a huge tech hub, but the roles that exist are stable and well-compensated.

1. Offutt Air Force Base (USAF): The city’s economic heart. Direct civilian project management roles are announced on USAJOBS.gov. Focus is on facility management, IT infrastructure, and program management for base operations. Hiring is steady but can be slowed by federal budget cycles.

2. Boeing (Huntington Beach site, but major Omaha-area presence): A top employer for aviation project managers. They manage large-scale programs for the KC-135 Stratotanker and other military aircraft. Roles often require security clearances. Insider Tip: Networking with Boeing PMs at local events (like those at the Bellevue Public Library) is key.

3. Leidos / SAIC / CACI: These major defense contractors have significant operations supporting Offutt. They hire for cybersecurity project management, intelligence program management, and engineering project lead roles. They often subcontract to smaller local firms.

4. Bellevue University: The university itself is a major employer, often hiring project managers for campus expansion, IT system implementations, and grant-funded programs. It’s a great option for a role with a more traditional 9-5 schedule.

5. City of Bellevue: The municipal government manages constant infrastructure projects—road repairs, water treatment upgrades, parks development. Project manager roles here are advertised on the city’s website and offer excellent job stability and benefits.

6. Mutual of Omaha (Omaha HQ): While not in Bellevue, it’s a 15-minute commute. They hire project managers for software development, insurance process improvement, and marketing campaigns. A strong option if you want to diversify outside of defense.

Hiring Trends: There’s a slow but steady demand for PMs with PMP certification and government security clearances. The shift towards IT and cybersecurity projects is accelerating, even in traditional sectors like aviation.

Getting Licensed in NE

Unlike some states, Nebraska does not have a state-specific "project manager license." However, professional credentials are paramount in the local market, especially for defense and construction.

• The Gold Standard: PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the most sought-after credential. It requires:

  • 35 hours of project management education (cost: $1,000 - $2,500 for a reputable course).
  • Experience: 36 months leading projects (with a bachelor’s) or 60 months (without).
  • Exam Fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members.
  • Timeline: From starting the application to sitting for the exam is typically 4-6 months.

• Construction-Specific: If you’re in building or infrastructure, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or LEED AP for sustainability are valuable. These are administered by their own organizations (CMAA, USGBC).

• Government Work: For roles at Offutt or with federal contractors, a security clearance (often Secret or Top Secret) is more important than any license. This process is sponsored by your employer and can take 6-12 months.

Getting Started: Begin with the free PMP Handbook on the PMI website. Local PMI chapter meetings in Omaha (attended by many Bellevue professionals) are great for prep and networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Bellevue is geographically spread out. Your choice of neighborhood will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Old Bellevue	Historic, walkable to main street. 15-20 mins to Offutt.	$900 - $1,100	PMs who want a true community feel, older homes, and local cafes.
Sunnyside	Quiet, residential, near Bellevue High. 10-15 mins to Offutt.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious PMs, families, or those wanting more house for the money.
Benson Park	Newer developments, modern apartments. 15-25 mins to Offutt.	$1,000 - $1,300	PMs seeking amenities (pools, gyms) and a slightly longer, easier commute.
La Vista (adjacent)	More commercial, strip malls, very easy access to I-80 and Omaha.	$950 - $1,150	PMs commuting to Omaha (Mutual of Omaha, etc.) who want quick highway access.
Offutt Base Housing	Privatized military housing. Base access required.	Varies (often below market)	Military families or civilians with base access. It's safe and convenient.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Bellevue is minimal. The biggest bottleneck is the Kennedy Freeway (US-75) during rush hour. Living south of the freeway (Sunnyside, Old Bellevue) can shave a few minutes off your commute to the base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Bellevue PMs is cautiously optimistic, with a 6% job growth rate in the metro. This is slower than the national average but stable, driven by federal spending and infrastructure needs.

Specialty Premiums:

• Security Clearance (Secret/Top Secret): Can add 5-15% to your base salary in defense roles.
• IT/Cybersecurity PM: Commands a 10-20% premium over general construction or facility PMs.
• PMP Certification: Almost a requirement for senior roles; it can unlock a $10k-$20k salary jump.

Advancement Paths:

1. Specialist to Leader: Move from a technical project (e.g., IT) to a program manager overseeing multiple related projects.
2. Defense to Commercial: Use your cleared experience to move into a senior PM role at a larger firm like Union Pacific (Omaha HQ) or First National Bank (Omaha), diversifying your resume.
3. Consulting: With 10+ years and a PMP, you can launch a solo consulting practice serving small local contractors or startups, though this is less common in Bellevue’s market.

10-Year Outlook: The core driver will remain federal and defense spending. If government budgets contract, the market will tighten. However, Bellevue’s low cost of living and proximity to Omaha’s broader economy provide a buffer. Investing in agile methodologies and IT project management will future-proof your career here.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme Affordability: Your $99,001 salary goes farther here than in 90% of U.S. cities.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily reliant on defense/government. A federal hiring freeze hurts.
Stable Job Market: Defense and municipal contracts provide steady work.	Car Dependency: You need a car. Public transit is limited.
Short Commutes: 15-20 minutes is typical, even to Omaha.	Social Scene is Quiet: If you crave a vibrant nightlife or endless events, look to Omaha's Benson or Dundee.
Proximity to Omaha: Easy access to big-city amenities (sports, concerts, major hospitals) without the cost.	Geographic Isolation: It’s 10+ hours from major coastal cities.
Strong Community Feel: Especially in Old Bellevue and Sunnyside.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters. Tornadoes are a real risk.

Final Recommendation:
Yes, consider Bellevue if: You work in defense, IT, or municipal projects; you value affordability and a short commute; you’re okay with a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle; and you have or are willing to get a PMP and/or security clearance. It’s an excellent place to build a stable career and buy a home.

Look elsewhere if: You need a dynamic, high-growth startup culture; you don’t want to own a car; or you require industry diversity (e.g., moving from automotive to tech) within the same city.

FAQs

1. Do I need a PMP to get a job in Bellevue?
For entry-level, no. For mid-to-senior roles, especially with defense contractors, it’s often a non-negotiable filter. It shows you speak the standard project management language.

2. How hard is it to get a security clearance?
You can’t self-sponsor. An employer must sponsor you. The process is thorough (background check, interviews) and can take 6-12 months. Your job offer will likely be contingent on obtaining it. Be patient; it’s a career gatekeeper.

3. Is Bellevue good for families?
Yes, consistently ranked well for public schools (Bellevue Public Schools, Papillion-La Vista SCSD) and safety. Parks like Falcon Park and Cobblestone Park are family staples.

4. What’s the commute to downtown Omaha like?
From Bellevue, it’s 15-25 minutes via I-80 or US-75. Traffic is predictable. If you work at a company like Berkshire Hathaway or First National Bank in downtown Omaha, it’s a very manageable commute.

5. Can I find project manager jobs without a defense background?
Yes, but you may need to look slightly broader. The City of Bellevue, Bellevue University, and Mutual of Omaha (in Omaha) are your best bets. However, be prepared for competition from candidates with clearances.

---

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nebraska Department of Labor, Zillow Rental Data, Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research), PMI, USAJOBS. All salary figures are based on 2023-2024 local market data.