Career Guide for Project Managers in Davenport, IA

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of the Quad Cities, I can tell you that Davenport offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunity, especially for skilled project managers. This isn't a booming tech hub like Austin or a sprawling metropolis like Chicago. It’s a pragmatic, Midwestern city where your dollar stretches further, and your expertise is genuinely valued by a diverse mix of employers. If you’re considering a move here, this guide is your roadmap.

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. Project management is a solid, well-compensated field in Davenport, but it’s important to understand the context. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $98,028/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.13/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, a common pattern for many Midwestern cities outside major coastal hubs. However, this gap is almost entirely offset—and often surpassed—by Davenport’s significantly lower cost of living.

Your earning potential is heavily influenced by experience, industry, and certification. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Drivers in Davenport
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Often starts in assistant project coordinator roles at manufacturing firms or local government. PMP not typically required yet.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot. The median falls here. Roles at major employers like John Deere or regional healthcare systems. PMP becomes a key differentiator.
Senior (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading large-scale projects (e.g., plant expansions, hospital construction). Often requires PMP and industry-specific certifications (e.g., Six Sigma).
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$135,000+	Program management, director-level roles. High demand in strategic initiatives at top-tier employers or consulting firms serving the region.

How does this compare to other Iowa cities? Davenport’s median is competitive within the state. It generally trails Des Moines, the state capital, where salaries are higher due to a concentration of insurance and finance corporate headquarters. However, it holds its own against Cedar Rapids, which has a similar industrial and healthcare base. The key differentiator is the Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (US avg = 100). That $98,028 in Davenport feels more like $115,000+ in a high-cost city, making it a financially astute choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial. For a single filer earning the median salary of $98,028, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown after federal, state, and FICA taxes (estimated total tax burden ~28%). This uses Davenport’s specific rent data.

• Monthly Gross Pay: ~$8,169
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions: ~$2,287
• Estimated Monthly Net (Take-Home) Pay: ~$5,882

Now, factor in living costs. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Davenport rents for $773/month. This is a critical advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Sample):

• Net Income: $5,882
• Rent (1BR): -$773
• Utilities (Est.): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance): -$500
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$300
• Student Loans/Debt: -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$817
• Discretionary Spending: ~$2,592

After essential expenses and aggressive retirement savings, you still have over $2,500 per month for discretionary spending, additional savings, or investments. This level of disposable income is rare in larger metros.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Davenport metro is approximately $180,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $1,150 (including taxes and insurance). This is roughly 45% of your take-home pay after setting aside for retirement—a manageable ratio for a median-earning professional. Compared to renting, building equity is a very tangible and attractive option here.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The job market for project managers in Davenport is stable, with an estimated 200 jobs in the metro area. Growth is steady, not explosive, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. The key is targeting the right sectors. Here are the major local employers actively hiring project management talent:

1. John Deere (Moline, IL - 10 min drive): The Quad Cities' economic engine. They hire project managers for manufacturing process improvements, new product introductions, and facility expansions. Hiring is cyclical but consistent. Knowledge of lean manufacturing is a huge plus.
2. Genesis Health System & UnityPoint Health – Trinity: The two major hospital systems. They constantly need project managers for IT system implementations (EHR), facility renovations, and regulatory compliance projects. Clinical background is not required, but understanding healthcare workflows is key.
3. City of Davenport & Scott County Government: Public sector projects are a major source of employment. Roles focus on infrastructure (roadwork, bridge repairs), community development, and IT projects. Stability and benefits are top-tier here.
4. Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids, IA - 45 min drive): While not in Davenport proper, it's a major regional employer for aerospace and defense projects. Project managers with security clearances or experience in regulated industries command premium salaries here.
5. Vibrant Credit Union & TBK Bank: The financial sector is a growing source of project management roles, particularly for digital transformation, branch modernization, and compliance initiatives.
6. Cargill (Nearby): With a large presence in the region, Cargill hires project managers for agricultural operations, supply chain logistics, and processing plant upgrades.
7. Quad Cities International Airport (MLI): A smaller but steady employer for capital improvement projects, terminal expansions, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative and stable project management roles are in manufacturing and healthcare. While government jobs offer great benefits, salary ceilings are lower. For the highest pay, target John Deere or Collins Aerospace, but be prepared for a commute.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa does not have a state-specific license for project managers. The profession is governed by national certifications and, in some cases, industry-specific credentials.

1. Primary Certification (PMP): The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. It is recognized and highly valued by all major Davenport employers. There is no state law requiring it, but it’s often a de facto requirement for senior roles.

   • Cost: PMI membership + exam fee: ~$555 - $795.
   • Timeline: Requires 36 months of leading projects with a bachelor’s degree (or 60 months without). Study time varies, but 2-3 months of dedicated prep is common.

2. State Licensing (Specific Fields):

   • Construction: If you are managing construction projects, you may need a contractor’s license from the Iowa Division of Labor. This is separate from project management certification.
   • Engineering: Project managers with a P.E. (Professional Engineer) license oversee engineering projects. This requires passing the FE and PE exams, a process that takes years.

3. Getting Started: If you’re new to the field, start by gaining project coordinator experience. No state licensing is needed for entry-level roles. Your first goal should be to meet the PMP eligibility requirements.

Insider Tip: The Quad Cities PMI Chapter (pmiqc.org) is an excellent resource for networking, study groups, and local job leads. Attending their meetings is a smart first move if you're considering a move.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Davenport’s neighborhoods offer distinct vibes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Davenport	Walkable, urban, historic. Near riverfront, restaurants, and some government offices. Commute to most employers is 10-20 mins by car.	$900 - $1,200	Younger PMs who want an urban lifestyle with a short commute to downtown offices.
The Village (East Davenport)	Trendy, upscale district with boutiques and cafes. Close to the river and 15 mins to downtown. More residential feel.	$850 - $1,100	PMs seeking a charming, community-oriented area with good amenities.
Northend (Near Rock Island Arsenal)	Affordable, practical, and close to major employers (John Deere, some government). 10-15 min commute to Moline or downtown.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious PMs who prioritize short commutes to the area's largest employers.
Bettendorf (IA)	A separate city but part of the metro. Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. Commute to Davenport is 15-25 mins.	$800 - $1,000	PMs with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
Moline (IL)	The other side of the river. Home to John Deere's global HQ. More corporate feel, great riverfront. Commute to Davenport is 10-20 mins.	$750 - $950	PMs targeting John Deere; perfect balance of city and suburban living.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal. The "commute" between Davenport and Moline is crossing the I-74 or I-280 bridge, which can back up during rush hour, but it's rarely a deal-breaker. Living in Moline to be near John Deere is a very common and smart choice for that specific career path.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Davenport is defined by specialization and certification.

• Specialty Premiums: Generalist PMs do well, but specialists earn more. IT/Software PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications can command a 10-15% premium. Construction PMs with a P.E. license or heavy equipment experience are in high demand. Manufacturing PMs with Six Sigma Black Belt certification see significant salary bumps.
• Advancement Paths: The path typically goes: Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager or Director of PMO (Project Management Office). To move up, you’ll need to manage larger budgets, more complex teams, and strategic initiatives. An MBA from a local school like St. Ambrose University can be beneficial for executive tracks, but is not as critical as proven experience and certifications.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is steady. Automation and AI will change tools, but not the need for human oversight, stakeholder communication, and risk management. The demand will remain strongest in healthcare (aging population), advanced manufacturing (reshoring trends), and public infrastructure (federal funding).

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision is personal. Here’s a clear breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Affordability: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is achievable.	Limited High-End Job Market: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs than major metros. Ceiling may be lower.
Stable Job Market: Dominated by recession-resistant industries (manufacturing, healthcare, government).	Cultural & Social Scene: Quieter than a big city. Fewer niche cultural events, major concerts, or pro sports teams.
Manageable Commute: Minimal traffic stress. Easy to live and work in different Quad Cities.	Weather: Harsh winters with snow and ice can be a lifestyle adjustment.
Strong Community: The Quad Cities has a tight-knit professional network. Easy to get connected.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity; walkability is confined to a few neighborhoods.
Work-Life Balance: The Midwestern pace values family and personal time. Overtime is not the norm.	Walkability: Outside of downtown and the Village, you're driving to most places.

Final Recommendation:
Davenport is an excellent choice for project managers who are financially-minded, value work-life balance, and are in the mid-to-senior stage of their careers. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, raise a family, or escape the grind of high-cost, high-stress metropolitan areas. It is less ideal for early-career professionals seeking a vibrant, fast-paced nightlife or those at the absolute peak of their industry (e.g., aiming for a C-suite role at a global tech firm). For the majority, however, Davenport offers a compelling, sustainable, and prosperous career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a project management job here?
While the "who you know" network is strong in a mid-sized city like Davenport, it's not an absolute requirement. However, actively networking through the local PMI chapter and LinkedIn is highly recommended. Many jobs are posted publicly, but referrals can give you a significant edge.

2. Is it feasible to commute from the Illinois side (Moline, Rock Island)?
Absolutely. The Quad Cities functions as one job market. Commuting from Moline to Davenport or vice-versa is a daily reality for thousands. The bridges are the main bottleneck, but a 15-25 minute commute is typical. Your choice should be based on lifestyle preference (IA vs. IL taxes, school districts) rather than job access.

3. What's the biggest surprise for new project managers moving to Davenport?
The level of professional opportunity relative to the city's size. Many assume it's a "small town" job market, but the presence of John Deere, major healthcare systems, and government entities creates a robust demand for skilled PMs. The other surprise is how fast you can build a professional network.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work with Davenport-based companies?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many employers offer hybrid models (2-3 days in office). However, fully remote roles are less common for local companies, as they value in-person collaboration, especially in manufacturing and healthcare. Remote opportunities are more plentiful if you work for a national company with a Davenport office.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?

1. Get Your PMP: If you don't have it, start the process now.
2. Research Employers: Target 3-5 key companies (like those listed above) and tailor your resume.
3. Connect Locally: Reach out to the Quad Cities PMI chapter and local recruiters on LinkedIn.
4. Visit: Spend a weekend in Davenport, drive through the neighborhoods, and feel the vibe. It’s the best way to know if it’s the right fit.

Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metro Area. Cost of Living Index from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Population and rent data from U.S. Census Bureau and local market analyses. Licensing information from Iowa Division of Labor and Project Management Institute (PMI).