The Project Manager’s Guide to Fremont, NE: A Local’s Take on Salary, Jobs, and Lifestyle

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the Nebraska job market, I can tell you that Fremont isn’t on many national radar screens, but for project managers who value affordability and a stable, Midwestern work ethic, it’s a hidden gem. This isn't a guide for someone chasing a coastal tech salary; it’s for a professional who understands that a median salary of $98,393 goes a lot further in a town of 27,321 people than it does in Omaha or Lincoln. Let’s break down what your life—and career—would actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

First, let's get the numbers straight. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Project Manager in the Fremont metro area is $98,393 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.3. This is actually slightly below the national average of $101,280, but that comparison is misleading. The real story is in the cost of living, which we'll get to.

The job market here isn't massive—only about 54 project management-related jobs are typically open in the metro at any given time—but the 10-year job growth is 6%, which is steady and sustainable. It reflects the region's shift from pure agriculture to advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Fremont market. Note that "Expert" level here often means managing multi-million dollar capital projects for the local industrial giants.

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Typical Role
Entry (0-3 yrs)	$72,000 - $85,000	$34.6 - $40.9	Assistant Project Coordinator, Jr. PM
Mid-Level (4-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	$45.7 - $52.9	Project Manager, Construction PM
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	$55.3 - $64.9	Senior PM, Program Manager
Expert (13+ yrs)	$140,000+	$67.3+	Director of Projects, VP of Operations

Comparison to Other NE Cities

How does Fremont stack up against its larger neighbors?

City	Metro Population	Project Manager Median Salary	Cost of Living Index
Fremont	27,321	$98,393	90.5
Omaha	978,000	$108,500	93.6
Lincoln	340,000	$105,200	92.1
Grand Island	85,000	$96,100	87.8

Insider Tip: While Omaha and Lincoln offer higher nominal salaries, the difference is often eaten up by higher housing and transportation costs. In Fremont, you can often live closer to work, reducing commute times and fuel expenses—a hidden perk.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $98,393, let's map out a realistic monthly budget for a single Project Manager. We'll assume a standard federal tax filing, Nebraska state tax (which is progressive), and the local average 1BR rent of $859/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $98,393 Annual Salary)

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,200	($98,393 / 12)
Federal & State Taxes (est.)	$2,100	Includes NE income tax (5.84% top rate) & FICA
Take-Home Pay	$6,100
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$859	Average for the metro
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Higher in winter due to heating
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes one car, moderate payment
Fuel/Transport	$150	Low mileage due to short commutes
Health Insurance (Employer)	$300	Varies by plan
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$410	Recommended contribution
Discretionary Spending	$2,301	Dining, entertainment, savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,301 left for discretionary spending and savings, a Project Manager here is in a strong position. The median home price in Fremont is around $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000. With aggressive savings from that discretionary fund, a down payment could be saved in 2-3 years. A monthly mortgage payment on a $176,000 loan (30-year, 6.5%) would be roughly $1,112, which is manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

The job market for Project Managers here is tied to a few key sectors. You won't find Google or Meta, but you will find stable, well-paying companies that value long-term employees.

1. Midwest Communications (KPXJ-TV/KDUH-TV): Based in Fremont, this is a major television broadcasting company. They need PMs for studio upgrades, broadcast technology rollouts, and new media projects. Hiring is steady but not fast; they often promote from within.
2. Fremont Health (now part of Nebraska Medicine): The local hospital and clinic system is a massive employer. Project Managers are needed for facilities expansion, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and new clinic openings. This is a growing area as healthcare expands in rural Nebraska.
3. Lindsay Corporation: A global leader in irrigation and infrastructure, headquartered in Omaha but with a significant operational presence in the Fremont area. They need PMs for manufacturing plant expansions, supply chain logistics projects, and new product line integrations. A strong technical background is a plus.
4. Hormel Foods (Fremont Plant): This massive meat processing facility is one of the largest single employers in the region. They hire Project Managers for capital projects, plant efficiency upgrades, and food safety compliance initiatives. The work is steady and the benefits are typically excellent.
5. CF Industries (Port of Fremont): A major nitrogen fertilizer producer. Their Fremont plant requires PMs for maintenance turnarounds, safety system upgrades, and environmental compliance projects. This is a high-stakes environment where experience in process industries is highly valued.
6. Fremont Public Schools: The school district handles constant facility upgrades, technology integrations (1:1 device programs), and new building projects. Positions are often posted on the district website and fill quickly.
7. The Union Pacific Railroad: With a significant yard and operations in Fremont, UP hires Project Managers for infrastructure projects, maintenance programs, and technology upgrades for rail operations.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward internal promotions. Companies like Hormel and CF Industries prefer candidates with experience in their specific industry (manufacturing, agriculture). Networking locally through the Fremont Chamber of Commerce is more effective than cold applying online.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a state-specific license required to practice as a Project Manager. However, professional certification is a de facto requirement for mid-to-senior level roles.

• Relevant Certifications: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a good entry-level option.
• Costs: Exam fees for the PMP are $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. Study materials and prep courses can add $300-$1,500.
• Timeline: If you have the required 36 months of leading projects (with a bachelor's degree), you can apply, study for 2-3 months, and sit for the exam. The entire process from application to certification can take 4-6 months.
• Process: Apply online via PMI.org. Your application will be audited; have project documentation ready. Once approved, schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center (the closest is in Omaha, about a 45-minute drive from Fremont).
• Insider Tip: Many larger employers in Fremont, like CF Industries and Lindsay, offer tuition reimbursement or fee coverage for certification. Ask about this during interviews—it’s a standard part of the benefits package for professional roles here.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Fremont's neighborhoods are defined by proximity to major employers and lifestyle. Traffic is minimal, so your commute is rarely more than 15 minutes.

1. Downtown Fremont: The historic core. Best for professionals who want walkability to local restaurants (like the iconic Fremont Coffee Company), parks, and a short commute to offices on Main Street. 1BR Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month.
2. South Side: Primarily residential, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Close to the Fremont Family YMCA and excellent public schools. Popular with mid-career PMs and families. 1BR Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month.
3. Northwest (near Johnson Lake): More suburban feel, with newer housing tracts. Offers easy access to Lindsay Corporation and the CF Industries plant. Quiet streets and strong community feel. 1BR Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200/month.
4. East Side: Closer to Hormel Foods and Fremont Health. A practical choice for those working in those industries. Less trendy but very affordable. 1BR Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month.
5. Riverside: As the name implies, along the Elkhorn River. Offers more green space and a quieter, almost rural feel while still being within town limits. 1BR Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fremont, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening expertise and taking on larger scopes.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by developing niche skills:
  • Agri-Tech: Experience with precision irrigation (Lindsay) or agri-processing (Hormel) is valuable.
  • Environmental Compliance: For roles at CF Industries or other manufacturers, knowledge of EPA and OSHA regulations is a direct path to higher pay.
  • EHR Implementation: A specialization in healthcare IT projects at Fremont Health can open doors to regional consulting roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Manager to Senior PM, then to Program Manager (overseeing multiple related projects) or Director of Operations/Projects. The next step often requires moving to a larger company in Omaha or Lincoln, but many professionals choose to stay for the quality of life, commuting 45 minutes for a higher-paying role while keeping a Fremont mortgage.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth, the market will remain stable. The biggest opportunities will come from:
  1. Continued Modernization: Older industrial plants (Hormel, CF) will need ongoing capital projects for efficiency and automation.
  2. Healthcare Expansion: As Nebraska Medicine integrates Fremont Health, more IT and facility projects will emerge.
  3. Infrastructure: Ongoing public works projects for roads, water, and broadband will require PM oversight.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional purchasing power with a $98,393 median salary.	Limited job market (54 jobs); fewer opportunities for rapid job changes.
Low stress, short commutes (avg. <15 mins).	Limited cultural/diverse dining and entertainment compared to Omaha.
Strong, stable employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.	Social scene can feel small; requires effort to build a network.
Community feel with easy access to Omaha's amenities (45-min drive).	Professional growth may eventually require a commute or relocation.
Cost of Living Index of 90.5 makes it significantly more affordable than the US average.	Winters can be harsh, and the city is very car-dependent.

Final Recommendation: Fremont is an ideal fit for a mid-career Project Manager (5-15 years experience) who values a stable, affordable lifestyle over the hustle of a major metro. It's perfect if you're looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply reduce financial stress. It's less suitable for a very early-career professional seeking a fast-paced, network-rich environment or for someone who needs a large, diverse social scene right outside their door. For the right person, the median salary of $98,393 provides a life that feels upper-middle class in a way that would be difficult to achieve in a larger city.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Fremont?
A: With only 54 jobs typically open, it's not a high-volume market. Competition is moderate. Having a PMP and experience in a relevant industry (manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture) significantly increases your chances. Networking locally is key.

Q: What’s the best way to find a Project Manager job in Fremont?
A: Beyond online job boards, check the career pages of the major employers listed above (Lindsay, Hormel, CF Industries, Fremont Health). Also, connect with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce—they often hear about openings before they're widely posted. Local recruiters in Omaha also handle many Fremont roles.

Q: Is it realistic to commute from Omaha to Fremont for a higher salary?
A: Yes, absolutely. Many professionals do the reverse. The drive is about 45 minutes on US-275. You could likely find a Project Manager role in Omaha paying closer to the $108,500 median, and with Fremont's low cost of living, you could build significant equity in a home there. It's a common strategy for maximizing income while minimizing living expenses.

Q: How important is local industry experience?
A: Very important. A PM who understands the regulatory environment of a meat processing plant (Hormel) or the technical specifications of irrigation systems (Lindsay) will be favored over a generic candidate. Highlight any relevant experience on your resume.

Q: What’s the social life like for a professional in Fremont?
A: It's community-focused. You'll find strong ties through workplaces, churches, and local sports (the Fremont High School Tigers are a big deal). The downtown area has revived with breweries and cafes. For more diverse nightlife, you'd head to Omaha. Many residents value the quiet, family-friendly environment over a bustling social scene.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Nebraska Department of Labor, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Zillow Rental Data (Fremont, NE), Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).