Project Manager in Iowa City, IA

As a Career Analyst who’s watched Iowa City’s job market evolve over the last decade, I can tell you that this isn’t just a college town with a great football team. It’s a regional healthcare and tech hub with a surprisingly robust project management landscape. Whether you’re coming from a larger metro or looking for a Midwest change, the data and local context below will give you a clear, unvarnished picture of what a Project Manager career looks like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Iowa City Stands

The project management field in Iowa City is stable and pays competitively for the region, though it trails the national average. The key is understanding where you land on the experience spectrum. The median salary for a Project Manager in Iowa City is $98,788/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.49/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, a common trade-off for the region’s lower cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically shake out by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Local Role
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $82,000	Project Coordinator, Junior PM in healthcare or university admin
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	IT PM, Construction PM, Clinical Research PM
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Senior PM in healthcare systems, Director of PMO
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$140,000+	Program Manager, Enterprise PM, VP of Operations

When you compare Iowa City to other Iowa metros, the picture becomes clearer. It’s a solid second-tier market in the state, offering strong opportunities without the fierce competition of Des Moines.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities (Annual Median Salary):

• Des Moines: ~$105,000 (Higher demand, more corporate HQs)
• Iowa City: $98,788 (Strong healthcare/education sector)
• Cedar Rapids: ~$94,000 (More manufacturing/industrial)
• Davenport (Quad Cities): ~$92,000 (Logistics and manufacturing focus)

The 10-year job growth for the metro is projected at 6%, which is modest but steady, indicating sustained demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. With only 151 Project Manager jobs active in the metro at any given time (per BLS data), the market is tight. You’re not competing with thousands, but each opening is valuable. Insider tip: The most lucrative roles are often in the healthcare and university sectors, which are less affected by economic downturns than private tech or construction.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $98,788 salary sounds great on paper, but Iowa City’s affordability is its main draw. The cost of living index is 91.8 (US avg = 100), meaning your money goes about 8% further than the national average. The average 1BR rent is $902/month, which is a fraction of what you’d pay in a major coastal city.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single Project Manager earning the median salary. We’ll assume a standard tax withholding (federal, state, FICA) and the average rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,232
• Estimated Taxes (25% combined): -$2,058
• Net Monthly Pay: $6,174
• Average 1BR Rent: -$902
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $5,272

This leaves a very comfortable $5,272 for all other expenses. For context, the average monthly utility bill (including internet) in Iowa City is around $150, and a monthly public transit pass (Iowa City Transit) is just $20. Groceries for one person typically run $300-$400. This means you could still save $3,500-$4,000 per month after all essential expenses, which is an exceptional savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Iowa City has a for-sale housing market that is accessible to professionals. The median home price in the area is approximately $280,000. With a 4.5% interest rate and 20% down ($56,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,700. This is well within the budget of a Project Manager earning the median salary. The challenge isn’t the payment—it’s accumulating the down payment, which is feasible with the high savings potential.

Where the Jobs Are: Iowa City's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by the "Eds and Meds" (education and medicine), with a growing tech and professional services sector. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. University of Iowa (UI) & UI Health Care: The largest employer in the state. They hire PMs for everything from clinical trial management and IT system implementations to facility construction projects. Hiring is consistent, often through internal postings. Insider Tip: UI jobs are posted on their official site (jobs.uiowa.edu) and can have longer hiring cycles, but the benefits are top-tier.
2. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital: A major regional healthcare system. PM roles here are focused on operational improvements, new clinic openings, and digital health initiatives. They often look for PMs with PMP certification and healthcare experience.
3. Johnson County Government: Manages public works, IT, and social service projects. These roles are stable, come with excellent government benefits, and are posted on the county’s official website. They value experience in public sector or grant-funded projects.
4. Iowa City Community School District: For PMs with an interest in education, the district hires for technology rollouts, facility upgrades, and special program implementation. It’s a great niche for those with a background in organizational change.
5. ACT (the testing company): Headquartered in Iowa City, ACT is a major private employer. They hire IT and product project managers for their testing platforms and corporate initiatives. This is one of the few places in town where you’ll find a pure "tech company" culture.
6. Local Engineering & Construction Firms (e.g., Snyder & Associates, Neumann Brothers): These firms are consistently hiring PMs for civil engineering, land development, and construction projects across Eastern Iowa. The work is tangible and the industry is robust.
7. Emerging Tech & Biotech: Companies like GenScript (biotech services) and a growing cluster of software startups around the UI Research Park are starting to hire project managers as they scale. This is where the fastest growth is happening.

Hiring Trends: The market is moving towards hybrid roles. PMs who understand both project management methodologies and have domain knowledge in healthcare, education, or software are in the highest demand. There is also a noticeable trend of PMs moving from the university to private sector (or vice versa) for a change of pace.

Getting Licensed in IA

In Iowa, project management is not a state-licensed profession like engineering or accounting. You don’t need a state-issued license to practice. However, professional certification is the de facto standard for advancement and landing high-paying roles.

Certification Requirements & Costs:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education (if you have a bachelor’s degree). Exam cost: ~$405 for members, ~$555 for non-members. Iowa City has active PMI chapters (PMI Eastern Iowa Chapter) for networking and study groups.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Ideal for entry-level candidates. No project experience required, but you need 23 hours of project management education. Exam cost: ~$224 (member) or ~$300 (non-member).
• State-Specific Requirements: None beyond the above. The Iowa Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors licenses engineering project managers who are practicing engineering, but this is a separate track. For general IT, healthcare, or construction PMs, your certification and experience are what matter.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start studying for the CAPM today, you could be certified in 2-3 months. For the PMP, the process (application, study, exam) typically takes 4-6 months. Many local employers will support the cost of certification after a probationary period.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live will define your commute and lifestyle. Iowa City is walkable and bikeable, but your job location matters.

1. Downtown / Northside: The heart of the city. Walk to work (if you work at UI or a downtown firm), restaurants, and the Ped Mall. High cost of living for rent, but you can ditch a car. Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400. Best for: Young professionals who want an urban, vibrant lifestyle.
2. Manville Heights / Eastside: Quiet, residential, and full of classic Iowa City homes. A 10-minute bike ride or bus ride to downtown. Great for families or those wanting more space. Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,050. Best for: Work-life balance seekers.
3. Coralville (just west of Iowa City): Technically a separate town but part of the metro. More suburban, with big-box stores and newer apartment complexes. Easy highway access to the UI Research Park or Coralville businesses. Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,100. Best for: Those who want modern amenities and a shorter commute to western employers.
4. North Liberty (15 min north): A booming suburb with a strong community feel, excellent schools, and a major retail corridor. Commute to Iowa City is straightforward via I-380. Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,200. Best for: Families and those seeking a quieter, modern suburban life.
5. The Avenues (South of the River): A historic district with beautiful older homes and a diverse community. It’s a bit farther from the main hospital/university core but has its own charm. Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000. Best for: Those on a budget who appreciate history and a tight-knit neighborhood feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Iowa City, career growth for Project Managers is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and building a reputation.

Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command higher salaries. In Iowa City, you’ll find the best premiums in:

• Healthcare/IT Project Management: Understanding EHR systems (like Epic) or clinical workflows can add 10-15% to your salary.
• Construction/Engineering PMs: Licensed Professional Engineers (PE) who also manage projects are in very high demand and can earn $130,000+.
• Ag-Tech & Biotech: As this sector grows, PMs with experience in regulatory environments (FDA, USDA) will see significant salary jumps.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager or PMO Director. Many PMs in Iowa City find that the most lucrative move is to transition from a large institution (like UI) to a private company (like a tech startup or engineering firm) for a higher base salary and equity, or vice versa for better work-life balance and benefits.

10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth projection, the field is stable. The biggest changes will come from the growth of the biotech corridor and the continued digital transformation of healthcare. PMs who are proficient in Agile and Scrum, not just Waterfall, will have a distinct advantage. The key to long-term success here is networking—join the PMI Eastern Iowa chapter, attend UI Research Park events, and build connections within the tight-knit professional community.

The Verdict: Is Iowa City Right for You?

Iowa City offers a unique value proposition: a professional career with a high quality of life and low financial stress. It’s not a bustling metropolis, but for project managers seeking stability, affordability, and a community-oriented environment, it’s a top contender.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living.	Limited job market (151 total jobs); fewer opportunities than major metros.
Stable, dominant employers in recession-resistant sectors (healthcare, education).	Salaries are lower than the national average.
Excellent work-life balance with easy access to outdoors, arts, and a vibrant downtown.	Cultural scene is college-driven; can feel seasonal and less mature outside the academic calendar.
Strong community with a blend of students, academics, and young professionals.	Limited public transit outside core areas; a car is often necessary.
Accessible housing market for both renting and buying.	Winters are cold and long; a real consideration for those from warmer climates.

Final Recommendation: Iowa City is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are early to mid-career and value financial stability and quality of life over the high-energy, high-cost environment of a major coastal city. It’s particularly well-suited for those with an interest in healthcare, education, or public works. If you’re a senior PM looking for a C-suite role at a Fortune 500, you’ll need to look to Des Moines or Chicago. But if you want a career where you can afford a home, save aggressively, and bike to work, Iowa City is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is PMP certification mandatory in Iowa City?
No, it is not required by law. However, it is highly recommended and often listed as a requirement or strong preference in job postings. For competitive roles at major employers like UI Health Care or ACT, having your PMP will significantly increase your chances.

2. What’s the commute like in Iowa City?
Very manageable. The city is compact. Most commutes are 10-20 minutes by car or bike. Public transit is free for UI students and staff and cheap for others ($20/month). Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities, though there is congestion around the university during the academic year.

3. How competitive is the job market for a newcomer?
It’s competitive but not impossible. The key is tailoring your resume to local employers. Highlight experience in healthcare, education, or public sector projects. Use the local PMI chapter for networking. Many jobs are filled through internal referrals, so building local connections is crucial.

4. Can I live in Iowa City without a car?
Yes, but with caveats. If you live and work downtown, you can easily walk, bike, or use the bus. If you work in the suburbs (Coralville, North Liberty) or need to shop at big-box stores, a car is very helpful. The city is becoming more bike-friendly every year.

5. What’s the best way to find a project management job here?
Start with the big three: UI Jobs (jobs.uiowa.edu), Iowa County job boards, and LinkedIn (set location to Iowa City). Check company websites directly for UnityPoint, ACT, and local engineering firms. Attend PMI chapter meetings (even virtually) to meet hiring managers. Be patient—the hiring cycles, especially for university jobs, can be longer than in the private sector.