Project Manager in Lincoln, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Lincoln, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

As a project manager, you're a professional who thrives on data, so let's start there. Lincoln's project management salary landscape is a tale of two stories: cost-of-living-adjusted value and competitive raw numbers. The median salary for a Project Manager in Lincoln is $98,849/year, or an hourly rate of $47.52/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, the city's low cost of living means your dollar stretches significantly further here.

The job market is stable and growing, with approximately 589 project management jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, indicating a resilient local economy that values experienced project managers.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Lincoln scale predictably with experience. Here’s how the numbers typically break down, based on local job postings and salary aggregators.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Drivers in Lincoln
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Often in IT, state government, or construction support. Requires a PMP or CAPM for a competitive edge.
Mid-Career (4-8 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot. Roles in healthcare, insurance, and major manufacturers (John Deere, Bryan Health) are common.
Senior (9-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leadership roles, managing larger programs, or specialized technical projects (e.g., at Hudl or in federal contracting).
Expert/Principal (15+ years)	$135,000 - $160,000+	VP/Director-level roles, program management offices (PMOs) at major employers, or high-level consulting.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Lincoln holds a unique position in Nebraska's professional job market. It's not the largest market (that's Omaha) but offers a compelling balance of opportunity and affordability.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Industries for PMs
Lincoln	$98,849	92.0	Insurance, Healthcare, State Gov, Education, Manufacturing
Omaha	~$104,500	89.5	Finance, Insurance, Tech, Logistics, Healthcare
Grand Island	~$88,000	85.0	Manufacturing, Agriculture, Logistics

Insider Tip: While Omaha's raw salary average is higher, the competition is also fiercer with a larger talent pool. In Lincoln, you're a bigger fish in a slightly smaller pond. You can often find senior roles with more responsibility faster than you might in a larger metro area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $98,849 salary doesn't mean you take home that full amount. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single project manager in Lincoln. We'll assume a filing status of single with no dependents, and we'll use Nebraska's state income tax (which is graduated).

• Gross Annual Salary: $98,849
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after federal, state, and FICA taxes): ~$6,250
• Average 1BR Rent: $856/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$180/month
• Groceries: ~$350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: ~$550/month (Lincoln is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (employer-subsidized): ~$250/month
• 401(k) Contribution (5%): ~$415/month
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Gym): ~$500/month

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,101

Monthly Surplus: $3,149

This surplus is substantial. It allows for aggressive savings, student loan payments, or saving for a down payment on a home. Lincoln's housing market, while rising, is still accessible. The median home price in Lincoln is approximately $300,000. With a $98,849 salary and a healthy down payment, buying a home is a very achievable goal for a project manager in Lincoln, often within the first 2-3 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln's economy is diverse, which provides stability for project managers. You aren't tied to a single industry. Here are the key players where project management roles are consistently in demand:

1. State of Nebraska: As the capital city, the state government is a massive employer. Projects range from IT system implementations and infrastructure upgrades to public policy initiatives. Hiring is often cyclical, tied to budget cycles, but the roles offer excellent benefits and stability.

2. Bryan Health & CHI Health: Lincoln’s two major healthcare systems are in a constant state of growth and technological evolution. They need project managers for EMR (Electronic Medical Record) implementations, new facility construction, and process improvement initiatives. A PMP and some healthcare knowledge are a huge plus here.

3. UNL (University of Nebraska-Lincoln): The university is a city within a city. Project management roles exist in IT, research grant administration, facilities management, and capital projects. The pace can be slower than the corporate world, but the benefits and work-life balance are often superior.

4. Navy Federal Credit Union (Lincoln Campus): This is one of Lincoln's largest private employers. They have a massive IT and operations footprint, requiring project managers for software development, process automation, and member service projects. It's a great spot for tech-inclined PMs.

5. John Deere (Harlan Production Systems): Located just west of Lincoln, this manufacturing facility is a hub of industrial engineering and process optimization. Project managers here oversee supply chain improvements, new product introductions, and facility expansion. It's a prime spot for PMs with a manufacturing or engineering background.

6. Insurance Companies (Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska): While Mutual of Omaha is based in Omaha, it has a significant Lincoln campus. The insurance industry relies heavily on project managers for system migrations, regulatory compliance projects, and product launches.

Hiring Trends: The highest demand is currently in healthcare IT, insurance compliance, and state-level infrastructure projects. There's also a growing need for project managers in the tech sector, particularly with companies like Hudl, which provides software for sports teams and is headquartered in Lincoln.

Getting Licensed in NE

In project management, "licensing" typically refers to professional certifications, as there is no state-issued license to practice. The most recognized certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP)® from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

State-Specific Requirements: Nebraska does not have its own project management license. However, for project managers working in heavily regulated industries like construction or healthcare, understanding state-specific regulations is part of the job.

Certification Costs & Timeline (PMP):

• Cost:

  • PMI Membership: ~$129/year (plus a one-time $10 application fee)
  • PMP Exam Fee (with membership): $405
  • PMP Exam Fee (non-member): $555
  • Prep Course (optional but recommended): $300 - $1,500
  • Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $2,000

• Timeline:

  1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet PMI's requirements (e.g., 36 months of leading projects with a 4-year degree).
  2. Application: Submit your application online to PMI. This takes 1-2 weeks to process.
  3. Study: Plan for 60-120 hours of study time. Many local professionals use online bootcamps or study groups.
  4. Exam: Schedule and take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center (there are several in Lincoln).

Insider Tip: The Lincoln PMI Chapter is very active. Joining their meetings is a fantastic way to study, network, and find mentors who can help you navigate the certification process.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Lincoln will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is laid out in a simple grid, making navigation easy.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
The Haymarket/Downtown	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Perfect for young professionals who want to be near restaurants, bars, and PBA.	$1,100+	Walk or bike to downtown offices; 5-10 min drive to State Capitol, Bryan Health.
South Lincoln (Cedars, Southwood)	Family-friendly, safe, with excellent public schools. More suburban feel with modern amenities and shopping.	$900 - $1,100	15-25 min drive to most employers. Can be longer during peak UNL traffic.
Near Campus (North Bottoms, College View)	Energetic, youthful, and affordable. Mix of students and young professionals. Older housing stock but close to everything.	$750 - $950	Easy bike ride or bus to UNL, downtown, and hospitals. 10-15 min drive to other areas.
West Lincoln (Air Park, Clinton)	Quiet, spacious, and more affordable. Strong community feel. Growing quickly with new developments.	$800 - $950	20-30 min drive to downtown/east side employers. Easy access to I-80 for west-side jobs (like John Deere).

Insider Tip: Traffic in Lincoln is generally mild, but "UNL traffic" is a real phenomenon. If you work downtown or on the east side and live in South Lincoln, your commute can be affected by game days or class changes. A reverse commute (living downtown, working in South Lincoln) is often the easiest.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lincoln offers solid career trajectories for project managers who are proactive.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT/Tech Project Management: Salaries can be 10-15% higher than the median, especially with expertise in software development (Agile/Scrum) or cybersecurity. Companies like Hudl and Navy Federal drive this demand.
• Construction/Engineering PM: With ongoing infrastructure projects and commercial development, experienced PMPs in this field can command a premium, often exceeding $120,000.
• Healthcare Project Management: This is a stable, high-demand field. Expertise in HIPAA compliance and major EMR systems (like Epic or Cerner) is highly valued.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior Project Manager. From there, you can move into:

• Program Manager: Overseeing a portfolio of related projects.
• PMO Director: Managing the entire Project Management Office for an organization.
• Consulting: Several regional consulting firms are based in Lincoln, offering project management services to clients.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The projected 6% job growth is a positive sign. Lincoln's economy is not reliant on a single boom-and-bust industry. The stable, growing healthcare and insurance sectors, combined with the steady presence of government and education, create a resilient job market. While you won't see the explosive growth of a tech hub like Austin, you also won't face the volatility. For a project manager seeking stability and a predictable career path, this is a significant advantage.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Value: A $98,849 salary goes much further here than in larger cities.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer major concerts, pro sports teams, or high-end dining options.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on one industry; strong base of government, healthcare, and education jobs.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you'll need a car to get around effectively.
Manageable Commute & Traffic: Easy to navigate the city with minimal stress.	Slower Pace of Life: Can feel quiet or "slow" for those used to 24/7 metropolitan energy.
Strong Community & Family Focus: Great schools, safe neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere.	Limited Networking Niche: The PM community is strong but smaller than in Omaha or Chicago; requires more intentional effort.
Growth Potential: A 6% job growth projection and room to advance in your career.	Weather: Winters are cold and can be harsh; summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation:
Lincoln is an ideal choice for project managers who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and a family-friendly environment over the relentless pace of a major coastal city. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and build long-term wealth, or for senior PMs seeking less commute stress and a more manageable cost of living. If your career goals are defined by steady advancement, community connection, and a high quality of life, Lincoln offers a compelling and financially sound proposition.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Lincoln?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown/Haymarket area is walkable, the city is spread out. Most major employers (like Bryan Health's main campus, UNL, and State offices) have large campuses with surface parking. Public transportation (StarTran) exists but is not as comprehensive as in larger cities.

2. Is the PMP certification required to get a job here?
No, it's not universally required, but it is a major differentiator. For roles in corporate or healthcare settings (Navy Federal, Bryan Health), it's often listed as a "preferred" or "required" qualification. For state government or construction roles, experience can sometimes outweigh certification, but having your PMP will make you a more competitive candidate and can justify a higher salary.

3. What's the tech scene like for PMs?
It's a growing but still emerging scene. The anchor is Hudl, which is a significant local tech employer. There are also smaller software companies and a strong community of developers. For project managers with a tech background, the opportunities are good, but you'll find fewer pure "tech" roles than in a city like Omaha. Many tech PM roles are embedded within larger organizations (like Navy Federal or UNL).

4. How competitive is the job market for project managers?
It's moderately competitive. There are 589 jobs in the metro, which is a solid number for a city of this size. You won't be competing with thousands of applicants like in a major hub, but you will be competing with a pool of qualified local professionals. Having an in-demand specialty (IT, healthcare) and a PMP will give you a significant advantage.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside of Lincoln?
Yes, this is becoming increasingly common. Lincoln's cost of living makes it an attractive base for remote workers earning a higher salary from a coastal company. The main consideration is internet reliability; fiber optic service is available in many parts of the city, which is ideal for remote work. This path allows you to leverage Lincoln's affordability while potentially earning a salary closer to the national average.

(Sources: Salary data based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Salary.com, and local job postings. Cost of Living Index from BestPlaces.net. Population data from U.S. Census Bureau. Job growth projections from Nebraska Department of Labor.)