Project Manager in Norfolk, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Project Managers in Norfolk are doing well, especially when you consider the cost of living. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $98,393/year, which breaks down to about $47.3/hour. That’s solid for a mid-sized Nebraska town. It’s slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but don’t let that fool you. That gap is easily erased (and then some) by our below-average living costs.

The job market itself isn’t huge, with only about 51 Project Manager positions in the metro area at any given time. However, the 10-year job growth for this field is projected at 6%, which is steady and reliable. You’re not walking into a booming tech hub, but you’re stepping into a stable, growing market with real, tangible industries.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in our area:

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range	Key Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Local construction firms, healthcare admin, small manufacturers
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Norfolk Public Schools, regional telecom, agribusiness
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $125,000+	Methodist Health System, large construction firms, City of Norfolk
Expert/Leadership (15+ yrs)	$125,000 - $150,000+	Major regional corporate offices, senior management roles

Insider Tip: The salary premium isn't just about years; it's about niche. If you can manage projects in healthcare IT, municipal infrastructure, or large-scale agricultural manufacturing, you command higher pay. The $98,393 median is a midpoint; with the right specialization, you can push well beyond it.

Compared to other Nebraska cities, Norfolk offers a compelling middle ground. You won't match Omaha or Lincoln's top-end salaries (which can be 10-15% higher), but you also avoid their price tags and traffic. Cities like Grand Island or Kearney are more comparable, but Norfolk's unique mix of healthcare, education, and manufacturing provides a diverse project landscape that’s hard to beat for its size.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. What does a $98,393/year salary actually feel like in Norfolk? We’ll use a single filer with standard deductions for this breakdown. Remember, Nebraska has a state income tax with brackets ranging from 2.46% to 6.84%.

• Gross Annual Salary: $98,393
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal + State): ~$22,500
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,324

Now, let's look at monthly expenses. The average 1-bedroom rent in Norfolk is $859/month. But let's be realistic—you’ll likely be looking for a 2-bedroom, especially if you’re a professional. I’ll use $1,100/month as a more standard budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager ($6,324 take-home):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Housing (2BR Apt/Rental)	$1,100 - $1,300	This is a comfortable range. Downtown lofts are pricier; West Norfolk is more affordable.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Nebraska winters will bump your heating bill. Norfolk Public Power is a local provider.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500 - $700	Most residents rely on vehicles. Insurance rates are reasonable here.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Local chains like Hy-Vee and Super Saver. Farmers' markets are great in season.
Health Insurance (Emp. Share)	$150 - $300	Varies widely by employer. Major systems like Methodist often have good plans.
Discretionary & Savings	$1,774 - $2,324	This is your disposable income for dining out, hobbies, and retirement savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. The median home price in Norfolk is around $180,000 - $220,000. Let's take a $200,000 home. With a 10% down payment ($20,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of about $1,330 (including estimated taxes and insurance). That’s very manageable on a $98,393 salary. In fact, many Project Managers here are homeowners by their early-to-mid 30s. Renting is common for the first year or two, but buying is a realistic and often-smart financial move.

Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of a local realtor who knows the specific neighborhoods. Prices can drop significantly just a few blocks from a popular area. The west side, near the university, often has great value.

Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

Job hunting here is about knowing the big players. You’re not going to find dozens of tech startups, but you will find stable, well-funded organizations that consistently need Project Managers to oversee expansions, new systems, and process improvements.

1. Methodist Health System: The largest employer in the area. They’re constantly managing projects related to new clinics, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and facility upgrades. Hiring is steady, often for PMs with any healthcare or IT background.
2. Norfolk Public Schools: A major employer with a need for PMs to manage construction projects (new schools, renovations) and technology rollouts across the district. These are public-sector jobs, so they often come with great benefits and stability.
3. City of Norfolk: The municipal government hires PMs for infrastructure projects—street repairs, water treatment plant upgrades, and community development. These jobs are listed on the city’s official website and through state job boards.
4. Northeast Community College: As a major educational institution, they hire PMs for campus improvements, grant-funded programs, and new program development. The work environment is collaborative and mission-driven.
5. Local Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like Zimmerman Industries or Brunner Construction are always building. They need PMs to manage timelines, subcontractors, and budgets for residential and commercial projects. This is a great path if you have a construction or engineering background.
6. Agribusiness Giants: While headquarters may be elsewhere, large agricultural firms have significant operations in the region, requiring PMs for supply chain, logistics, and processing plant projects. Look for companies like Cargill or Tyson Foods in the broader region.
7. Norfolk Area Economic Development Council: While not a direct employer, they are a hub for talent. Many of their partner businesses—from manufacturing to retail—rely on their network for hiring. They often post project-based contract roles.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. A Project Manager at Methodist might also need some IT skills. A PM for the city might need a background in civil engineering. Versatility is key. The best time to look is typically in the first quarter (Jan-Mar) as budgets are finalized.

Getting Licensed in NE

For Project Management, Nebraska does not have a state-specific license that is universally required. However, certifications hold significant weight and can be a deciding factor in hiring.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. Most employers in Norfolk, especially in healthcare and construction, will strongly prefer or require it.
  • Cost: Exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). Membership is $129/year.
  • Process: Requires 36 months of leading projects with a secondary degree (or 60 months with a four-year degree), plus 35 hours of project management education.
  • Timeline: From starting your application to sitting for the exam can take 3-6 months, depending on how quickly you complete your education hours. Our local Northeast Community College offers PMP prep courses that are well-regarded.
• ScrumMaster (CSM): If you’re interested in software development or agile environments, a Certified ScrumMaster from Scrum Alliance is valuable. It’s a 2-day course, costing around $1,200 - $1,500. While less common in traditional Norfolk employers, it’s a great differentiator for tech-related projects.
• State Licensing Board: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services oversees professional licenses for specific fields like nursing or construction (as a contractor). If your project management is directly tied to a licensed profession (e.g., you're managing construction projects as a licensed contractor), you’ll need to check with the Nebraska Department of Education or the relevant state board. For general corporate PM roles, no state license is needed.

Insider Tip: Your best first step is to join the local PMI Nebraska Chapter. They have events in Omaha but often have virtual or local networking opportunities. It’s the best way to connect with other PMs in the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Norfolk is a driving town. Your choice of neighborhood will be about commute time, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe	Typical 2BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers	Best For
Downtown	Walkable, historic, with bars, cafes, and the Norfolk Arts Center. Revitalizing but can be hit-or-miss block-by-block.	$1,200 - $1,600	5-10 mins to Methodist, 5 mins to City Hall. Easy bike path access.	Young professionals who want an urban feel and walkability.
West Norfolk	Quiet, residential, with established homes, parks, and good access to Norfolk Senior High. More family-oriented.	$1,000 - $1,300	10-15 mins to most major employers. Requires a car.	Those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment with good value.
Southside/Northeast	Mix of older homes, new developments, and proximity to the Northeast Community College campus.	$900 - $1,200	10-15 mins to most employers. Very central location.	A balanced, affordable option for all ages. Great for commuting to the college.
University Area (around UNL's Norfolk campus)	Energetic, with student rentals, but also some great single-family homes. Close to the public library.	$950 - $1,350	10 mins to downtown, 10 mins to Methodist. Good bus routes.	Those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and want to be near cultural events.
Outskirts (e.g., near Firemen’s Park)	More rural feel, larger lots, newer subdivisions. You get more house for your money.	$1,100 - $1,400	15-20 mins to downtown core. Definitely car-dependent.	Homeowners wanting space, quiet, and modern amenities.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving in the summer, start your housing search early. The market tightens up in late spring as the college year ends and new hires for schools and healthcare start. Winter moves can be tricky with snow, but you’ll often find better deals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Norfolk doesn’t mean stagnating. The career path is about deepening your expertise and building a strong local network.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, a PM with PMP certification can expect to earn 5-10% more than a non-certified peer. Specializing in IT/Healthcare (managing EHR systems, telemedicine projects) or Municipal/Infrastructure (grant management, public works) can add another $10,000 - $15,000 to your base salary over time. The key is to get on large, visible projects.
• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder looks like this:
  1. Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager
  2. From there, you can move into Program Manager (overseeing multiple related projects) or Project Management Office (PMO) Director (managing all PMs and standards for an organization).
  3. Alternatively, move to a larger, more complex organization (e.g., from a local construction firm to the City of Norfolk, or from a smaller clinic to Methodist Health System).
  4. Another path is consulting. Once you have a decade of local project experience and a strong network, you can offer your services as an independent consultant to smaller businesses in the region.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth will likely manifest in existing organizations. Methodist will add more projects, the school district will build new facilities, and the city will invest in aging infrastructure. The rise of remote work also means you could take a PM role with a national company while living in Norfolk, giving you access to higher salaries. The local market will remain stable, with opportunities for those who are proactive and certified.

The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $98,393 salary goes much further here. Homeownership is accessible.	Limited Job Market: Only 51 Project Manager positions total. You may need to be flexible in your industry.
Stable, Growing Employers: Healthcare, education, and city government provide recession-resistant jobs.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant change and a cutting-edge tech scene, this isn’t it.
Strong Community & Work-Life Balance: Easy commutes, family-friendly activities, and a genuine sense of community.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. You’ll need a reliable vehicle.
Real Career Growth: You can build a deep, respected career and become a local expert in your field.	Fewer Networking Events: You’ll need to travel to Omaha or use virtual events for broader professional development.
Safe, Clean Environment: Norfolk consistently ranks as one of Nebraska’s safer, more livable cities.	Winters are Harsh: Be prepared for snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures for several months.

Final Recommendation: Norfolk is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the frenetic energy of a major metropolis. If you’re early-to-mid career and want to build a solid foundation, own a home, and become a key player in a stable organization, this is a fantastic launchpad. It’s also ideal for those with families. If your primary goal is to break into a high-paying tech startup or work on global projects, you might find the ceiling too low. But for a balanced, rewarding career in the heart of the Midwest, Norfolk delivers.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Norfolk?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With only 51 jobs, openings attract applicants, but the pool is smaller than in a big city. The key is targeting your application and having the PMP certification. Networking through organizations like the local PMI chapter or Northeast Community College can give you a significant edge.

2. Do I need a car in Norfolk?
Yes, for all practical purposes. While you could live and work downtown without one, the major employers (Methodist, schools, city hall) are spread out across the city. The public bus system exists but is not comprehensive enough for a reliable daily commute for most professionals.

3. What’s the best way to find Project Manager jobs here?
Check the websites of the major employers directly (Methodist, Norfolk Public Schools, City of Norfolk). Use LinkedIn with location filters set to Norfolk. Local staffing agencies often handle contract-to-hire roles for manufacturing and construction. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth; tell people in your network you’re looking.

4. Is the cost of living really as low as they say?
Yes, and then some. The cost of living index of 90.5 (US avg = 100) is accurate, but it’s the housing costs that make the biggest difference. An $859/month average 1BR rent is real, and a $200,000 home is a realistic starter. Your dollar stretches further here than in 90% of the country.

5. What’s the social scene like for a single professional?
It’s what you make it. It’s not a bustling nightlife hub, but there’s a vibrant community scene. You’ll find great local restaurants, breweries (like the Norfolk Brewers), trivia nights, and community sports leagues. Many young professionals connect through work, hobbies, or volunteer organizations. It’s a warm community, but you have to put yourself out there.