Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Des Moines, IA: $67,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,802 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,938 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,474) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates pursuing a career in construction management in Des Moines, Iowa, can expect to start with a salary around $67,802 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level threshold, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $107,474, detailing a significant gap that new hires should be prepared for. However, as young professionals gain experience over the first few years, their earning potential can increase substantially, with projected earnings reaching $82,726 at the 25th percentile and the possibility of attaining the median salary as they advance. The local market appears favorable for new grads entering the field, especially with ongoing construction projects driven by the mega-project boom, which focuses on developments like data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level construction managers in Des Moines, IA typically start between $67,802 and $82,726 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $140,538 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,474 — 9.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 81.12% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,802/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,802 to $82,726, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Des Moines is $140,538 ( 207.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,802, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,340.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,620
2025 BLS Actual
$65,560
2026 Current Est.
$67,802
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,121 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 32.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,620 in 2019 to $65,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,121. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your construction management Career in Des Moines
Employers actively seeking entry-level construction managers in Des Moines include large general contractors such as Bechtel and Turner, who often enlist fresh talent through campus recruitment initiatives. These companies typically look for candidates with relevant degrees in construction management or civil engineering, which can enhance starting salaries. Credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are also advantageous and can lead to higher pay as one accumulates experience. New graduates should develop a strategic approach in their early careers, aiming to work in roles that provide substantial project exposure and could potentially transition into owner's representative positions, which offer an appealing work-life balance alongside comparable compensation. Overall, early-career professionals can anticipate realistic salary growth as they progress through their first three years, aligning well with Des Moines's evolving construction landscape.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov