Project Management Degree Programs in Iowa City, IA (2026)
Quick answer: The Iowa City metro employs about 420 project management specialists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through PMI and, for construction work, your state contractor licensing board.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Project management is not a licensed occupation. The credentials employers recruit against come from PMI, principally the CAPM at entry level and the PMP once qualifying experience is documented. In construction specifically, state contractor licensing attaches to the contracting entity rather than to the project manager personally.
See the Iowa licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with PMI and, for construction work, your state contractor licensing board.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Project Management Specialists Earn in Iowa City
Project Management Specialists in the Iowa City area earn a median $96,820 per year, below the national median of $102,320 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Project Management Pay in Iowa City, IA
| Metric | Iowa City metro | Iowa | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $96,820 | $96,540 | $102,320 |
| 10th percentile | $64,130 | $62,000 | $61,580 |
| 25th percentile | $77,800 | $77,360 | $78,440 |
| 75th percentile | $127,480 | $130,170 | $133,100 |
| 90th percentile | $146,200 | $150,290 | $167,970 |
| Employment | 420 | 6,720 | 1,066,670 |
| Location quotient | 0.65 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Iowa City, IA metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Iowa City median of $96,820 is below the national median of $102,320, and above the Iowa statewide median of $96,540 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.65 means project management specialists are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Project management demand follows the region’s active construction, infrastructure and capital project pipeline rather than population.
Other Iowa Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $101,150 | 2,640 |
| Cedar Rapids | $93,760 | 850 |
| Davenport | $102,880 | 650 |
| Dubuque | $104,690 | 290 |
| Ames | $97,290 | 260 |
| Sioux City | $85,130 | 200 |
| Waterloo | $81,600 | 190 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do project management specialists make in Iowa City?
The median annual wage for project management specialists in the Iowa City, IA metro area is $96,820, below the national median of $102,320 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many project management specialists work in the Iowa City area?
The Iowa City, IA metro area employs about 420 project management specialists (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do project management specialists in Iowa City need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Project management is not a licensed occupation. The credentials employers recruit against come from PMI, principally the CAPM at entry level and the PMP once qualifying experience is documented. In construction specifically, state contractor licensing attaches to the contracting entity rather than to the project manager personally. Confirm current requirements with PMI and, for construction work, your state contractor licensing board.
Can I study project management online from Iowa City?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies PMI and, for construction work, your state contractor licensing board.
Is Iowa City a better market than the rest of Iowa?
The Iowa City metro median is $96,820 against a statewide median of $96,540 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Project Management degree programs in Iowa - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Project Management programs and how to choose one
- Construction Project Manager career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Project Management Specialists (SOC 13-1082), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.