Construction Manager in Akron, OH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Akron, Ohio.

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The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

If you’re a Construction Manager looking at Akron, let’s cut to the chase: the numbers are solid, and the cost of living is on your side. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Akron metro area is $105,872/year. That translates to a solid $50.9/hour. While that’s slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, the real story is in the purchasing power you get in Northeast Ohio. With a cost of living index of 92.8 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most major markets.

The job market is stable and growing, with 377 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a reliable market with demand driven by healthcare expansion, university construction, and ongoing commercial and industrial projects.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in construction are heavily weighted by experience. Here’s how the $105,872 median breaks down locally:

Experience Level	Estimated Akron Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer, Project Coordinator
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Project Manager, Lead Superintendent, estimating roles
Senior (10-19 years)	$115,000 - $140,000	Senior PM, Project Executive, Director of Operations
Expert (20+ years)	$140,000+	VP of Construction, Owner's Rep, Specialized Consultant

How Akron Compares to Other Ohio Cities

Ohio offers a range of markets. Akron provides a strong middle ground between the lower cost of smaller metros and the higher (but more competitive) salaries of Columbus or Cincinnati.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Akron	$105,872	92.8	377
Cleveland	$112,500	93.1	520
Columbus	$110,120	96.3	690
Cincinnati	$108,500	95.5	580
Toledo	$99,800	89.2	210
Dayton	$101,200	91.5	240

Insider Tip: While Columbus and Cleveland offer slightly higher nominal salaries, the competition is fiercer. Akron’s job market is less saturated, and you can often find roles with local firms that have long-term project pipelines tied to the city’s specific growth areas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $105,872 looks like in your bank account. For a single filer in 2024, after federal taxes, state income tax (Ohio has a progressive bracket), and FICA, your take-home pay will be approximately $78,000-$80,000 per year, or about $6,500/month.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Akron is $816/month. This is a game-changer for your budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Construction Manager: $105,872/yr)

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,500	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$816	City average
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Ohio has low insurance premiums
Groceries	$400
Health Insurance	$250	(Employer plan cost)
Retirement Savings	$650	10% pre-tax contribution
Discretionary Spending	$3,784	Dining, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the median home price in Akron around $160,000-$180,000, a 20% down payment is $32,000-$36,000. Given the low rent, saving for a down payment is achievable within 2-3 years for a disciplined professional. A 30-year mortgage on a $160,000 home would be roughly $900/month (including taxes and insurance), which is slightly more than the average rent but builds equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s construction market is driven by institutional, healthcare, and industrial work. Here are the key players hiring Construction Managers:

1. The University of Akron: A massive employer for campus construction, renovations, and lab builds. They manage a steady pipeline of projects and often hire CMs directly for their facilities department.
2. Akron Children’s Hospital: With major expansions (like the new patient tower), they are constantly on the lookout for PMs and CMs with healthcare construction experience. This is a high-demand niche.
3. Summa Health System: Another healthcare giant with ongoing facilities projects. Their projects often require CMs familiar with strict medical codes and infection control protocols.
4. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: While headquartered in Akron, their local plant projects and corporate campus updates provide industrial and commercial construction roles. They value CMs with large-scale industrial experience.
5. Sherwin-Williams: Their massive new manufacturing facility in nearby Macedonia (a short commute) has created hundreds of construction jobs. CMs with experience in large-scale manufacturing and chemical plant construction are in high demand.
6. Swinerton: This national builder has a significant presence in Akron, handling healthcare, higher education, and corporate projects. They are a top-tier general contractor that looks for experienced PMs.
7. Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.: Another national giant with a strong Akron office. They are known for their healthcare and higher education work and are a major employer for seasoned CMs.

Hiring Trends: The trend is towards CMs who can manage hybrid projects (e.g., a hospital wing with a research lab). BIM (Building Information Modeling) proficiency is becoming a standard requirement, not just a bonus. The move toward sustainable building (LEED, WELL) is also creating more specialized roles.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio has clear requirements for Construction Managers, though it’s not as rigidly defined as some states. The most common path is through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), which licenses General Contractors.

For a Construction Manager:

• Most CMs work under a licensed General Contractor’s license. To become a licensed contractor yourself (which can increase your pay and opportunities), you need:
  • Experience: At least 5 years of experience in the construction trade you want to be licensed in (e.g., General Building, HVAC, Electrical).
  • Examination: Pass the OCILB exam for your trade.
  • Bonding & Insurance: You must secure a surety bond and liability insurance.
  • Cost: The license application fee is $150, plus exam fees (~$150). The total initial cost is typically $400-$600.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you already have experience and a license from another state: You can apply for reciprocity. The process can take 4-8 weeks.
• If you need to take the Ohio exam: Study time (1-3 months), scheduling the exam (can take weeks), and application processing can mean a 3-6 month timeline from start to finish.

Insider Tip: Even if you don’t plan to become a licensed contractor immediately, understanding Ohio’s licensing laws is critical. Many project owners and GCs in Akron require CMs to have at least a basic understanding of OCILB regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your choice of neighborhood in Akron will affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top picks:

1. Fairlawn / West Akron: The premier choice for professionals. Excellent schools, safe, and with easy access to I-77 and I-277. You’ll find newer apartment complexes and condo options.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month
2. Cuyahoga Falls: A beautiful, historic suburb just north of Akron. Great downtown area, highly rated schools, and a quick commute via Route 8 or I-277. Popular with young professionals and families.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month
3. Downtown Akron: If you want a walkable, urban vibe, downtown is having a renaissance. You’re close to the university, major employers, and restaurants. The commute to job sites is easy, but parking can be a challenge.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate (Loft/Apartment): $950 - $1,300/month
4. Bath / Copley Township: Upscale, rural-suburban feel with large lots and excellent schools. Commute is slightly longer (15-20 mins) but offers a quieter lifestyle. Ideal for those who want space and don’t mind driving.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month
5. Firestone Park: South Akron neighborhood with a mix of historic charm and affordability. Good access to I-77 for commuting to industrial sites south of the city.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron may not be a mega-market, but it offers clear advancement paths, especially if you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: CMs with hospital project experience can command a 10-15% salary premium due to the complexity of codes and infection control.
• Industrial/Manufacturing: With Goodyear and Sherwin-Williams, CMs who understand process piping, heavy equipment, and safety protocols (OSHA 30+) are highly valued.
• Sustainability: LEED AP certification can add 5-8% to your earning potential, especially on projects for universities or corporate clients.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Superintendent (often a step from Project Manager) -> Project Executive (oversees multiple projects) -> Regional Director (manages all projects in Akron market).
2. Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Director of Pre-Construction (focusing on bidding and estimating) -> Vice President of Operations.
3. Owner’s Representative: With experience, CMs can move to the client side, representing Akron Children’s, the University, or developers. This role often pays a premium and offers a better work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is steady. The key will be adapting to new technologies (drones for site surveys, AI for project scheduling) and the ongoing need for skilled management as the current workforce retires. The healthcare sector will be the most stable driver of demand.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living – Your salary goes far.	Seasonal Weather – Winters can be cold and snowy, affecting schedules.
Stable Job Market – Driven by healthcare, education, and industry.	Smaller Metro – Fewer large-scale projects than Columbus or Cleveland.
Manageable Commutes – Most jobs are within a 30-minute drive.	Limited Public Transit – Owning a car is a necessity.
Central Location – Easy drive to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Columbus.	Rust Belt Legacy – Some areas are still recovering from industrial decline.
Growing Downtown & Suburbs – Good quality of life and amenities.	Salary Ceiling – Top-tier pay may lag behind coastal cities.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for Construction Managers at the mid-career level and those seeking a high quality of life without the stress of a massive, competitive market. If you have experience in healthcare, education, or industrial construction, you’ll find ample opportunities. It’s a fantastic place to establish yourself, save money, and potentially buy a home. For those seeking the highest possible salary or the most glamorous skyscraper projects, you might look to larger metros. But for a balanced, rewarding career, Akron is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need a license to work as a Construction Manager in Ohio?
No, Ohio does not have a specific "Construction Manager" license. However, to run your own projects as a General Contractor or to sign contracts, you will need a license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Most CMs work under their employer's license.

2. How competitive is the job market in Akron?
It is moderately competitive. With 377 jobs in a metro of 188,692 people, it's not as cutthroat as New York or Chicago, but you still need a solid resume and local network. Networking with the local chapters of AGC (Associated General Contractors) or CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) is highly recommended.

3. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 92.8 means Akron is about 7% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings come from housing (rent and home prices are significantly below national levels), transportation, and utilities. Your $105,872 salary will feel more like $120,000 in a high-cost city.

4. What’s the best way to find a job here before moving?

1. Use LinkedIn to search for Construction Managers at the major employers listed above (Goodyear, Swinerton, Akron Children’s).
2. Contact local recruiting firms specializing in construction (like Michael Page or specialized local agencies).
3. Attend virtual job fairs or events hosted by the Akron Regional Chamber of Commerce.
4. Consider a short-term contract role to get your foot in the door and learn the local market.

5. How does Akron’s weather impact construction schedules?
Ohio has four distinct seasons. Spring and Fall are ideal. Summer can be hot but productive. Winter (Dec-Feb) is the challenge. Snow and sub-freezing temperatures can delay exterior work and concrete pours. Experienced local CMs are adept at planning for weather delays and using winter for interior work, planning, and logistics. Expect an annual 2-3 month slowdown in outdoor work.