Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.

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A Career Guide for Construction Managers in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

If you’re a Construction Manager looking for a market that balances solid pay with a low cost of living, Augusta-Richmond County needs to be on your radar. I’ve lived in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) for years, and I can tell you this isn’t just another Southern city. It’s a unique blend of federal dollars, rapid residential growth, and historic charm.

This guide strips away the fluff. We’re diving into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world logistics of managing construction projects here.

The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

First, let’s talk money. The data shows that Construction Managers in Augusta-Richmond County are compensated well, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in Augusta-Richmond County is $107,138 per year. Broken down, that’s an hourly rate of $51.51. While this is slightly below the national average of $108,210, the real purchasing power here makes it a winning proposition.

The job market is stable but competitive. There are approximately 405 jobs available in the metro area for this role, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This indicates a steady demand, largely driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and residential expansion.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries here scale predictably with experience. Here’s how the numbers typically break down locally:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range
Entry-Level	0–3 years	$70,000 – $85,000
Mid-Career	4–9 years	$90,000 – $115,000
Senior	10–15 years	$115,000 – $135,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$135,000 – $160,000+

Augusta vs. Other Georgia Cities

How does Augusta stack up against its Georgia peers? It’s a strong contender, particularly when you consider the cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Augusta-Richmond County	$107,138	96.7
Atlanta-Sandy Springs	$115,000+	108.5
Savannah	$102,000	95.8
Columbus	$98,000	89.0

Insider Tip: While Atlanta offers higher nominal salaries, the commute times (often 45+ minutes) and significantly higher housing costs eat into that premium. Augusta offers a "sweet spot" where your dollar stretches further without sacrificing professional opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the monthly budget. If you’re earning the median salary of $107,138, here’s what your financial reality looks like in Augusta.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $107,138
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~28% (approx. $30,000/year)
• Net Annual Income: ~$77,138
• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,428
• Average 1BR Rent: $961/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$6,428	After taxes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$961	Below national average
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Higher in summer due to AC
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing at local chains
Transportation (Gas/Car Maint.)	$350	Augusta is car-dependent
Health Insurance/Out-of-Pocket	$400	Varies by employer
Retirement/ Savings (15%)	$964	Recommended
Discretionary Spending	$3,103	Entertainment, dining, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $3,000 in discretionary income after essential expenses and savings, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Augusta-Richmond County is approximately $220,000–$250,000. A 20% down payment ($44k–$50k) could be saved in 2–3 years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

The construction market here is driven by a mix of healthcare, military, and residential development. Here are the heavy hitters you need to know:

1. Augusta University Health / Wellstar MCG: As the region’s largest employer, the medical district is in a perpetual state of expansion. Look for projects involving hospital expansions, medical office buildings, and specialized healthcare facilities.
2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Savannah District): With Fort Gordon (now renamed Fort Eisenhower) just outside the metro, federal contracting is massive. Projects range from barracks and family housing to complex infrastructure upgrades.
3. Augusta Technical College: They are constantly expanding their campuses to meet workforce demands, offering steady project management opportunities in educational construction.
4. Residential Developers (e.g., D.R. Horton, Meridian Homes): The suburbs like Evans and Martinez are seeing explosive growth. Single-family subdivisions and townhome complexes are everywhere.
5. Richmond County Board of Education: Public school renovations and new builds (like the new Tutt Middle School) provide consistent municipal contracts.
6. Savannah River Site (SRS): Located just south of Augusta, this Department of Energy site requires specialized nuclear and environmental construction management. It’s a niche but high-paying sector.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable shift toward green building and energy-efficient retrofits, especially in government and healthcare contracts. Familiarity with LEED or ENERGY STAR standards is a significant advantage.

Getting Licensed in Georgia

In Georgia, licensure is handled by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. While there is no state-level license specifically titled "Construction Manager," most professionals in the field hold a General Contractor's license if they are signing contracts or pulling permits.

• Requirements: You must pass a business and law exam plus a trade exam. You need to provide proof of financial stability (bonding) and liability insurance.
• Cost: Exam fees are roughly $250–$300. The bond is typically $25,000 (cost varies based on credit). Total startup costs can range from $1,500–$3,000 when including insurance and application fees.
• Timeline: Allow 2–3 months for study, scheduling the exam, and processing the application. The Board’s website is the primary source for current forms.

Insider Tip: If you are coming from another state, Georgia does not have reciprocity with many states. You will likely need to sit for the exam. However, your years of experience count heavily toward the application requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live depends on your worksite and lifestyle. Augusta is split by the river, and commutes vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Best For
Downtown / The Hill	Walkable, historic, near the Medical District. Heavier traffic during hospital shift changes.	$1,100	Younger professionals wanting nightlife and a short commute to AU Health.
North Augusta (SC side)	Just across the Savannah River. Quieter, family-friendly, lower taxes than GA side.	$1,050	Those working in downtown Augusta but wanting a SC address (lower property taxes).
Evans / Martinez	Suburban, top-rated schools, very safe. Commute to downtown can be 20-30 mins.	$1,200	Families or those working on residential projects in the booming suburbs.
Summerville / Augusta University Area	Established, tree-lined streets, older homes. Central to everything.	$950	Mid-career managers who want character and a central location without the downtown bustle.
Grovetown	Fast-growing, more affordable, right off I-20. New subdivisions everywhere.	$900	Great for those working on the west side or commuting to Atlanta (easy highway access).

Commute Reality Check: Traffic is generally light compared to major metros, but the I-20/I-520 interchange can get congested. Living near your primary worksite is a major quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation isn’t inevitable here. The growth of Fort Eisenhower guarantees years of federal construction work. Furthermore, the push for downtown revitalization (like the $50M Bell Auditorium renovation) offers chances to work on large-scale commercial projects.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with military construction (MilCon) experience can command a 15–20% salary premium. Healthcare construction (infection control, medical gas) is another high-value niche.
• Advancement Paths: Many Construction Managers in Augusta start with a GC firm, move into a Project Executive role, and eventually pivot into Real Estate Development or Facilities Management with the large healthcare or university systems.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 8% job growth, the market is expanding. However, competition for top-tier projects will increase. Specializing in sustainable building or complex project types (e.g., federal, healthcare) will be key to staying ahead.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

To make the final decision, weigh the practical pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $107,138 goes much further here than in Atlanta or coastal cities.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: Federal and healthcare sectors provide recession-resistant demand.	Summers: The humidity and heat from June to September can be brutal for outdoor site work.
Short Commutes: Most residents spend less than 20 minutes commuting.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer high-end dining and cultural options compared to Atlanta.
Outdoor Access: Abundant parks, the Savannah River, and nearby lakes for weekend recovery.	Bureaucracy: County permitting can be slow; patience is required.

Final Recommendation:
Augusta-Richmond County is an excellent choice for Construction Managers in the mid-career to senior stage. It offers financial stability, a lower-stress lifestyle, and a diverse project portfolio. If you can handle the summer heat and value a community feel over big-city anonymity, you will thrive here. It’s a pragmatic, rewarding market for the serious professional.

FAQs

Q: Is the market oversaturated with Construction Managers?
A: No. While there are 405 jobs, the growth in healthcare and federal contracting keeps demand steady. Experienced PMP-certified managers are always in demand.

Q: How do the summers affect project timelines?
A: Significantly. Outdoor work often shifts to early mornings or late evenings from June to August. Delays are expected due to heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Good managers build this into the schedule.

Q: Do I need to know military specifications (MilSpecs) to get work?
A: Not mandatory, but it’s a huge advantage. Fort Eisenhower projects are frequent. Taking a course in federal contracting or getting a Security Clearance (even a basic one) can open doors.

Q: What’s the networking scene like?
A: It’s tight-knit. Join the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Georgia. The "Georgia Construction Summit" in Atlanta is worth the trip annually.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 96.7 means essentials like groceries, utilities, and especially housing are below the national average. You feel the savings every month.