Construction Manager in Aurora, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering Aurora, CO.

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As a career analyst who has spent considerable time navigating Colorado’s Front Range, I’ve watched Aurora transform from a sprawling suburb into a major economic engine in its own right. For Construction Managers, this isn’t just about a job; it’s about where you can build a career and a life. Aurora offers the concrete and steel opportunities of a booming city with the practical realities of Colorado living. Let’s break down what it really looks like on the ground.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

The financial picture for Construction Managers in Aurora is robust, slightly outpacing the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Aurora metro area is $109,995 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.88. This sits comfortably above the national average of $108,210/year, indicating a healthy demand for skilled leadership in the region's construction sector.

The job market here is competitive but growing. There are currently 789 jobs open for Construction Managers in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This growth is driven by Aurora’s position as a hub for healthcare, aerospace, and residential development, ensuring a steady pipeline of projects from hospital expansions to new master-planned communities.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Aurora market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, field coordination, cost tracking under supervision
Mid-Career	4-8 years	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project management, client liaison, budget and schedule control
Senior	9-15 years	$125,000 - $160,000+	Multi-project oversight, business development, strategic planning
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$160,000 - $200,000+	Regional director, VP of operations, specialized high-rise or complex projects

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data. Bonuses and profit-sharing can add 10-20% to total compensation.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

How does Aurora stack up against its Front Range neighbors?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US avg=100)	Key Market Driver
Aurora	$109,995	105.5	Healthcare, Aerospace, Residential
Denver	$112,500	112.0	Corporate HQs, Tech, High-Rise
Colorado Springs	$102,400	104.0	Military, Defense, Residential
Fort Collins	$98,300	108.0	University, Ag-Tech, Commercial

Insider Tip: While Denver’s salary is marginally higher, the cost of living and commute times often make Aurora a more strategic choice. You get a Denver-metro salary with a slightly lower cost of living and better access to I-70 for mountain projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $109,995 sounds great, but what’s the monthly reality in Aurora?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$9,166
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,300
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,866
• Average 1BR Rent ($1,835/month): 27% of take-home pay
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$5,031

With a 1BR rent at $1,835/month, a Construction Manager earning the median salary is in a strong position. Housing costs are at a manageable 27% of your take-home pay, which is below the recommended 30% threshold. This leaves substantial room for savings, a car payment (essential in Aurora), and enjoying Colorado’s lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Aurora is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,200-$2,400. This is still within a reasonable range (~35% of take-home), but it requires significant upfront savings. Many local managers build their careers for 3-5 years to save for this down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s construction market is diverse, anchored by several major sectors. Here are the key employers driving demand:

1. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: The massive Anschutz Medical Campus is a perpetual construction site. From new patient towers and outpatient clinics to research facility upgrades, UCHealth is a top employer for CMs with healthcare construction experience. Hiring is steady, with a focus on complex MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems.

2. Children’s Hospital Colorado: Adjacent to UCHealth, this campus also sees continuous expansion. Projects are highly specialized, requiring CMs who understand strict healthcare codes, infection control protocols, and working in active hospital environments.

3. Aurora Public Schools & Cherry Creek School District: With Aurora’s growing population, both districts have bond-funded construction programs. This includes building new schools, modernizing existing facilities, and adding specialty spaces like STEM labs. These projects offer stable, long-term contracts.

4. The City of Aurora: As the city’s own general contractor, the municipal government manages a wide portfolio: public safety facilities, parks and rec centers, and infrastructure projects (roadways, water treatment). Working for the city offers excellent benefits and job security, though salaries may be slightly lower than private sector.

5. Aerospace & Defense Contractors (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace): While their main facilities are in nearby Jefferson County, their supply chain and support facilities are often in Aurora. These are high-security, precision-build projects that command premium rates for CMs with security clearance and experience in industrial/commercial builds.

6. Private Developers (e.g., Lennar, DR Horton, local firms): Aurora’s residential market is one of the hottest in the metro area. Master-planned communities like Solaire and Sterling Ranch are in various stages of development. These roles are fast-paced, focused on volume, and often include performance bonuses.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward CMs with green building certifications (LEED) and experience with sustainable materials. The city and major employers are prioritizing energy-efficient builds, making this a valuable skill set.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not have a state-level licensing requirement for Construction Managers to practice. However, this does not mean the path is unregulated. Here’s what you need to know:

• Business License: If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or owning a firm, you’ll need to register with the Colorado Secretary of State and obtain a local business license from the City of Aurora.
• Contractor Licensing: While the CM role itself isn’t licensed, if your scope includes acting as the prime contractor, you must obtain a Colorado Contractor License through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This requires passing an exam, providing proof of insurance, and posting a bond.
• Certifications (Key Differentiators):
  • PMP (Project Management Professional): Highly valued across all industries.
  • LEED AP: Almost becoming a standard for public and commercial work.
  • OSHA 30-Hour: A non-negotiable baseline for field safety.

Timeline & Cost to Get Started:

• If you’re already licensed in another state: The process can take 2-4 weeks to transfer or apply for reciprocity (check with DORA).
• If you need a new license: Allow 8-12 weeks for exam prep, application, and processing.
• Estimated Costs: Exam fees ($300-$500), licensing fees ($200-$500), insurance/bonding can vary widely but expect a startup cost of $2,000-$5,000.

Insider Tip: For CMs moving from out-of-state, the most critical first step is joining the Colorado chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). They provide local regulatory updates and networking that are invaluable for navigating the market.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Aurora will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Tallyn’s Reach	Suburban, family-friendly. Easy access to I-70 and E-470. 25 min to downtown Denver.	$1,950	Managers with families; easy commute to eastern projects.
Havana Corridor	Urban, eclectic. Central location near Anschutz Medical Campus. Walkable to restaurants.	$1,700	Younger professionals; proximity to major healthcare employers.
Solaire Community	New, modern, planned. Lots of amenities, but can be pricier. 30 min to central Aurora.	$2,100	Those wanting a new-build lifestyle; close to new residential projects.
Aurora Hills	Established, quiet. Close to Cherry Creek State Park. 20 min to downtown.	$1,650	Value seekers; access to outdoor recreation.
Central Aurora	Diverse, historic. Older homes, closer to the Anschutz campus. Commute can be traffic-heavy.	$1,550	Urban dwellers on a budget; want to be in the heart of the action.

Commute Reality: Aurora is a car-dependent city. While the light rail (RTD’s A-Line) connects to Denver, most construction sites are not transit-accessible. Factor in a 30-45 minute commute to major job sites, especially during peak hours on I-225 or I-70.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Aurora offers a clear path for advancement, especially if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: CMs with healthcare construction experience can command a 10-15% salary premium. High-rise/multi-family experience is also in high demand as Aurora’s skyline evolves. Heavy civil/infrastructure specialists are needed for the city’s ongoing road and utility projects.
• Advancement Paths: The typical trajectory is from Project Engineer → Assistant PM → Project Manager → Senior PM → Operations Manager/Regional Director. In Aurora, many senior CMs eventually move into business development roles for large national firms, leveraging local knowledge to win regional contracts.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. Aurora’s population is projected to continue growing, ensuring demand for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. The push toward sustainability and modular construction will create new niches. CMs who stay current with technology (BIM, drone surveying) will have the strongest long-term prospects.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries above the national average.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited for construction sites.
Diverse Project Pipeline (healthcare, residential, aerospace).	Competitive Market: High demand means you must be skilled and credentialed.
Lower Cost of Living than Denver proper.	Weather Impact: Winter can pause ground work, affecting project timelines.
Access to Outdoor Recreation (mountains, parks) within 30-60 min.	Sprawl: The city is vast; commutes can be long if you pick the wrong neighborhood.
Stable Employers (hospitals, school districts, city government).	Growth Pains: Rapid development can lead to permitting delays and traffic.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers who value a mix of urban opportunity and suburban affordability. If you have experience in healthcare, education, or residential construction, you’ll find a robust and welcoming market. It’s less ideal for those seeking a dense, walkable urban core or who rely exclusively on public transportation. For a CM who is self-motivated, holds the right certifications, and wants a stable career with a clear path to home ownership and outdoor recreation, Aurora is a strong "yes."

FAQs

1. Do I need to know Spanish to work as a Construction Manager in Aurora?
While not a strict requirement, it is a significant asset. Aurora has a large Spanish-speaking population, and it’s common on job sites. Being able to communicate with subcontractors and crew members directly will improve safety, efficiency, and your rapport with the team.

2. How does the winter weather affect construction projects?
Colorado winters are unpredictable. Ground work often slows or stops from November through March. However, interior work (framing, MEP, finishes) continues year-round. Successful CMs in Aurora budget for winter slowdowns and focus on projects that can progress indoors during colder months.

3. Is the job market saturated with new CMs?
No. While the field is competitive, the 10-year growth of 8% and 789 open jobs indicate sustained demand. The key differentiator is specialization. Generalists struggle; specialists in healthcare, sustainable building, or large-scale residential are in high demand.

4. What’s the best way to network locally?
The AGC Colorado and Urban Land Institute (ULI) Colorado chapters host regular events in Denver and Aurora. Also, attend the annual Colorado Construction Conference. For a more casual approach, join the Denver Metro Area Construction Managers LinkedIn group; it’s very active with local job postings and advice.

5. Can I commute from Denver and still work in Aurora?
Yes, it’s common. The commute from Denver’s core to Aurora’s major job sites (like the Anschutz campus) is about 25-35 minutes against traffic (eastbound in the morning, westbound in the evening). However, living in Aurora itself saves time for visiting multiple job sites scattered across the metro area.