Construction Manager in Bentonville, AR

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape across Arkansas, I can tell you that Bentonville isn’t just the corporate home of Walmart—it’s a booming hub for construction management that offers a unique blend of opportunity and affordability. If you’re a construction manager (CM) eyeing a move here, you’re likely weighing the numbers against the lifestyle. Let’s break it down, street by street.

The Salary Picture: Where Bentonville Stands

The financial reality for a construction manager in Bentonville is solid, beating the state average but trailing slightly behind the national benchmark. The median salary here sits at $105,288/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.62/hour. For context, the national average for the role is $108,210/year, so you’re looking at a difference of just under $3,000 annually. This gap is common in growing metros where the cost of living provides a natural buffer.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in Bentonville. These figures are synthesized from local job postings and industry surveys, reflecting the current market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$72,000 - $88,000	Project coordination, sub-contractor management, on-site supervision
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Full project lifecycle management, budgeting, client liaison
Senior (10-19 years)	$115,000 - $145,000	Multi-project oversight, strategic planning, risk management
Expert/Executive (20+ years)	$140,000 - $185,000+	Business development, regional operations, C-suite advisory

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Bentonville holds a strong position. While Little Rock, the state capital, might offer slightly higher top-end salaries (closer to $110,000+ for senior roles), it comes with a higher cost of living and denser traffic. In contrast, cities like Fayetteville or Springdale have comparable salaries but are more tied to the university and poultry industries, respectively. Bentonville’s growth is fueled by corporate expansion and a diversifying economy, making it a hotspot for specialized CMs in retail, commercial, and high-tech construction.

Insider Tip: Don’t fixate solely on the median. In Bentonville, project type is a huge salary multiplier. A CM handling a high-end residential build in Pinnacle Hills will command a premium over one managing a standard commercial warehouse in the industrial corridor near I-49. Always negotiate based on project complexity and your portfolio.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about take-home pay. For a single CM earning the median of $105,288/year, after federal and state taxes (Arkansas has a progressive tax system), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $6,300 - $6,500. This is a conservative estimate; consult a local CPA for your specific situation.

Bentonville’s affordability is its secret weapon. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is just $773/month. The Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most metros.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$773	Median in the city; higher in downtown, lower in suburbs
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national average
Transportation	$350	Car is essential; gas is cheaper than coastal states
Healthcare	$400	Varies by employer plan
Misc/Personal	$1,000	Dining out, entertainment, savings
Total Expenses	$3,123
Monthly Surplus	~$3,377	After rent & essential expenses

This surplus allows for aggressive savings, a mortgage payment, or investment. Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Bentonville is around $325,000. With your $105,288 salary, a 20% down payment ($65,000) is achievable with disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) near $1,800-$2,000, which is roughly 25% of your gross income—a healthy ratio.

Where the Jobs Are: Bentonville's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Bentonville is robust, with 112 active positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, signaling steady, sustainable expansion. The demand is driven by new corporate headquarters, retail expansion, and residential development.

Here are the key players you should know:

1. Walmart, Inc.: As the city’s largest employer, Walmart’s construction arm is a massive force. They continuously remodel stores, build new "Next Gen" formats, and construct office spaces in their sprawling home office campus along SW 8th St. Their projects often require CMs with experience in fast-paced, large-scale retail builds.

2. The Beck Group: A prominent national architecture and construction firm with a major presence in Bentonville. They handle high-profile commercial projects, including corporate offices and mixed-use developments. Look for jobs in their downtown office near the town square.

3. Momentum Group: A local general contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects. They are a primary builder for many of the growing medical facilities in the area. Their work is often concentrated along the John Deere Road corridor.

4. The Jones Company: This large residential builder is a major employer for CMs focused on single-family homes and multi-family developments. They are heavily involved in new subdivisions in growing areas like Centerton and Gravette, just outside the city limits.

5. Arvest Bank: While a financial institution, their commercial lending arm and internal real estate division actively hire construction managers to oversee new branch construction and manage portfolio projects.

6. City of Bentonville: The municipal government itself is a steady employer, managing public works projects, park expansions (like the growing Coler Creek Trail system), and city facility upgrades. These roles offer stability and a strong benefits package.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable shift toward "design-build" project delivery, where the CM is involved from the earliest planning stages. CMs with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and LEED certification are in high demand for sustainable projects, especially for clients like Walmart, which has aggressive sustainability goals.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

Arkansas requires a construction manager to hold a Commercial Contractor License for most commercial projects over $50,000. The state does not have a specific "Construction Manager" license, but the contractor license is the industry standard.

• Requirements: You must pass a business and law exam, provide proof of financial stability (bonding and insurance), and have a qualifying party (either you or an employee) pass the trade exam. For a CM, the "Commercial Contractor" classification is most relevant.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $200-$300. The licensing fee is around $100 annually. Bonding costs vary but expect $5,000 - $15,000 for a surety bond, depending on your project size and credit. Total startup cost: $5,500 - $15,500.
• Timeline: If you have all your documents in order, the process can take 4-8 weeks. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) website is your primary resource.

Insider Tip: Many CMs in Bentonville work under the umbrella of a licensed general contractor. If you’re moving for a job, your new employer will likely sponsor your license. If you’re starting a solo practice, budget for the bond first—it’s the biggest hurdle.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Bentonville is compact, so commutes are generally short, but it’s good to know the lay of the land.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why CMs Love It
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, charming, near the town square. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$900 - $1,200	Proximity to client meetings, restaurants, and a vibrant community. Older homes here mean renovation project opportunities.
Pinnacle Hills	Upscale, modern, corporate. Adjacent to the Walmart Home Office. 5-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Where the money is. High-end residential and commercial projects are booming here. Networking with corporate decision-makers is easier.
Crystal Flats / SW 8th St Corridor	Convenient, mid-range, functional. Direct access to I-49 and major employers.	$700 - $850	Pure practicality. Short commute to Walmart HQ, industrial parks, and major construction sites. Best for the no-nonsense professional.
Centerton (10 min west)	Family-friendly, suburban, growing rapidly. More house for your money.	$650 - $800	Ideal if you have a family. Lower rent means more savings for a home. You’re at the center of the residential construction boom.
Bella Vista (15 min north)	Gated, golf-course living, retirement and resort vibe.	$750 - $950	If you prefer tranquility over buzz. Great for seasoned CMs looking for a slower pace with easy access to the Beaver Lake recreation area.

Commute Note: Traffic is minimal compared to major metros. A 15-minute commute is considered "long." Your biggest challenge will be navigating the roundabouts that dot the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bentonville is not a career backwater; it’s a launchpad. The 10-year job growth of 8% is underpinned by diversification. While retail construction is steady, growth is accelerating in:

• Healthcare: With Mercy Hospital and Northwest Medical Center expanding, CMs with healthcare facility experience command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Logistics & Industrial: The rise of e-commerce has led to a surge in warehouse and distribution center construction along I-49. Specializing here can lead to regional project roles.
• Sustainable Construction: As corporate clients demand LEED and WELL-certified buildings, CMs with green credentials see a direct impact on their earning potential and project portfolio.

Advancement paths typically move from Project Engineer/Coordinator to Assistant PM, to Senior CM, and then to Project Executive or Regional Director. The key to moving up is managing projects to completion under budget and on schedule. Networking through the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) is non-negotiable for career growth.

The Verdict: Is Bentonville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Your salary goes much further than in coastal cities or even nearby Dallas.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a must; biking/walking is only feasible in core neighborhoods.
Robust Job Market: Steady demand from corporate, residential, and commercial sectors.	Small-Town Feel: Limited cultural and entertainment options compared to a major city. Nightlife is quiet.
Short Commutes & Easy Navigation: No rush-hour gridlock; the city is highly car-centric but manageable.	Competitive Residential Market: Buying a home is affordable, but desirable neighborhoods move quickly.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to Ozark Mountains, Beaver Lake, and extensive trail systems (like Coler Creek).	Corporate Influence: The city’s culture is heavily influenced by Walmart; it’s not for those seeking an eclectic, anti-corporate vibe.

Final Recommendation: Bentonville is an excellent choice for a construction manager who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a slower pace of life without sacrificing career opportunity. It’s particularly ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years of experience) looking to build equity in a home and manage high-profile projects without the stress of a mega-metro. If you’re a single CM seeking a vibrant, 24/7 social scene, you may find it limiting. But if you’re ready for a community-oriented, affordable, and professionally rewarding environment, Bentonville is a smart play.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Bentonville?
Yes, absolutely. The city is designed around the automobile. While downtown is walkable, your job will likely require visiting multiple job sites, none of which are reliably accessible by public transit. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

2. How competitive is the housing market for buyers?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. The median home price of $325,000 with your median salary of $105,288 puts you in a strong position. Be prepared to move quickly on well-priced homes, especially in neighborhoods like Pinnacle Hills or Centerton. Pre-approval is essential.

3. Is the work truly focused on retail construction?
While retail (driven by Walmart) is a major component, the market is diverse. You’ll find significant work in healthcare, commercial office, industrial/logistics, and high-end residential. A portfolio showcasing variety is a major asset.

4. What’s the networking scene like?
Strong and supportive. Join the Arkansas Chapter of the AGC and attend events hosted by the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce. The professional community is tight-knit; word of mouth is a powerful tool for finding new opportunities and trusted subcontractors.

5. How does the salary of $105,288 compare to the cost of a comfortable lifestyle?
Exceptionally well. With low rent ($773/month), low taxes, and a cost of living index of 91.0, this salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle, including discretionary spending, substantial savings, and homeownership. You can live well without financial stress, which is rare for a role at this salary level in a growing metro.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB), Zillow Rental Data, City-Data.com, and local job market analysis from the Northwest Arkansas Council.