Construction Manager in Biddeford, ME

The Salary Picture: Where Biddeford Stands

As a Construction Manager in Biddeford, you’re looking at a salary that’s not just competitive—it’s leading in the region. The median salary for a Construction Manager here is $109,378/year, which breaks down to a solid $52.59/hour. That’s marginally above the national average of $108,210/year, a testament to the skilled labor market and ongoing development in the Biddeford-Saco metro area, which has a population of 22,463.

What’s driving this? A combination of steady residential builds, commercial renovations, and infrastructure projects tied to the region’s growth. With 44 jobs currently listed in the metro and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, the outlook is stable, if not explosive. This isn’t a boomtown; it’s a reliable market for seasoned professionals.

Here’s how experience translates to pay in Biddeford:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, project coordinator, estimating support, field supervision under guidance.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $125,000	Managing mid-sized projects, client relations, full project lifecycle oversight.
Senior-Level (10-15 years)	$125,000 - $150,000+	Large-scale projects, complex commercial/industrial, multi-municipal coordination.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$150,000+	Executive roles, business development, regional management, specialized consulting.

How Biddeford Compares to Other Maine Cities:
While Biddeford’s median of $109,378 is strong, it’s important to contextualize it. Portland, the state’s largest metro, typically commands a premium, with salaries often 5-10% higher. However, that comes with a significantly higher cost of living. Biddeford offers a more accessible entry point. Augusta, the state capital, might see slightly lower median salaries due to a different project mix (more public/government work). In short, Biddeford sits in a sweet spot: a respectable paycheck without the intense competition or cost pressure of Portland.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $109,378 salary sounds great, but what’s the monthly reality? For a single filer in 2024 (assuming standard deduction, no dependents, and accounting for federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Maine state income tax), your take-home pay will be approximately $6,000 - $6,300 per month. (This is a pre-tax estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on health insurance, retirement contributions, and other deductions.)

The biggest local expense is housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Biddeford rents for $1,139/month. Let’s map out a monthly budget for an Construction Manager earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	After taxes/deductions.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,139	You can find places for less, but this is the market average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Biddeford winters mean higher heating costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential for commuting to job sites.
Groceries & Household	$400	Like many in Maine, you might supplement with local farm stands.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$300	Varies widely; this is a common employer contribution estimate.
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$455	Crucial for long-term planning.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Savings)	$1,606	This is your discretionary and savings buffer.
Total Expenses	$4,650
Remaining	$1,500	For savings, debt, or home down payment.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. With a $1,500+ monthly surplus, a down payment is within reach. The median home price in Biddeford is around $320,000 - $350,000. A standard 20% down payment on a $335,000 home is $67,000. At a $1,500/month savings rate, you could save that in about 3.7 years. Alternatively, Maine Housing offers down payment assistance programs that can significantly lower the upfront barrier. For a couple with dual incomes, this timeline shortens dramatically. Biddeford’s real estate market is active but not as frantic as Portland’s, giving you more room to negotiate.

Where the Jobs Are: Biddeford's Major Employers

The construction scene here is fueled by a mix of established firms and new opportunities. Here’s who you should be looking at:

1. Bath Iron Works (BIW): While its main yards are in Bath, BIW has a massive presence in the regional supply chain and logistics network. Their projects require heavy industrial construction management, from facility upgrades to supporting infrastructure. Hiring is steady, tied to the Navy’s shipbuilding contracts.
2. Maine Medical Center (MMC) & Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC): Biddeford is home to SMHC (part of the MaineHealth system). Ongoing healthcare construction—clinic expansions, renovations, and facility modernization—drives demand for PMs with healthcare experience, which is a highly paid specialty.
3. The City of Biddeford: The municipal government is a constant source of public works projects: road repairs, school upgrades, and public facility maintenance. These are often managed by or in partnership with private construction firms. Check the city’s procurement page for bid opportunities.
4. Local & Regional Developers: Firms like The Thornton Group and Northland Enterprises are active in residential and mixed-use developments throughout Biddeford, Saco, and Kennebunk. These are prime targets for PMs with single-family and multi-family project experience.
5. University of New England (UNE): With its main campus in Biddeford, UNE is in a perpetual state of growth and renovation. Managing renovations of historic buildings or new academic facilities is a unique niche. Their projects often require close coordination with academic and administrative staff.
6. Large General Contractors: Keep an eye on regional firms like Westbrook-based PC Construction and Lewiston-based Sargent Corp., which frequently win major projects in the Biddeford area, from commercial builds to municipal contracts.

Insider Tip: The “Southern Maine” network is tight. Attend the monthly meetings of the Southern Maine Construction Guild or the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine chapter. Many of the best jobs here are filled through referrals before they’re ever publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in Maine

Maine does not have a state-specific license for Construction Managers. However, the state does have a Maine Construction Supervisor License (CSL), which is often a de facto requirement for projects over a certain value or scope.

• The Requirement: To be a licensed Construction Supervisor in Maine, you must pass an exam and provide proof of experience. For a Construction Manager, you’ll likely need the CSL with a “Commercial” endorsement.
• The Process: You can apply through the State of Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Licensing and Registration. The exam is administered by Prov.
• Costs & Timeline: The exam fee is around $150, and the license application fee is $120. The entire process, from studying to testing to approval, can take 2-4 months. There is no formal continuing education requirement for the CSL, but staying current on codes is essential.
• Other Certifications: While not state-mandated, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA or the Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI are highly respected and can command a salary premium. The nearest testing center for these is in Portland.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from a state with a reciprocal agreement, check with the Maine Licensing Board. Even without reciprocity, your documented experience will fast-track your eligibility to sit for the exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in Biddeford depends on your commute and lifestyle. Job sites are spread from the Maine Turnpike corridor to the coastal areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It’s a Fit for a CM
Downtown Biddeford	Walkable, historic, with apartments and lofts. Easy to access I-95.	$1,200 - $1,500	You’re close to the action, restaurants, and the city hall. Ideal if you walk to work or don’t mind a 5-10 min drive to sites.
Biddeford’s “Mill District”	Emerging, urban-chic, in converted mill buildings (e.g., Pepperell Mills).	$1,100 - $1,400	This is a developing area with ongoing construction. Living here means you’re literally in a project hotspot.
West Biddeford / Near I-95 Exit 32	Suburban, residential, with single-family homes.	$1,000 - $1,300	Best for quick access to job sites along the Turnpike and in Saco. A quiet, family-friendly area.
Biddo Beach / Near the Saco River	More residential, quieter, with riverfront access.	$950 - $1,200	Offers a peaceful retreat. Commute is easy via Route 1 or Route 5. Good for those who want space but still need to be connected.
Saco (Adjacent City)	A separate but intertwined community. More traditional suburban feel.	$1,150 - $1,400	Many CMs live in Saco and commute to Biddeford (and vice versa). The school systems are excellent, a big draw for families.

Insider Tip: If you’re renting, look for listings in the “Biddo” or “Biddeford-Saco” Facebook groups. Many landlords post there directly, cutting out broker fees.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biddeford, growth isn’t about rapid promotion; it’s about specialization and network-building.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest earners here have niches. Healthcare construction (due to MMC and SMHC) and industrial/logistics (BIW-related) can command premiums of 5-15% over general residential/commercial. Public Works offers job security but may cap at the lower end of the senior range unless you move into municipal management.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is PM at a GC -> Senior PM -> Regional Manager or Director of Operations. Many successful managers eventually start their own firm, especially in the residential and light commercial space. The low cost of living makes this a viable entrepreneurial play.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. It’s not a bubble; it’s sustainable. The trend is toward more complex, mixed-use projects and sustainable building practices. As renewable energy (offshore wind) develops in the Gulf of Maine, new infrastructure projects will emerge. Upskill in green building standards (LEED, Passive House) to stay ahead.

The Verdict: Is Biddeford Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: The $109,378 median stretches far here.	Seasonal Demand: Construction slows significantly in deep winter (Jan-Feb), though less so for indoor/renovation work.
Stable Job Market: 44 jobs and 8% growth mean steady opportunity.	Limited Large-Scale Projects: You won’t find the mega-skyscrapers of a major metro. Projects are regional in scale.
Quality of Life: Access to coast, forests, and a smaller-town feel.	Network-Dependent: Advancement heavily relies on local connections. Moving here cold can be tougher.
Strategic Location: 1.5 hours to Portland, 2 hours to Boston. Good for client meetings.	Harsh Winters: Must be prepared for snow, ice, and cold that can impact schedules.

Final Recommendation:
Biddeford is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers (4-10 years of experience) seeking stability, a high quality of life, and a chance to own a home. It’s ideal for those who value community over hustle and want to be in a region with long-term, multifaceted growth (healthcare, education, light industry). It’s less ideal for someone early in their career who wants to be on the fastest-growth track, or for those who crave a 24/7 urban environment. If you’re a seasoned pro looking to plant roots and lead meaningful projects in a supportive environment, Biddeford deserves a hard look.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Biddeford?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable, job sites are scattered. Public transportation is limited. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable for site visits and commuting to projects in neighboring towns.

2. How does the winter weather affect construction schedules?
It’s a major factor. From December to March, outdoor ground work often halts. However, this is prime time for interior renovations, commercial fit-outs, and planning. Successful CMs in Maine budget for seasonal slowdowns and focus on indoor projects during the colder months.

3. Is it hard to break into the local construction network as an outsider?
It can be, but it’s not insurmountable. The key is to engage with the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC) and the Maine Builders & Remodelers Association. Attend events in Portland; the network is regional. Introduce yourself, be genuine, and don’t underestimate the power of a personal referral. The community is tight-knit and values reliability above all else.

4. What’s the typical project size I’d manage in Biddeford?
Expect a mix. You’ll manage everything from $500k residential renovations to $5-15 million commercial builds (medical offices, small retail centers, multi-family housing). Large-scale industrial projects (like those at BIW) can be in the $20-50 million range, but those are often managed by national firms with local offices.

5. How does Maine’s licensing interact with national certifications?
Maine’s CSL is a baseline. The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or PMP are national credentials that demonstrate advanced knowledge and can make you a more attractive candidate to larger firms like PC Construction or Sargent Corp. They are particularly valuable if you want to move into executive leadership.