The Complete Career Guide for Construction Managers in Birmingham, AL

If you're a Construction Manager looking at the South, Birmingham offers a compelling mix of opportunity, affordability, and a construction market that’s steady but not oversaturated. As someone who’s watched this city’s skyline evolve from the Vulcan statue to the new UAB Hospital towers, I can tell you the work is here—but it’s a different beast than the frantic pace of Atlanta or the tourist-driven cycles of Florida. This guide is built on hard data and local know-how to help you decide if Birmingham is the right next step for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Birmingham Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area is $105,807 per year. That translates to an hourly rate of $50.87 per hour. It’s important to note that this figure sits slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the cost of living more than makes up for it (more on that later).

The job market is stable, not explosive. With 393 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, you’re looking at consistent demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. This is typical for a mature, industrial hub like Birmingham.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary in construction is heavily tied to experience and track record. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Birmingham market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Birmingham)
Entry-Level / Assistant PM	0-3 years	$65,000 - $85,000
Mid-Level Construction Manager	4-9 years	$85,000 - $115,000
Senior Construction Manager	10-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000
Expert / Director Level	15+ years	$140,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys. Specialized credentials (like a PMP or LEED AP) can push you toward the higher end.

Comparison to Other Alabama Cities

How does Birmingham stack up against its in-state competitors?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Notes
Birmingham	$105,807	92.6	Largest market, most diverse project types.
Huntsville	$108,090	91.8	Driven by aerospace/gov't contracts; slightly higher pay but similar COL.
Mobile	$99,250	88.5	Port and maritime work; lower salary but also lower cost of living.
Montgomery	$97,800	89.0	More government-centric; smaller market.

Insider Tip: While Huntsville may edge out Birmingham slightly in salary, the job volume and project diversity in Birmingham offer more stability and career path variety. For a Construction Manager who wants to work on everything from healthcare facilities to downtown historic renovations, Birmingham is the clear winner.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left for groceries, savings, and life. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the Birmingham median salary of $105,807/year.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, using Alabama’s 2023 tax brackets (5% state income tax). Federal taxes are estimated. This is a take-home pay calculator, not financial advice.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $8,817
• Estimated Deductions (Fed Tax, FICA, State Tax): ~$2,300/month
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,517

Now, let’s layer on the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Birmingham is $1,109/month. The Cost of Living Index is 92.6, meaning Birmingham is about 7.4% cheaper than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR in metro)	$1,109	Can be lower in suburbs, higher in trendy downtown areas.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$150	Varies by season; summers are hot.
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	Birmingham is a car-dependent city.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$400	Highly variable; some employers cover 70-80%.
Dining/Entertainment	$300
Savings/Retirement (10% of gross)	$882	Crucial for long-term stability.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Phone, etc.)	$300
Total Monthly Expenses	$4,141
Remaining for Debt, Travel, etc.	$2,376

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The Birmingham housing market is one of the most affordable in the nation for a city of its size. The median home price in the metro is around $270,000. With a $2,376 surplus, a 20% down payment ($54,000) could be saved in under two years, assuming disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $270,000 home would be roughly $1,700/month (including taxes/insurance), which is well within a comfortable budget for someone earning $105,807.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Alabama are very low. This makes homeownership significantly more affordable than in many other states. A $300,000 home might have annual property taxes of only $1,500-$2,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Birmingham's Major Employers

Birmingham’s construction scene is dominated by a mix of large national firms with major local offices and strong regional contractors. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Brasfield & Gorrie: Headquartered in Birmingham, this is a national powerhouse. They specialize in healthcare, commercial, and industrial projects. They’re consistently one of the top employers for CMs in the region. Hiring tends to be steady, focusing on experienced PMs with strong project track records.
2. Robins & Morton: Also headquartered locally, they have a massive footprint in healthcare and higher education construction. They’re known for a collaborative culture and complex, large-scale projects. Their projects are often high-profile, like the ongoing expansions at UAB and Children’s of Alabama.
3. Hoar Construction: A Birmingham-based firm with a strong presence in the Southeast. They work on commercial, healthcare, and public projects. They have a reputation for stability and internal promotion.
4. Barton Malow: A national firm with a major office in Birmingham, particularly strong in sports venues, healthcare, and federal projects (they worked on the FBI HQ in Redstone Arsenal). They offer a pathway to national-level projects.
5. McShane Construction Company: While headquartered in Illinois, their Southeast regional office is in Birmingham and is a major player in multi-family, senior living, and commercial projects. Great for CMs with multi-family experience.
6. Doster Construction Company: Based in Birmingham, Doster is a leader in healthcare, higher education, and K-12 projects. They have a deep commitment to the local community and are known for a strong safety culture.
7. City of Birmingham / Jefferson County: Don’t overlook public sector work. The city and county are constantly upgrading infrastructure, parks, and public buildings. Jobs are posted on the Alabama State Personnel Department website. While salaries might be slightly lower than the private sector, the benefits and job security are excellent.

Hiring Trends: The biggest driver right now is healthcare (UAB, Children’s, St. Vincent’s expansions) and infrastructure (road widening, bridge repairs funded by state/federal grants). There’s also a quiet resurgence in downtown residential and mixed-use development. Hiring for CMs with healthcare construction experience is particularly strong.

Getting Licensed in AL

Alabama does not require a state-specific license to practice as a Construction Manager. However, your credibility and employability hinge on other credentials.

1. Certification is Key: Most employers expect one or more of the following:
   • Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Cost: ~$400-$550 for members, ~$550-$600 for non-members. Requires education and experience.
   • LEED AP BD+C: For sustainable building, highly valued on healthcare and university projects. Cost: ~$250-$550 for the exam and study materials.
   • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification: Often a non-negotiable requirement on job sites. Cost: ~$150-$200 for online courses.
2. Professional Engineer (PE) License: While not required for a CM, a PE license (especially in Civil or Structural Engineering) can significantly boost your salary and authority, particularly on public or complex infrastructure projects. This requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and documented work experience under a licensed PE. The process takes 4-6 years after graduation.
3. Alabama General Contractor License: If you plan to work as a prime contractor or start your own firm, you’ll need a license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The classification varies (e.g., Building, Highway, Electrical). The exam is challenging, and requirements include financial responsibility and experience.

Timeline to Get Started: If you already have a degree and experience, you can sit for the PMP or LEED exam within 3-6 months of focused study. The PE path is a multi-year commitment. Start with your OSHA 30 to be immediately more hireable.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Birmingham impacts your commute, social life, and budget. The metro is spread out, so proximity to your job site matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Homewood	Upscale, walkable, family-friendly. Central location, easy access to I-65 and downtown.	$1,200 - $1,400	CMs with families or who want a classic Birmingham suburb feel.
Lakeview / Southside	Young professional, trendy, near UAB hospital. Walkable to restaurants/bars. Commute to downtown is <10 mins.	$1,300 - $1,600	Younger CMs or those working on UAB or Children's Hospital projects.
Vestavia Hills	Affluent, excellent public schools, suburban. Commutes can be longer to downtown (20-30 mins) but easy access to I-459.	$1,100 - $1,300	CMs prioritizing top-tier schools for their family.
Trussville	Northeast suburb, more affordable, growing rapidly. Commute to downtown can be 30-40 mins via I-459/I-20.	$900 - $1,100	CMs looking for more house/space for their money and don't mind a longer commute.
Downtown / Loft District	Urban, energetic, walkable. Older industrial buildings converted to lofts. Can be noisy.	$1,400 - $1,800	CMs who want to be in the heart of the action and live where they work.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Birmingham is generally manageable, but the I-65/I-20/I-459 interchange near downtown can be a bottleneck during rush hour. If your job site is in the suburbs (like Vestavia or Hoover), living in the same quadrant can save you 15-30 minutes of daily commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Birmingham isn’t a "climb the corporate ladder at a mega-firm" city like New York or Chicago. It’s a "build a deep reputation" city.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries are found in:
  • Healthcare Construction: The UAB/Children’s complex is a massive, ongoing project. CMs with OSHA 10/30 and a track record in occupied facility renovations command a premium.
  • Industrial/Manufacturing: With the automotive industry (Mercedes-Benz in Vance, Hyundai in Montgomery) and chemical plants (Tuscaloosa, but projects in the region), CMs with industrial experience are highly sought after.
  • Heavy Civil/Infrastructure: The state is investing heavily in roads and bridges. A PE license is almost mandatory here for top roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer -> Assistant PM -> Construction Manager -> Senior CM -> Project Executive or Director of Operations. Many top CMs in Birmingham eventually leave large firms to start their own specialized contracting or consulting businesses. The local network is tight-knit; a reputation for finishing projects on time and under budget is your most valuable asset.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. Birmingham’s economy is diversifying beyond its steel roots. Expect steady demand in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The rise of remote work for some corporate jobs may slightly dampen commercial office construction, but it’s offset by growth in logistics (warehouses) and data centers (driven by the tech presence in Huntsville and Atlanta spillover). The key to long-term growth will be adapting to sustainable building practices (LEED, WELL) and mastering complex project delivery methods like integrated project delivery (IPD) used on UAB’s largest projects.

The Verdict: Is Birmingham Right for You?

Birmingham offers a high quality of life for construction professionals who value stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community over the frantic pace and high costs of larger coastal cities.

Pros	Cons
Highly Affordable Cost of Living: Your $105,807 salary goes much further here than in Atlanta, Nashville, or even Dallas.	Slower Pace of Growth: Don't expect the explosive job market of a tech hub. Career moves are more methodical.
Stable Job Market: Diverse project types (healthcare, industrial, institutional) provide recession resilience.	Car-Dependent City: You'll need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Strong Local Network: The construction community is collaborative and tight-knit. Reputation matters.	Limited Nightlife/Arts vs. Major Metros: While Birmingham has great food and parks, it's not a 24/7 city.
Outdoor Access: Beautiful parks, hiking trails (Ruffner Mountain, Oak Mountain), and a mild climate for site work.	Hot, Humid Summers: Can be brutal for field work from June to August.
Low Taxes & Home Prices: Makes homeownership and wealth-building very accessible.	Educational System Variability: School quality varies greatly by suburb; research is crucial for families.

Final Recommendation:
Birmingham is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who are:

• Mid-career (5-15 years experience) looking to maximize their income-to-cost-of-living ratio.
• Interested in healthcare, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Priced out of or seeking a slower pace than major coastal metros.
• Planning to buy a home and build long-term wealth.

It may be less ideal for those seeking the highest absolute salary or a fast-paced, startup-heavy environment. For the right person, however, Birmingham offers a sustainable, rewarding career path with a fantastic quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job without a local network?
A: It’s challenging but doable. Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters at Brasfield & Gorrie, Robins & Morton, and Barton Malow. The Birmingham chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Alabama hosts events that are open to non-members. Applying directly to job postings on company websites is more effective than mass-applying on job boards.

Q: How important is a PE license in Birmingham?
A: For pure Construction Management roles (overseeing contractors, scheduling, budgeting), it’s not required. However, if you want to move into a role that involves design coordination, structural oversight, or heavy civil work, a PE is a major advantage and often a requirement for senior positions.

Q: What’s the weather like for construction work?
A: The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are hot (highs regularly in the 90s°F) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild with occasional ice/snow events that can shut down sites. The "ideal" construction windows are spring and fall. This affects project scheduling and requires good planning.

Q: Are there opportunities for women in Birmingham’s construction management field?
A: Yes, and the field is actively working on diversity. Major firms like Brasfield & Gorrie and Robins & Morton have strong women’s initiatives and ERGs. The AGC of Alabama also has a Women in Construction group. While male-dominated, the industry is becoming more inclusive, and skilled CMs are in demand regardless of gender.

Q: How does the commute really compare to a city like Atlanta?
A: Night and day. The average commute in Birmingham is under