Construction Manager in Brockton, MA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Brockton, MA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Brockton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Brockton isn't just the "City of Champions"—it's a solid hub for construction management, especially given its strategic location between Boston and Providence. The median salary for a Construction Manager here is $111,975/year, which stacks up favorably against the national average of $108,210/year. That’s a premium for the region, though you’ll pay for it in the cost of living.

When you break it down by experience level, the picture gets clearer. The salary progression in the Greater Brockton area aligns with state trends but often includes local bonuses tied to project milestones, especially in the healthcare and commercial sectors.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Brockton, MA)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant Project Manager, field supervision, cost tracking, safety protocols.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$100,000 - $125,000	Running mid-sized projects (e.g., multifamily, retail), managing subcontractors, client liaison.
Senior-Level (9-15 yrs)	$130,000 - $155,000	Overseeing large-scale projects (hospitals, schools), strategic planning, P&L responsibility.
Expert/Executive (15+ yrs)	$160,000+	Director of Construction, firm ownership, complex institutional work, major client relationships.

Note: These ranges are based on local job postings and BLS data for the Brockton metro area. The median of $111,975 sits firmly in the mid-to-senior level.

Brockton vs. Other MA Cities

Compared to Boston, where the median salary is closer to $125,000, Brockton offers a lower cost of living with a competitive wage. Worcester’s median is similar (around $108,000), but Brockton’s proximity to both Boston and Providence gives it a unique logistical advantage for regional projects. The $53.83/hour rate here reflects a strong hourly market for independent contractors and consultants.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $111,975 sounds great, but what’s left after Massachusetts’ 5% income tax, federal taxes, and the rent?

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Construction Manager (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$9,331	($111,975 / 12)
Taxes (Fed + State, est.)	$2,300	~25% effective rate (varies by deductions).
Net Monthly Income	$7,031	What you take home.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,488	Brockton metro average.
Utilities & Internet	$200	Eversource is the primary utility.
Food & Groceries	$500	Competitive with national averages.
Transportation	$400	Car insurance is high in MA; gas, maintenance.
Health Insurance	$300	If employer covers 70% of premium.
Retirement & Savings	$1,000	10-15% of gross is standard.
Discretionary Spend	$3,143	Left for entertainment, dining, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Brockton is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$2,260 (including taxes and insurance). Given the net income of $7,031, a housing cost of $2,260 is about 32% of your take-home pay, which is manageable but tight. Many locals opt for condos or homes in neighboring towns like West Bridgewater for better value. Insider Tip: Look into the MA Housing Partnership for first-time homebuyer programs, which can lower your down payment requirement.

Where the Jobs Are: Brockton's Major Employers

The Brockton job market for Construction Managers is anchored by healthcare, education, and commercial development. With a metro population of 104,884, there’s steady demand for infrastructure and facility upgrades.

Here are the key players:

1. Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital: The largest employer in the city. They are constantly expanding and renovating their campus. Projects often involve sensitive, medical-grade construction. Hiring Trend: They have an in-house facilities team and hire external CM firms for major expansions.
2. Brockton Public Schools: With over 18,000 students, the district has ongoing capital improvement projects (new schools, HVAC upgrades, athletic facilities). These are publicly bid, long-term contracts.
3. South Shore Health (Weymouth, but major presence): While not in Brockton proper, many residents work here, and it’s a key regional employer. Projects often require managers familiar with both South Shore and Metro South logistics.
4. Local General Contractors: Firms like D'Agostino Construction (based in nearby Taunton) and A. Corsini Construction (Rockland) handle residential and commercial projects from the Brockton area. They are the primary employers for mid-level CMs.
5. Retail & Commercial Development: The Westgate Mall area and commercial corridors along Routes 28 and 18 see frequent strip-mall renovations and new builds. National retail chains are consistently opening locations here.
6. Higher Education: Bridgewater State University (in neighboring Bridgewater) is a major public university with ongoing construction projects. Many Brockton-based CMs compete for these contracts.
7. Brockton Housing Authority: Manages numerous public housing projects and renovations. These are publicly funded, stable contracts.

Insider Tip: The network here is tight. Most mid-to-large projects are won by firms with local ties. Attend the monthly meetings of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts chapter in the region.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts does not have a specific "Construction Manager" license, but it has rigorous requirements for the trades and for project overseers.

• Contractor Licensing: If you work for a firm, you don’t need an individual license. However, if you start your own business, you’ll need a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license (if doing residential) or a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for commercial work. The CSL requires passing an exam and has a fee of ~$150.
• Trade Licenses: For specialized work (electrical, plumbing, asbestos abatement), you or your subcontractors must hold proper state licenses. The MA Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) oversees this.
• OSHA Certifications: OSHA 30-Hour is standard and expected. Many local employers will pay for this.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, studying for and passing the CSL exam can take 2-3 months. The application process takes another 4-6 weeks. Total time: 3-5 months to be fully licensed to run your own firm.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Brockton has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a CM
Downtown	Urban, walkable, near City Hall and courts. Close to major bus routes.	$1,350	Best for single professionals who want to avoid a car. Easy access to downtown projects.
Montello	Residential, family-oriented, close to the Westgate Mall.	$1,450	Good mix of affordability and amenities. Central to many commercial job sites.
Cary Hill	Quiet, suburban feel, larger lots, good schools.	$1,600	Ideal for managers with families. Slightly longer commute to the city center.
East Side	Near the hospital and affluent areas like the Cobb Corner.	$1,550	Closer to healthcare projects. More expensive but stable.
South Brockton	More affordable, closer to Route 24 and 18 for quick commutes.	$1,250	Great for contractors who need to be on the road often. Direct routes to Providence and Boston.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Route 24 can be brutal during rush hour. If you work north of Brockton, living in the Montello or Downtown areas can shave 15-20 minutes off your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for Construction Managers in the metro area is 8%. That’s steady, not explosive, but it signals stability. The growth is tied to infrastructure and healthcare.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with experience in healthcare construction (infection control, medical gas) or sustainable building (LEED) can command a 10-15% salary premium. Those with expertise in public school projects have a niche in the stable public sector.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field to Office: Move from superintendent to assistant PM, then to PM.
  2. Niche to General: Start in residential, move to commercial, then to institutional (hospitals/schools).
  3. Corporate to Entrepreneurial: Work for a large GC (like the local branches of Turner or Skanska) to build a network, then start your own boutique CM firm focusing on a specialty.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 209 jobs in the metro are expected to grow to ~225. The push for energy-efficient retrofits and the aging infrastructure of local schools will be the main drivers. Insider Tip: The real growth will be in "green" construction and adaptive reuse—converting old mills or commercial spaces. Mastering these skills now will pay off later.

The Verdict: Is Brockton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive salary ($111,975 median) relative to cost of living.	Cost of living is 11.6% above the US average.
Stable job market with 209+ positions and 8% growth.	Traffic can be challenging to Boston/Providence.
Diverse project types (healthcare, schools, retail).	Winters are cold and can delay projects.
Strong local network and tight-knit contractor community.	Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity.
Strategic location between two major metros.	Rent is rising, though still below Boston.

Final Recommendation:
Brockton is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers seeking a balance between urban opportunity and suburban affordability. It’s less cutthroat than Boston but offers comparable project complexity. If you specialize in healthcare or public infrastructure, you’ll find a stable career. However, if you’re just starting out, the cost of living might be a stretch on an entry-level salary. For a family-oriented person with 4-8 years of experience, this city offers a compelling package.

FAQs

Q: How does the cost of living in Brockton compare to Boston?
A: Boston’s cost of living is about 50% higher than the national average, while Brockton is about 11.6% higher. You’ll save significantly on rent and daily expenses, but you’ll still need to commute to Boston for some high-end projects.

Q: Is it necessary to have a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL)?
A: Only if you plan to run your own firm or be the lead supervisor on a commercial job. If you work for an existing construction company, they will typically handle the licensing requirements for the project.

Q: What’s the market like for subcontractors in Brockton?
A: It’s robust. Due to the volume of residential and commercial work, there is a high demand for skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters). Building a network of reliable subcontractors is easier here than in more saturated markets.

Q: How important is local knowledge in the Brockton market?
A: Extremely important. Understanding local zoning boards (e.g., Brockton’s Planning Department), environmental regulations (Plymouth County wetlands), and the preferences of major employers like Signature Healthcare can make or break a bid. Insider Tip: Visit the City of Brockton’s Economic Development website and introduce yourself to the Building Commissioner early on.

Q: Can I commute to Boston for higher-paying jobs while living in Brockton?
A: Absolutely. Many professionals do this. The commute via Route 24/93 or the Commuter Rail from nearby stations (like Brockton or Abington) is about 45-60 minutes. The higher Boston salary often offsets the commute cost and time, making Brockton a strategic home base.