Construction Manager in Broken Arrow, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Broken Arrow Stands

As a local who's watched this market for years, I can tell you that Broken Arrow offers a compelling salary-to-cost ratio for construction managers. The city isn't booming like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, but it's steady, with a mix of residential, commercial, and infrastructure work that keeps the wheels turning. Let's break down the numbers so you can see where you fit.

First, the headline figures: In Broken Arrow, the median salary for Construction Managers is $104,801 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.39. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but don't let that fool you—when you factor in the lower cost of living (we'll get to that), the real value here is strong. The metro area (which includes Tulsa and the surrounding counties) supports about 239 jobs for this role, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. That's not explosive, but it's stable, especially with ongoing developments in areas like the Rose District and along the Highway 51 corridor.

To give you a clearer picture, here's how salaries break down by experience level in the Broken Arrow market. These are localized estimates based on BLS data, job postings on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, and conversations with local firms.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $85,000	$31.25 - $40.87	Often starts with residential projects or as an assistant superintendent.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	$43.27 - $55.29	Handles small to mid-size commercial jobs; typical for this market.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $140,000	$55.29 - $67.31	Manages large projects, like schools or medical facilities.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$140,000 - $180,000+	$67.31 - $86.54+	Leads regional divisions for national firms; rare but exists.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Broken Arrow holds its own. In Tulsa, the median is closer to $112,000, but the cost of living is about 10% higher. In Oklahoma City, you might see medians around $110,000, but competition is fiercer. For a family or someone prioritizing a quieter lifestyle, Broken Arrow's $104,801 median is a sweet spot—enough to live well without the hustle of a larger metro.

Insider Tip: If you're negotiating a salary here, emphasize your experience with local codes and weather challenges. Oklahoma's extreme weather (think hail storms and tornadoes) means managers who know how to build resiliently are valued. I've seen guys leverage that to bump their offers by 5-10%.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $104,801 actually buys you in Broken Arrow. As a local, I know the numbers can look great on paper, but the take-home after taxes and housing is what matters. I'll break it down step-by-step, using Oklahoma's tax rates and local rent data. For this exercise, I'm assuming you're single, filing as head of household, and taking the standard deduction—adjust as needed for your situation.

First, taxes: Oklahoma has a progressive income tax ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. For a $104,801 salary, your federal and state withholdings will roughly total 25-30%, depending on deductions. Let's estimate 28% for simplicity—that's about $29,344 in taxes annually, leaving you with a net of roughly $75,457 per year, or $6,288 per month.

Now, housing: The average rent for a 1-bedroom in Broken Arrow is $760/month. That's a steal compared to national averages, but location matters—I'll cover neighborhoods next. For a comfortable setup, I'd budget a bit more, say $900/month for a nicer 1BR or a small 2BR in a safe area.

Here's a monthly budget breakdown for an Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Cost	% of Net Income	Notes
Net Income	$6,288	100%	After 28% taxes on $104,801
Housing (Rent)	$900	14%	1-2BR apartment; utilities extra (~$150)
Utilities & Internet	$200	3%	Electricity, water, internet; heating/cooling can spike in summer/winter
Groceries	$400	6%	Family of 2; local stores like Reasor's or Walmart
Transportation	$350	6%	Car payment, gas, insurance; Broken Arrow is car-dependent
Healthcare	$300	5%	Employer plan or marketplace; local clinics like St. John Broken Arrow
Savings/Retirement	$1,000	16%	401(k) match from employers; aim for 10-15% of gross
Miscellaneous	$1,000	16%	Eating out, entertainment, hobbies; Rose District has affordable options
Remaining	$2,138	34%	Buffer for emergencies or fun

This leaves you with plenty of room—about a third of your income for discretionary spending or additional savings. The key is that $104,801 goes far here because the cost of living index is 89.5 (US average is 100). You're saving roughly 10-15% compared to national norms.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Broken Arrow is around $250,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would run about $1,260/month (including taxes and insurance). That's manageable on your net income of $6,288/month, especially if you dual-income or have a spouse working locally. In fact, many construction managers here own homes in the $200k-$350k range, often in neighborhoods like those I'll mention later. If you're renting now, start saving for that down payment—Oklahoma offers first-time homebuyer programs through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Oklahoma are low (around 0.86% of assessed value), so a $250,000 home might cost only $100/month in taxes. Factor that in when budgeting. Also, with your income, you could qualify for a mortgage pre-approval quickly—local banks like Bank of Broken Arrow are construction-friendly.

Where the Jobs Are: Broken Arrow's Major Employers

Broken Arrow isn't a massive city, but it's a hub for construction in the Tulsa metro, thanks to its proximity to I-44 and Highway 51. The job market here is driven by residential growth (new subdivisions in the south) and commercial projects (like retail in the Rose District). With 239 jobs in the metro and 8% growth over 10 years, opportunities are steady but competitive. I've seen hiring pick up in the spring and summer, aligned with construction season.

Here are the key local employers, based on my knowledge of the scene and recent job postings:

1. Manhattan Construction Company: A major player with offices in Tulsa and projects in BA. They handle commercial builds like schools and hospitals. Hiring trends: Steady for mid-level managers; they're expanding into green building (LEED certification). Salary range: $95,000-$130,000. Insider note: They value OSHA 30 certification and local weather experience.

2. Hogan & Associates Construction: Based in nearby Tulsa but deeply involved in BA residential projects. Focuses on custom homes and remodels in neighborhoods like Stonebridge. Hiring trends: Seasonal uptick in spring; looking for managers with 5+ years. Salary: $85,000-$115,000. They're family-owned, so culture is collaborative—great for networking.

3. Tulsa Public Schools (Maintenance & Construction Division): Manages school builds and renovations in the area, including Broken Arrow schools. With the metro population at 119,666, there's ongoing demand for educational facilities. Hiring trends: Public sector stability; openings for certified managers. Salary: $90,000-$120,000 with benefits. Tip: Get familiar with state education building codes.

4. St. John Broken Arrow Hospital (Part of Ascension): Handles facility expansions and medical office builds. Projects include the recent ER addition. Hiring trends: Steady, with a focus on healthcare-compliant construction. Salary: $100,000-$140,000. They prioritize managers with experience in sterile environments.

5. Crown Electric Company: Electrical contractor working on commercial and residential sites across BA. Often hires construction managers for integrated projects. Hiring trends: Growing with solar and smart home integrations; 10% annual increase in postings. Salary: $80,000-$110,000. Local insight: They partner with the Tulsa Community College for apprenticeships.

6. Rose District Redevelopment Authority: Manages public projects in downtown BA, like streetscapes and mixed-use buildings. With the district's revitalization, there's niche hiring. Hiring trends: Project-based; ideal for consultants. Salary: $95,000-$125,000. They're big on community involvement—join the Chamber of Commerce to connect.

7. Chisholm Creek Energy (Renewables Division): Emerging in the energy sector, focusing on wind/solar farm sites near BA. Hiring trends: Tied to Oklahoma's energy boom; managers with utility experience are in demand. Salary: $110,000-$150,000. This is a growth area—consider certifications in renewable construction.

To break into these, check local job boards like the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce site or TulsaWorks. Many jobs aren't posted nationally; it's about word-of-mouth. I've landed gigs through the Oklahoma Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma doesn't require a state-specific license for general construction managers, but you'll need certifications to be competitive. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) oversees related licenses, and for commercial work, you might need a contractor's license. Let's walk through the practical steps—it's straightforward but takes time.

First, the basics: No mandatory state license for Construction Managers per se, but many employers want a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) or a Professional Engineer (PE) license if you're doing structural work. For contractor roles, Oklahoma requires a license through the CIB for projects over $10,000.

Steps and Costs:

1. Education/Experience: Most jobs require a bachelor's in construction management, engineering, or equivalent (5+ years experience). No state exam for CMs, but for CCM, you need 4 years of experience and pass a test. Cost: $400 for CCM exam. Timeline: 1-2 years if starting from scratch.

2. Contractor License (if needed): For commercial/residential work, apply for a license via the CIB. Requires proof of experience, insurance, and a bond. Exam is through NASCLA (National Association of State Licensing Boards). Cost: $250 application + $300 exam fee. Timeline: 3-6 months to get approved and scheduled.

3. OSHA Certifications: Essential for safety compliance. Get the 10-hour or 30-hour course online or in-person (local providers in Tulsa). Cost: $60-$180. Timeline: 1-2 days.

4. Additional Certs: LEED AP for green building ($250 exam), or First Aid/CPR (local Red Cross classes, $75). These add value in Oklahoma's market, especially with energy projects.

Total startup cost: $1,000-$2,000 if you're starting fresh. Timeline to be job-ready: 6-12 months for basic certs, longer for advanced. Renewals (every 2-3 years) cost $100-$300. The Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Engineers and Land Surveyors oversees PE licenses if you go that route—requires an exam after 4 years of experience.

Insider Tip: Start with OSHA 30 and network at the Oklahoma AGC events. In Broken Arrow, many managers are licensed through Tulsa's community colleges, like Tulsa Tech, which offers affordable courses. Avoid unlicensed work—Oklahoma fines can hit $1,000/day for violations.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Broken Arrow is spread out, with a mix of suburbs, rural edges, and the revitalizing downtown. As a local, I prioritize commute times (most jobs are in the north or central areas) and safety—construction sites can mean odd hours, so a quick drive to job sites is key. The metro population of 119,666 means traffic isn't bad, but Highway 51 and I-44 can bottleneck during rush hour.

Here are 4-5 neighborhoods I recommend, based on lifestyle and proximity to employers like Manhattan Construction or the Rose District. Rent estimates are for 1-2BR apartments or starters; home prices vary.

Neighborhood	Commute to Central Jobs	Lifestyle Vibe	Rent Estimate (1-2BR)	Why It's Good for CMs
Rose District (Downtown)	5-10 minutes	Urban, walkable, artsy	$850-$1,100/month	Close to city projects; young professionals; coffee shops for networking.
Stonebridge	15-20 minutes	Family-friendly, suburban	$750-$950/month	Quiet, safe; near residential builds; good schools for kids.
South Broken Arrow	20-25 minutes	Growing, affordable	$700-$900/month	Quick access to new subdivisions; lower rent; less traffic.
Lynn Lane Area	10-15 minutes	Mixed, convenient	$750-$1,000/month	Central to most sites; diverse housing; near retail for errands.
Rural North (Near Tulsa Border)	25-30 minutes	Spacious, quiet	$650-$850/month	Ideal if you work on energy or highway projects; more land, lower costs.

For a family, Stonebridge or South BA offer space and community events. If you're single and want nightlife, the Rose District is vibrant without being overwhelming. I've lived in Lynn Lane for years—it's a sweet spot for my commute to commercial sites.

Insider Tip: Check flood zones; Oklahoma weather means occasional flooding in low-lying areas like near the Arkansas River. Also, utilities are cheaper outside the core, so rural north can save you $50-100/month on bills.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Construction management in Broken Arrow isn't a dead-end job; it's a platform for steady advancement, especially with the 8% 10-year growth. As a local, I've seen managers climb by specializing in niches that match Oklahoma's economy. The key is building a portfolio and networking—Tulsa's metro scene is close-knit.

Start with a base role, then pivot to specialties for premiums:

• Residential Focus: Entry to mid-level; premium of 10-15% over base. Growth path: Superintendent → Project Manager → Division Head. Outlook: Steady with housing demand.
• Commercial/Retail: Mid to senior; 15-20% premium. Path: Assistant PM → Senior PM → Regional Manager. Outlook: Strong in Rose District and I-44 corridors.
• Infrastructure/Renewables: Senior level; 20-30% premium. Path: PE License → Lead Engineer → Director. Outlook: Booming with Oklahoma's energy sector; 8% growth will add jobs here.
• Green Building (LEED): Expert level; 25%+ premium. Path: Certifications → Sustainability Lead → Executive. Outlook: Federal incentives are driving this; expect 12% growth in 10 years.

Long-term, aim for roles at firms like Manhattan or Crown Electric, where you can lead multi-state projects. The 10-year outlook: 8% job growth means ~20-30 more positions in the metro, but competition will rise. To stay ahead, get your PE or CCM—managers with those earn $120,000+ locally. Relocation to OKC or Tulsa for bigger firms is an option, but Broken Arrow offers work-life balance without the commute grind.

Insider Tip: Join the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corp.