Construction Manager in Broomfield, CO

As a career analyst who’s watched Broomfield grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub of its own, I can tell you it’s a unique market. We’re not Denver, but we’re not a sleepy town either. We’re the "Halfway City," strategically placed between the Front Range’s economic engines. For a Construction Manager, that means a specific blend of opportunity and competition. Let’s break down what your career and life would actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

For a Construction Manager, Broomfield offers a competitive salary that sits comfortably above the national average. The median salary here is $109,995/year, or $52.88/hour. That’s a solid 1.6% above the national average of $108,210/year. While the margin isn't massive, the cost of living and housing in Broomfield aren't as punishing as in Denver proper, which can stretch your earnings further.

The job market is tight but growing. The BLS reports about 153 construction manager jobs in the Broomfield metropolitan area. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which is steady but not explosive. This suggests a stable market where experienced professionals are valued, but breaking in requires a strong local network.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Broomfield area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Broomfield Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, site supervision, sub-contractor coordination, safety compliance.
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$95,000 - $125,000	Project Manager, full project lifecycle, budgeting, client relations, team leadership.
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$126,000 - $155,000	Senior PM, complex projects, multi-project oversight, strategic planning, high-stakes negotiations.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$156,000+	Director/VP, pre-construction, business development, major client accounts, executive leadership.

Local Insight: In Broomfield, specialized experience commands a premium. Managers with a track record in healthcare (St. Anthony's North), high-tech industrial (Interlocken business park), or large-scale residential (like the Anthem Highlands development) can often command the higher end of these ranges. The 153 jobs in the metro area are concentrated among general contractors, civil engineering firms, and developers focused on the I-25 corridor.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities: Broomfield’s median salary is slightly higher than the national average but lower than the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro ($118,000+). However, it’s significantly higher than cities like Greeley ($103,000) or Pueblo ($98,000). You’re trading the hyper-competitive, higher-paying Denver market for a more manageable pace and lower (though still high) housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get pragmatic. A $109,995 salary doesn’t mean you take that amount home. In Colorado, you’re looking at a combined federal, state, and FICA tax rate of roughly 22-25% for that bracket, depending on deductions. Let’s use a conservative estimate of 24% for taxes.

• Annual Gross: $109,995
• Estimated Annual Taxes (24%): $26,399
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $83,596
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,966

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Broomfield costs $1,835/month. This means your rent-to-income ratio is 26%—which is at the upper end of what’s considered affordable (typically <30%). It’s doable, but tight.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, 1BR Rent):

• Take-Home Pay: $6,966
• Rent: $1,835
• Utilities & Internet: $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (essential in Broomfield): $700
• Groceries/Personal: $500
• Savings/401k/Debt: $3,731

This budget leaves room for savings, but it’s clear that housing is the largest expense. Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Broomfield is around $560,000. With a 20% down payment ($112,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,800 (including taxes/insurance). This would push your housing cost to 40% of your take-home pay, which is a significant financial stretch on a single income. Dual-income households or significant savings are almost necessary for homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield’s job market is a mix of established corporations and fast-growing regional firms. The Interlocken business park is a major employment center, hosting several construction-related companies. Here are the key players:

1. Scott Contracting: A major regional contractor based in Arvada with a significant footprint in Broomfield. They handle everything from commercial interiors to ground-up retail. They’re consistently hiring for project managers with commercial experience. Insider Tip: They have a strong reputation for safety and have been expanding their self-perform capabilities, which creates internal growth paths.

2. Anderson & Associates (A&A): A civil engineering and survey firm with a Broomfield office. They work on large-scale site development projects, including the subdivisions in Broomfield’s western expansion. Their construction managers often come from the civil side, so a PE license is a huge plus here.

3. Hensel Phelps: While headquartered in Greeley, this national contractor has a massive presence in Broomfield, particularly on institutional projects. They are the general contractor for many healthcare and higher-education projects in the area and are known for internal promotions.

4. Balfour Beatty: Another national giant with a significant Colorado regional office. They specialize in large-scale government and healthcare projects. Their Broomfield-based projects often require security clearances and complex logistics, favoring managers with federal or institutional experience.

5. Local Medical Centers: St. Anthony’s North Hospital (part of Centura Health) and the Broomfield Hospital (part of SCL Health) are constant sources of renovation and expansion projects. Construction managers with healthcare experience (understanding ICRA, ILSM) are in high demand here.

6. The City of Broomfield & School District 23J: Public projects are a stable source of employment. The city’s capital improvement program (parks, roads, utilities) and the school district’s ongoing bond-funded construction (like the new Broomfield High School renovation) often hire construction managers directly as owners' reps or use them on contracted projects.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward project managers who are proficient in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and can manage subcontractors in a tight labor market. Knowledge of local suppliers and subs is a distinct advantage.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level licensing requirement for Construction Managers. This is a major difference from states like California or Florida. However, this does not mean it’s a free-for-all. The industry self-regulates through a combination of certifications and client requirements.

• Key Certification: CCM (Certified Construction Manager). Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This is the industry gold standard. While not legally required, most top-tier employers in Broomfield (especially on institutional or public projects) will only hire or promote CCMs. It requires a combination of education and experience (typically 4 years of a bachelor’s degree + 4 years of experience, or 8 years without a degree).
• Cost: Exam fee: $495. Membership: ~$235/year. Total first-year cost: **$730**.
• Timeline: If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can study and sit for the exam within 3-6 months. If not, you’ll need to accrue the required experience, which can take 1-4 years.

Insider Tip: Many Broomfield firms see the CCM as a non-negotiable for senior roles. It’s worth starting the process or getting your company to sponsor it. For civil projects, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often more valuable than a CCM.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Broomfield depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Traffic on I-25 and US-36 is a major factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Interlocken/FlatIron	Modern, corporate, walkable amenities. Quick access to I-25.	$2,000+	The professional who works in the Interlocken business park and wants a short commute. High-density, contemporary living.
Broomfield Heights	Established, quiet, classic suburban. 10-15 min to most jobs.	$1,700 - $1,900	The family-oriented or those seeking a traditional neighborhood feel with mature trees and parks.
Anthem Highlands	Newer, master-planned community in the southwest. 20-min commute to Denver, longer to north I-25.	$1,800 - $2,100	The manager who values new construction, amenities, and a sense of community, and is okay with a longer commute.
Bradburn	Rapidly developing mixed-use area near US-36. Urban-suburban blend.	$1,750 - $2,000	The professional who wants to be near the new shopping/dining at Bradburn Village and has a job in Broomfield or Westminster.
The southern part (near 120th Ave)	More affordable, older homes, closer to Denver for hybrid workers.	$1,600 - $1,800	The commuter who needs quick access to I-25 South and Denver, and prefers a lower housing cost.

Commute Reality Check: A job in Interlocken and a home in Anthem Highlands means a 20-30 minute reverse commute via US-36. A job in downtown Denver and a home in Bradburn can be 45-60 minutes in rush hour. Prioritize living close to your primary office cluster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Broomfield, career growth for Construction Managers is more about specialization and leadership than rapid title changes.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, healthcare (+8-12% over base), high-tech industrial (+10-15%), and public work (stable, reliable) command premiums. A CCM or PE license is the single biggest salary booster.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager: The standard path, taking 4-8 years.
  2. Senior PM → Project Executive/Director: Overseeing multiple projects, focusing on client relationships and profitability. Requires strong business acumen.
  3. Path to Ownership: Many mid-size contractors in the area (like Scott Contracting or Anderson & Associates) are privately held. Senior PMs with a strong track record can move into ownership or partnership tracks after 10-15 years.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth is solid. The drivers will be the continued population influx into the Front Range, requiring more housing and healthcare, and the modernization of existing infrastructure (like the aging I-25 corridor). Managers who adapt to green building (LEED) and modular construction will be most future-proof.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($109,995 median) that stretches further than in Denver.	High Housing Costs. Rent and home prices are steep for the region.
Stable, Growing Job Market with 153 jobs and 8% growth.	Car-Dependent. Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strategic Location. Easy access to Denver, Boulder, and the mountains.	Competitive Market. You’re competing with Denver talent; local network is key.
Quality of Life. Good schools, parks, and a sense of community.	Limited "City" Vibe. It’s a suburb; nightlife and cultural scene are in Denver or Boulder.
Diverse Employers. Mix of public, private, and institutional work.	Traffic Congestion. The I-25/US-36 interchange is a major bottleneck.

Final Recommendation: Broomfield is an excellent choice for a mid-to-senior level Construction Manager seeking a balance between career opportunity and family-friendly living, especially if you already have a partner with a second income. It’s not the best choice for entry-level managers (who may find more training opportunities in larger Denver firms) or for those who thrive on an urban lifestyle without a car. If you value stability over explosive growth and can manage the housing costs, Broomfield offers a high quality of life with a strong professional ceiling.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in Broomfield to work there?
No, but the commute is a major factor. Living in the suburbs of Denver (like Aurora or Lakewood) and commuting to Broomfield is common but can be 45+ minutes each way. Living in Lafayette or Louisville (east of Broomfield) can be a good compromise with slightly lower costs.

2. What’s the biggest challenge for new Construction Managers in Broomfield?
Building a local subcontractor network. The construction trade is relationship-driven here. The labor shortage means the best subs work with the GCs they know and trust. Your first year should be spent attending ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) meetings and building those relationships.

3. Is the market recession-proof?
No construction market is truly recession-proof, but Broomfield’s mix of healthcare, public, and tech-sector projects provides more resilience than a market reliant solely on luxury residential. Public school construction and healthcare expansion are often counter-cyclical.

4. How important is a PE license in Colorado?
It’s not required for CMs, but it’s a major career accelerator, especially for civil, structural, or public works projects. If you have an engineering background, getting your PE is highly recommended in this market.

5. What’s the best professional association to join?
The Denver Chapter of the CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) is the most targeted for CMs. The Denver Chapter of AGC (Associated General Contractors) is also excellent, especially for networking with subcontractors. Both have active member events in the Metro North area.