Construction Manager in Clovis, NM

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Clovis, NM.

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The Salary Picture: Where Clovis Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Clovis is a town built on two things: the military and the railroad. That grit translates into a construction market that’s steady, if not flashy. For a Construction Manager, this means a reliable job market with a cost of living that makes your paycheck go further than it would in a major metro. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Clovis is $106,099/year. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, which is a critical data point. The trade-off, as we'll see, is a significantly lower cost of living. Your hourly rate as a manager would be around $51.01/hour. The metro area supports about 76 jobs in this role, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, long-term demand for experienced leadership on job sites.

Experience-Level Breakdown

It's important to understand where that median salary falls in the career ladder. Here’s a realistic breakdown for our region:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level Manager	0-3 years	$75,000 - $92,000
Mid-Career Manager	4-9 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Senior Manager	10-19 years	$110,000 - $130,000
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$125,000 - $150,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median salary.

Comparison to Other NM Cities

How does Clovis stack up against other cities in New Mexico? While we have a lower salary than the big hubs, the cost of living is the real equalizer.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Avg. 1BR Rent
Clovis	$106,099	93.5	$935
Albuquerque	$112,500	95.0	$1,050
Santa Fe	$115,200	115.0+	$1,400
Las Cruces	$104,800	90.0	$875

While Santa Fe offers a higher nominal salary, the cost of living there is dramatically higher. Clovis provides a strong balance, especially for those who prefer a smaller community feel with direct access to major employers like Cannon Air Force Base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the essentials. Using the median salary of $106,099, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager in Clovis.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,841
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA @ ~28%): -$2,475
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$6,366

Sample Monthly Budget (Post-Tax)

• Housing (1BR Apartment): -$935
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$250
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): -$350
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$150
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$884
• Discretionary Spending: ~$3,397

This budget leaves a substantial cushion for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending. The key takeaway: the low rent is a massive advantage.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $6,300 and rent under $1,000, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Clovis is approximately $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), a 30-year mortgage at a 6.5% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of around $1,100 (including taxes and insurance). This is only about $165 more per month than the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment. A Construction Manager's salary in Clovis provides a clear and direct path to homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Clovis's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key players. Understanding who they are and what they build is essential for your job search.

1. Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB): This is the economic engine of the region. CAFB drives constant construction, renovation, and maintenance projects. Contractors here work on everything from barracks and family housing to specialized aviation facilities. Hiring is often cyclical, tied to federal fiscal years, but the demand for experienced managers is consistent. Look for opportunities with federal contractors like Amentum (formerly a part of AECOM) and KBR.

2. Clovis Municipal School District: With over 12,000 students, the school district is a major driver of local construction. They manage bonds for new schools, renovations on existing facilities (like Clovis High School and the Career Technical Education Center), and ongoing maintenance. Projects are public and well-documented, often managed through firms like HBA Architecture & Interior Design.

3. City of Clovis & Curry County: Public works projects are a steady source of work. This includes infrastructure (water, sewer, roads) and public facilities (parks, community centers). The City of Clovis Engineering Department is a key contact. Recent projects include the ongoing revitalization of the historic downtown area and improvements to the Clovis Industrial Park.

4. Clovis Community Hospital (Part of Presbyterian Healthcare Services): As the largest medical facility in the area, the hospital is always expanding or upgrading. This requires specialized managers with experience in healthcare construction—a niche that pays a premium. Projects range from new wings to critical systems upgrades (HVAC, electrical) that must be done with minimal disruption to active patient care.

5. Northwest New Mexico Home Builders Association: While not a single employer, this association is the hub for the residential side of the industry. With the median home price sitting at a relatively affordable $220,000, there is steady demand for new single-family homes and apartment complexes. Networking here is key for landing jobs with local builders like Hakes Brothers or D.R. Horton, which has a presence in the region.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative roles are often with federal contractors on CAFB. These jobs require higher levels of security clearance but come with excellent benefits and stability. Start the clearance process early if you're interested in this path.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico has a clear but strict path to becoming a licensed Construction Manager. It’s not something you can do overnight, but the process is straightforward. The primary governing body is the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division.

State-Specific Requirements

To become a licensed Construction Manager (CM) in New Mexico, you must meet three core criteria:

1. Experience: You need a minimum of four years of journey-level experience in the construction industry. This must be verifiable through an employer. The RLD is strict about this; you can't just claim the time.
2. Education: A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture can substitute for up to two years of the required experience. An associate’s degree can substitute for one year. This is a common path for those coming out of programs like the one at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell.
3. Examination: You must pass the national NCLEX-CM (Construction Manager) exam. This is a comprehensive test covering project management, cost control, scheduling, and safety.

Costs and Timeline

Here’s a realistic timeline and cost breakdown to get licensed, assuming you already have the required experience.

Step	Estimated Cost	Estimated Timeline
Exam Application & Fees	$250 - $350	1-2 months for approval
Exam Registration (NCLEX)	$400	Schedule after approval
State License Application	$300	Submit after passing exam
Background Check (Fingerprinting)	$60	Concurrent with application
Total Estimated Cost	$1,010 - $1,110	4-6 months total

Source: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division.

Insider Tip: Start your application with the RLD for an "Authorization to Test" (ATT) as soon as you believe you meet the experience requirements. The background check and paperwork processing can take time. Many managers study for the NCLEX-CM for 3-4 months before sitting for the exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in Clovis depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. As a Construction Manager, you'll likely work all over the metro area, from CAFB on the west side to the industrial parks east of town.

1. The "Llano Estacado" Area (West Clovis): This is the newer, more affluent part of town, located just west of CAFB. It features modern subdivisions, good schools, and is a very short commute to the base, where many high-paying contractor jobs are located. It’s a popular choice for families.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment or starter home.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to CAFB, 15 minutes to downtown.

2. Downtown Clovis: For those who want a walkable, community-focused lifestyle. You're close to local restaurants, the historic Lyceum Theatre, and the Rialto Theater. The housing stock is older (1920s-1950s), but many homes have been beautifully restored. It’s a 10-minute drive to any major job site.

   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment or house.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes anywhere in town.

3. North Clovis (Near the Hospital): This area is convenient for managers working on healthcare projects or at the hospital itself. It's a quiet, established neighborhood with a mix of older homes and newer builds. It offers easy access to US-70 for travel to other parts of the state.

   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to the hospital, 15 minutes to CAFB.

4. The "Southside" (Near Clovis Community College): This area is seeing growth, with new apartment complexes and retail developments. It’s a practical, affordable option with a straightforward commute to the industrial areas south of town and downtown. It’s a no-frills, convenient location.

   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,050/month.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most job sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Clovis isn't about rapid vertical growth at a single company; it's about building a reputation and diversifying your experience across different project types.

Specialty Premiums

Your value—and your salary—can increase significantly with specialized experience:

• Federal/Government Projects (CAFB): Managers with security clearances and experience with federal contracts (like those from the Army Corps of Engineers) can command a 10-15% salary premium due to the specialized knowledge required.
• Healthcare Construction: This is a high-stakes niche. Experience managing projects in active hospitals is rare and valuable, potentially adding $10,000 - $15,000 to your base salary.
• Industrial/Commercial: Expertise in building for logistics, manufacturing, or large-scale commercial retail is also in demand, especially with Clovis's strategic location along major highways.

Advancement Paths

1. From Field to Office: Many successful managers start as Superintendents or Project Engineers on CAFB or school district projects. After 5-7 years, they move into a Project Manager role, and then to a Senior Project Manager or Construction Manager.
2. Entrepreneurship: The stable market and relatively low overhead make Clovis a viable place to start your own small contracting firm after 10-15 years of experience. Many local residential builders and specialty contractors started this way.
3. Regional Management: With experience in the Clovis market, you become a candidate for regional roles with national firms (like D.R. Horton or Amentum) that oversee projects across eastern New Mexico and West Texas.

10-Year Outlook

The 8% job growth is a solid indicator. The primary driver will be the continued presence of Cannon Air Force Base and the need to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure. We also expect to see more development in the healthcare and education sectors. The biggest factor to watch is the national economy; a downturn can slow federal funding, but Clovis's diversified base (military, school, municipal) provides a good buffer.

The Verdict: Is Clovis Right for You?

Deciding on Clovis is a trade-off between a vibrant small-town community and the amenities of a big city. Here’s a straightforward assessment.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, making homeownership highly attainable.	Limited Entertainment & Dining: You'll drive to Albuquerque or Lubbock, TX for major concerts, pro sports, or a wider culinary scene.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by the military and local government, jobs are less volatile than in pure boom/bust markets.	Geographic Isolation: It's a 3-hour drive to Albuquerque or Amarillo. Travel requires planning.
Short Commutes: You can get across town in 15 minutes, leaving more time for family or hobbies.	Limited Cultural Diversity: While diverse, it's a smaller community with less of the cultural melting pot of a large city.
Strong Community Feel: People know their neighbors, and local pride is high, especially around CAFB and high school sports.	Slower Pace: For those used to the energy of a major city, Clovis can feel quiet.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to Cannon Air Force Base's recreational areas, as well as lakes and plains for hunting and fishing.	Educational Opportunities: While ENMU-Roswell is nearby, advanced degree options are limited locally.

Final Recommendation:

Clovis is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is in the mid-to-late career stage and values financial stability and quality of life over urban excitement. It's ideal for professionals with families who want to own a home, build equity, and be part of a tight-knit community. If you have (or are willing to get) a security clearance and have experience with federal or healthcare projects, you will be especially competitive and well-compensated. If you're early in your career and crave a fast-paced, highly competitive environment with constant networking events, you might find Clovis limiting. For the right person, however, Clovis offers a rare combination: a meaningful career with a high standard of living.

FAQs

1. What's the job market like for my spouse?
This is a key consideration. The largest employers are CAFB, the school district, the hospital, and retail. If your spouse works in education, healthcare, or administration, they will find ample opportunities. Professional services (law, accounting) are more limited.

2. How competitive is the market for Construction Managers?
It's competitive but not saturated. For the 76 available positions, employers are often looking for a very specific skill set (e.g., federal experience, healthcare, commercial). Having a clean record, a solid resume, and being willing to get a security clearance will set you apart.

3. Is the 8% job growth accurate given the small size of the metro?
Yes, in context. An 8% growth in a market of 76 jobs means roughly 6 new positions over a decade. This isn't a boom, but it indicates stability and organic growth, not decline. It’s a sign of a healthy, predictable market.

4. I'm not licensed in New Mexico. Can I work as a Construction Manager while I get licensed?
You can work as a Project Engineer, Superintendent, or an unlicensed "Construction Manager" under the direct supervision of a licensed CM, but you cannot legally take full responsibility for a construction project or pull permits in your own name. You should begin the licensing process immediately upon arrival.

5. What is the real estate market like for buying a home?
The market is active but not frenzied. With a median home price around $220,000, it's very affordable compared to national standards. Inventory can be tight for move-in-ready homes under $250k, but with a Construction Manager's salary, you are in a strong position to build a new home or renovate an older one, which is a common path for professionals in your field here.