Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Colorado Springs, CO.

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A Local's Guide to a Career as a Construction Manager in Colorado Springs

If you're a Construction Manager looking at Colorado Springs, you're likely eyeing a mix of steady growth, a unique local economy, and a lifestyle that balances city amenities with outdoor access. I’ve lived here for years, watched the skyline change, and navigated the local job market. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground insight to help you decide if this is the right move for your career. We'll cut through the promotional fluff and get straight to the numbers, neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of working in the Pikes Peak region.

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

Let's start with the most critical data point: your paycheck. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the median annual wage for Construction Managers in the Colorado Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is $107,365/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.62/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, a common reality for mid-sized metros, but the cost of living here helps that salary go further than it might in a major coastal city.

The job market is active but not oversaturated. There are approximately 977 Construction Manager jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 8%. This indicates consistent demand driven by residential expansion, commercial updates, and ongoing military-related construction.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a good benchmark, salaries vary significantly by experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market trends and aggregated data:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, field supervision, sub-contractor coordination, safety compliance.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project management, budgeting, scheduling, client liaison, permitting.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$125,000 - $155,000	Portfolio management, business development, complex project oversight, strategic planning.
Expert/Executive (15+ yrs)	$155,000+	Firm leadership, executive-level client relationships, major public/private partnerships.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

How does the Springs stack up? It’s important to understand the trade-offs. While the salary might be higher in Denver, the cost of living and commute are also substantially higher.

City	Median Salary (BLS Data)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Takeaway
Colorado Springs	$107,365	97.4	Best balance of salary and affordability in the state.
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood	$118,490	110.8	Higher salary, but 13% higher cost of living and brutal traffic.
Boulder	$121,050	126.5	Highest salary, but extreme housing costs. Not typical for construction roles.
Fort Collins	$107,550	104.7	Comparable salary, but a smaller, more specialized market.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest number. A $110k salary in the Springs often provides a better quality of life and savings potential than a $125k salary in Denver once you factor in commute time, parking costs, and housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after taxes and housing. Let's run a realistic monthly budget for a mid-career Construction Manager earning the median salary of $107,365.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking standard deduction, state income tax (4.4%), federal tax (~18% effective rate), FICA (7.65%). This is an estimate; consult a tax professional.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,947
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,600/month
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,347

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. The average 1BR rent in Colorado Springs is $1,408/month. Let's build a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,408	In a decent, safe neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters can be cold.
Groceries	$500	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel	$700	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$400	Varies widely.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$895	Critical for long-term wealth.
Food/Entertainment/Discretionary	$700	Enjoying the local breweries, hiking, dining.
Misc./Emergency Fund	$494	Car repairs, medical copays, etc.
TOTAL	$5,347	Leaves ~$1,000/month surplus.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Colorado Springs is hovering around $450,000 - $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($90k - $95k), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment of $2,200 - $2,400, not including taxes and insurance. This is a significant jump from the $1,408 rent. While possible on a $107,365 salary, especially with a dual-income household, it requires careful budgeting and significant upfront savings. Many professionals in this field start with a townhome or condo in the $300k - $350k range, which is more manageable.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The local construction market is uniquely shaped by the presence of military installations and a growing tech/healthcare sector. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Military & Federal Contractors (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB): This is the backbone of the local economy. Companies like Hensel Phelps, Balfour Beatty, and M.C. Dean win massive contracts for barracks, hangars, and critical infrastructure. Hiring is steady but often requires security clearance eligibility.
2. Healthcare (UCHealth, Penrose-St. Francis, Children's Hospital Colorado): Expansion and renovation projects are constant. UCHealth's new facilities and ongoing updates create demand for managers experienced in healthcare construction (strict codes, sterile environments).
3. Higher Education (University of Colorado Colorado Springs - UCCS): Campus expansion projects, including new science buildings and student housing, are frequent. These are often long-term, multi-phase jobs.
4. Public School Districts (Colorado Springs School District 11, D-49, Academy D-20): Bond-funded construction and renovation projects for schools are a reliable source of work, especially for firms that specialize in public education facilities.
5. Residential & Commercial Developers: Look for local and regional firms like Classic Homes, Village Homes, and LIV Sotheby's International Realty (commercial division). The push west into Palmer Lake and the continued expansion of Briargate and Stetson Hills keeps residential managers busy.
6. Tech & Data Centers: With a focus on cybersecurity (thanks to the Air Force), companies like Google (which has a data center in the area) and other tech firms are driving new construction, requiring managers who understand specialized data center infrastructure.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable push towards design-build firms and integrated project delivery models. Managers who can bridge the gap between design and construction, with strong local subcontractor relationships, are highly sought after.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level "Construction Manager" license, but it has strict requirements for the trades and for general contracting. Here’s what you need to know:

• General Contractor Licensing: Colorado does not license general contractors at the state level. Instead, licensing is handled by local city and county jurisdictions. You must apply for a license in each municipality where you work (e.g., City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County). The City of Colorado Springs requires a license for any project over $2,000.
• Requirements: Typically, you'll need to provide proof of insurance (general liability, workers' comp), a business license, and in some cases, pass an exam. For larger projects, a surety bond may be required.
• Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended): While not state-mandated, these are industry standards that dramatically increase your credibility and earning potential:
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the CMAA. Requires a combination of education and experience, plus passing an exam. This is the gold standard.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): From PMI. Widely recognized across industries.
  • OSHA 30-Hour Certification: Essential for safety management on any job site.
• Cost & Timeline:
  • Local License: Variable. Expect $100 - $500 in fees per municipality, plus insurance costs (which can be thousands annually).
  • CCM Exam: ~$450 for the exam fee, plus study materials. It can take 6-12 months to prepare if you're studying part-time.
  • Getting Started: You can begin working under a company's license immediately. If you plan to start your own firm, budget 2-3 months to navigate local licensing requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Colorado Springs is car-dependent, so proximity to major job corridors is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a CM
Briargate / Pine Creek	Family-friendly, newer builds (90s-2000s). Central to I-25, easy access to the north side (Peterson, Schriever).	$1,450 - $1,600	Close to major residential developers and military bases. Great for networking.
Old Colorado City (Westside)	Historic, walkable, trendy. Home to local breweries, restaurants, and art galleries. Commute to downtown is short.	$1,350 - $1,550	Ideal for someone who values a unique, urban lifestyle. Short drive to downtown and public works projects.
Downtown / Colorado College Area	Urban core, higher density, walkable. Close to major renovation projects and public sector offices.	$1,400 - $1,700	Best for those working on downtown revitalization, historic preservation, or city/county projects.
Northeast (Powers Corridor)	Affordable, sprawling, with newer shopping centers. Commute to SE Colorado Springs (Fort Carson) is good.	$1,200 - $1,400	Budget-friendly option. Close to the Powers corridor, a major commercial and residential growth area.
Palmer Lake / Monument (North)	Smaller town feel, more space, longer commute. Popular for those who want mountain access.	$1,500 - $1,700 (often for 2BR)	For the CM who prioritizes lifestyle over commute. Good for project managers working on projects in the northern suburbs.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver is a major bottleneck. If you have meetings in Denver or work on projects north of the Springs, live north of the Woodmen Road exit to minimize commute stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement for Construction Managers in the Springs isn't just about title changes; it's about specializing and expanding your network.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with experience in data centers, high-tech manufacturing (e.g., SpaceX, Lockheed Martin facilities), or healthcare can command a 10-15% salary premium. The complex requirements and regulatory environment of these projects make experienced managers invaluable.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer > Assistant PM > Project Manager > Senior PM > Operations Manager/Director. Many top managers eventually go into business development (pursuing new contracts) or start their own specialty contracting firm. Given the local market, owning a firm that serves the military or healthcare sectors can be extremely lucrative.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid, outpacing the national average for many professions. The key driver will be the continued expansion of military infrastructure (new barracks, training facilities) and the residential boom in the western suburbs (e.g., Palmer Lake, Falcon). However, be aware of potential downturns in the national housing market, which could slow residential growth. Diversifying into public or military work is a smart hedge.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

This isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your career stage, lifestyle, and financial goals.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market tied to military and healthcare.	Salary is slightly below the national average and Denver.
Excellent cost of living relative to salary; your money goes further.	Car dependency is high; public transit is limited.
Outdoor access is unparalleled—hiking, biking, climbing.	Rapid growth is causing congestion and impacting the "small city" feel.
No state income tax on Social Security benefits (a big plus for retirees).	High-altitude living takes adjustment (dry air, altitude sickness).
Less competitive job market than Denver; easier to stand out.	Wildfire risk and seasonal air quality issues can be a concern.

Final Recommendation:

• YES, if... You are a mid-career professional looking for a better work-life balance, you love the outdoors, you want to work in a stable sector (military/healthcare), and you're ready to buy a home (or a condo) within a few years. The $107,365 median salary provides a very comfortable life here.
• RECONSIDER, if... Your primary goal is to maximize your salary at all costs (go to Denver), you rely on robust public transportation, or you strongly prefer the cultural amenities and anonymity of a major metropolis.

FAQs

1. I'm not a veteran. Will I still find work in Colorado Springs?
Yes, absolutely. While veterans may have an edge for direct federal roles, the vast majority of construction jobs are with private contractors (like Hensel Phelps or Balfour Beatty) that serve military bases. You do not need to be a veteran to work on these projects. Your experience and certifications matter more.

2. How competitive is the market for new Construction Managers?
It's moderately competitive. The 977 jobs in the metro area mean there are opportunities, but firms are looking for proven experience. Getting your first local job can be the hardest part. I recommend connecting with local chapters of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado or the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) before you move.

3. What's the housing market like for someone earning a median salary?
Challenging but doable. As noted, buying a single-family home requires significant savings. Many professionals in your position rent for the first 1-2 years, save aggressively, and then purchase a condo, townhome, or a home in the outlying suburbs (like Falcon or Monument). The market is competitive, so be prepared to act quickly.

4. Do I need a 4-year degree to be competitive?
While a Bachelor's in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture is the most direct path, many successful managers in the Springs have come up through the trades with an associate's degree and extensive field experience. However, for mid-to-large firms, a bachelor's degree is often a preferred or required credential for Project Manager and above positions.

5. What's the best time of year to look for construction jobs here?
The construction season in Colorado Springs typically runs from April through October. Hiring tends to pick up in early spring (March-April) as projects ramp up for the summer. However, don't be discouraged from looking in the winter—many firms use the slower months for planning, bidding, and hiring for the upcoming year.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, local rental market analyses (Zillow, Apartment List). Salaries and costs are subject to market fluctuation; always verify with current data.