Construction Manager in Conway, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Conway Stands

As a career analyst who's watched the Conway construction market for years, I can tell you the numbers paint a very specific picture. The median salary for Construction Managers in Conway is $104,671 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.32. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but don't let that fool you—it's a strategic positioning. The cost of living here is your secret weapon.

Here’s how experience breaks down locally. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings, BLS data, and conversations with hiring managers across Faulkner County:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Conway)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $85,000	Project coordination, sub contractor liaison, on-site quality checks, safety compliance.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Full project lifecycle management, budget oversight, client relations, team leadership.
Senior-Level (10-19 years)	$115,000 - $140,000	Multi-project oversight, strategic planning, advanced risk mitigation, business development.
Expert/Executive (20+ years)	$140,000+	Executive leadership, large-scale commercial/industrial projects, firm-wide operations, major client relationships.

When you compare Conway to other Arkansas cities, its value becomes clear. While Little Rock and Bentonville might offer slightly higher nominal salaries, they are accompanied by a significantly higher cost of living. Fayetteville has a strong market due to the University of Arkansas, but Conway's proximity to both Little Rock and the growing Central Arkansas region makes it a hub for regional contractors. In short, your $104,671 goes much further here than in the state's major metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning the Conway median of $104,671 isn't just about the gross number. It's about what lands in your bank account and what it can buy you in this specific market.

A Conservative Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Salary: $8,722
• Taxes (Est. ~28%): -$2,442 (This includes federal, state, FICA. AR has a progressive income tax.)
• Take-Home Pay (Est.): $6,280

Monthly Living Expenses (Conway-Specific):

• Rent (1BR Average): -$950 (This is the city-wide average. See neighborhoods below for details.)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$250
• Groceries: -$450
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): -$550 (Conway is car-dependent; commute times are low, but fuel costs add up.)
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): -$300 (Est.)
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): -$1,000

Remaining for Savings/Debt/Discretionary: $2,780

The Homeownership Question: Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Conway is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at a 6.5% interest rate would have a monthly principal and interest payment of roughly $1,140. Adding taxes, insurance, and utilities might bring the total to $1,600-$1,700. Given your estimated $2,780 in remaining monthly funds after basic living expenses, a home purchase is very feasible, even with a conservative savings timeline.

Where the Jobs Are: Conway's Major Employers

The construction job market in Conway is anchored by a mix of institutional, commercial, and industrial employers. It's not a city dominated by one single industry, which provides stability. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. University of Central Arkansas (UCA): The state's third-largest university is a perpetual construction engine. They manage a constant pipeline of projects: new student housing, academic building renovations, athletic facility upgrades, and infrastructure work. Their projects are often publicly bid and require a licensed CM. This is a prime source for stable, long-term contract work.

2. Conway Regional Health System: As the largest healthcare provider in the area, Conway Regional is always expanding. The recent construction of the new Carthage ER and ongoing clinic developments represent major opportunities. Healthcare construction requires specialized knowledge (HIPAA-compliant sites, medical gas, infection control), which can command a premium.

3. Municipal & County Projects (City of Conway, Faulkner County): The city is growing fast. Major ongoing projects include infrastructure upgrades (road widening, sewer expansion), public safety facilities, and park developments. These are publicly funded projects, often requiring a licensed CM and offering consistent work. The recent Dave Ward Drive corridor improvements is a prime example.

4. Industrial & Manufacturing Plants: The Central Arkansas Industrial Park and the Faulkner County Industrial Park are hubs for manufacturers like Mars, Inc. (food processing) and Hubbell Lighting. These companies frequently need CMs for plant expansions, maintenance, and new facility construction. The work is often fast-paced and involves heavy industrial standards.

5. Major Commercial Contractors: Local and regional firms like C.R. Crawford Construction and Mighty River Construction are consistently bidding on large commercial projects, from retail developments along Donham Avenue to office complexes. These firms are the primary employers for CMs seeking direct, full-time roles with benefits.

6. Residential Builders: With the population growth, developers like D.R. Horton (national) and local custom builders are active in subdivisions like Satterfield and The Villages at Stone Meadows. While more focused on residential, these roles are excellent for early-career CMs to build project management experience.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive for top talent. There's a noticeable trend toward hiring CMs with experience in public works and green building practices. Networking with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Arkansas and attending the Conway Chamber of Commerce events is non-negotiable for insider job leads.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

Arkansas has clear requirements for Construction Managers, though the title itself isn't always licensed (the contractor is). However, to oversee public works projects or work for large firms, a Professional Engineer (PE) license or a Licensed Contractor license is often required, or at least highly preferred.

Key Requirements & Pathway:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field is standard.
2. Experience: Most paths require 4+ years of progressive experience working under a licensed professional.
3. Exams: The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step for engineers. The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam follows after the required experience. For contractors, you must pass the Contractor's License Exam.
4. Application: Submit an application to the Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors or the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
5. Costs: Exam fees are typically $200-$400. License application fees are around $150-$250. Continuing education is required for renewal, costing $100-$300 annually.

Timeline: From starting the process to holding a license can take 18-24 months, assuming you meet the experience requirements. For a CM moving from another state, you'll need to verify your experience and may have to take Arkansas-specific exam sections. Start by contacting the Arkansas State Board of Licensure for guidance on reciprocity if you're already licensed elsewhere.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Conway affects your commute, lifestyle, and access to job sites. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods, with rent estimates for a 1BR apartment:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Major Job Hubs	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown Conway	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Close to restaurants, bars, and UCA. Commute to industrial parks is 10-15 mins.	Excellent for UCA, municipal, and commercial projects.	$1,000 - $1,300
Satterfield	Family-oriented, established, quiet. Strong school district. Commute to anywhere in town is 15-20 mins.	Good central location for most residential and commercial work.	$850 - $1,100
Twin Lakes	Newer development, master-planned community. Modern amenities, young professional demographic.	15 mins to I-40 for industrial park access. A bit farther from downtown.	$950 - $1,200
Villages at Stone Meadows	Active adult (55+) or quiet living. Very suburban. Commute is manageable but requires a car.	20 mins to most job sites. Ideal for those seeking a quieter home base.	$900 - $1,050
East Conway / Hwy 64 East	Affordable, growing area with new apartment complexes. Commute to industrial parks is very short.	Best for CMs working in the Central AR Industrial Park or at Mars.	$800 - $1,000

Insider Tip: If you're working on municipal or UCA projects, prioritize Downtown or Satterfield. If the industrial park is your primary target, look east of town. Traffic is light compared to major metros, but living close to I-40 can shave minutes off your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Conway offers solid career trajectories, especially if you specialize. The 10-year job growth in the metro area is projected at 8%, which is stable and aligns with national trends. Growth isn't explosive, but it's consistent, driven by population influx and institutional expansion.

Specialty Premiums:

• Public Works & Municipal Projects: A CM with a PE license and experience in water/sewer infrastructure can command a 10-15% salary premium. This is a growing need in expanding cities like Conway.
• Healthcare Construction: Specialized knowledge of medical facilities can add 5-10% to your salary. Conway Regional's continuous expansion means steady demand.
• Industrial Construction: Experience with manufacturing plants (like Mars) is highly valued due to the specialized nature of the work. This can command a similar premium to healthcare.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager to Senior Project Manager: The standard path, focusing on larger, more complex projects.
2. Specialist to Director: Move from a generalist CM to a Director of Construction for a large firm or institution (e.g., UCA's Facilities Director).
3. Entrepreneurship: Conway's market is mature enough to support a CM starting their own firm, especially if they carve a niche in residential remodeling or light commercial. The local network is key.

10-Year Outlook: The market will likely remain stable, with pockets of high growth around the university and healthcare sectors. The rise of Industrial 4.0 (smart manufacturing) may create demand for CMs with tech integration skills. Staying on top of building codes, sustainability (LEED), and project management software is critical.

The Verdict: Is Conway Right for You?

The decision to move to Conway as a Construction Manager hinges on your priorities around cost of living, career stability, and lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your $104,671 salary stretches far. Homeownership is accessible.	Limited High-Profile Projects: You won't be managing skyscrapers. Projects are mid-scale.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Anchored by UCA, healthcare, and municipal work. Less volatile than pure industrial towns.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is virtually non-existent. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Short Commutes: 5-20 minutes to anywhere in town. You reclaim personal time.	Smaller Network: Fewer industry events than in major metros. Requires proactive networking.
Growing Community: Population growth means consistent demand for construction.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries may cap lower than in Little Rock or national markets, but offset by COL.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, with good schools and a surprising amount of local dining and culture.	Limited Entertainment Variety: Fewer niche cultural activities; you'll drive to Little Rock for concerts or major sports.

Final Recommendation: Conway is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager seeking financial stability, a manageable workload, and a high quality of life. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or reduce stress. It may feel limiting for those seeking the fastest career growth or the most prestigious, large-scale projects. For most, the trade-off is overwhelmingly positive.

FAQs

1. Is my out-of-state experience accepted for Arkansas licensing?
Yes, the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board has reciprocity agreements with many states. You'll need to provide verification of your experience and may still need to take the state-specific laws exam. Contact the board directly with your current license details.

2. Are there many union opportunities in Conway?
Union presence is limited compared to major cities. Most work is through open-shop contractors. However, for public works projects, you may encounter union labor; familiarity with union agreements is still valuable.

3. What's the job search like for a newcomer?
It's a "who you know" market. While online postings exist on company websites and LinkedIn, the most effective strategy is to contact local firms directly, attend AGC or Chamber events, and leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals already at UCA, Conway Regional, or large contractors.

4. How does the weather impact construction timelines?
Arkansas has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rain can cause delays, especially in spring. Summer heat requires planning for worker safety. Winter is relatively mild, allowing for year-round work on exterior projects, though occasional ice storms can halt operations.

5. Is Conway a good place for a solo CM or a family?
It's great for both. The low cost of living allows a single professional to save aggressively or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. For families, the strong school districts (especially in Satterfield and Twin Lakes), safe communities, and short commutes are major draws.