Construction Manager in Coral Springs, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Coral Springs Stands

As a local who's watched Coral Springs transform from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub of construction activity, I can tell you the numbers are compelling. The median salary for Construction Managers here sits at $112,040/year, translating to a solid $53.87/hour. While this edges out the national average of $108,210/year, the real story is in the local market dynamics. The metro area (which includes Coral Springs, Parkland, and parts of Sunrise) supports 269 jobs for Construction Managers, with a 10-year job growth of 8%. That growth is crucial—it’s not the explosive boom you might see in Miami or Tampa, but it’s steady, sustainable, and tied to the city’s continued residential expansion and commercial redevelopment.

Where does this fit in your career timeline? Let’s break it down by experience level. It's worth noting that these are realistic local estimates based on BLS data, state agency reports, and conversations with hiring managers in Broward County. Entry-level roles often start with project engineer titles, while experts may oversee multi-million dollar developments across the region.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Coral Springs Salary Range	Florida Metro Average
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $88,000	$70,000 - $85,000
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$95,000 - $125,000	$90,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$125,000 - $155,000	$120,000 - $150,000
Expert-Level	16+ years	$155,000 - $190,000+	$150,000 - $185,000+

Insider Tip: In Coral Springs, senior managers who specialize in healthcare or educational construction—projects like the expansions at Broward Health North or the new charter schools popping up in Parkland—often command the higher end of that expert range. It’s a niche that pays off.

Now, let's see how Coral Springs stacks up against other Florida cities. While it doesn't match the high-end salaries of Miami or Tampa, its cost of living relative to those areas makes the take-home pay feel more substantial.

Florida Metro Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	10-Year Job Growth
Coral Springs Metro	$112,040	111.8	8%
Miami-Fort Lauderdale	$125,800	123.5	12%
Tampa-St. Petersburg	$118,300	105.2	15%
Orlando	$110,500	107.8	14%
Jacksonville	$105,200	96.5	10%

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what it means for your daily life. In Coral Springs, with a Cost of Living Index of 111.8—11.8% above the U.S. average—your budget needs to account for Florida’s no-income-tax advantage but its higher housing and insurance costs.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $112,040/year. We’ll assume you're single, filing as Head of Household, and taking the standard deduction. Florida has no state income tax, so your main deductions are Federal and FICA (7.65%).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $112,040 / 12 = $9,337
• Estimated Federal Tax (after standard deduction): ~$1,350/month (varies by dependents, retirement contributions)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): $714/month
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$7,273/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Rent): $1,621 (This is the city average. You might find a 1BR in The Springs or near Riverside Park for $1,500, but a new build in the City Center area could be $1,800+.)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash): $180 - $220 (Higher in summer due to AC).
• Car Payment & Insurance: $650 - $850 (This is Florida—car insurance is notoriously high, especially for managers with longer commutes to Naples or Miami job sites).
• Groceries: $400 - $500
• Health Insurance (employer-backed): $300 - $500
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Gym, Entertainment): $400 - $600
• Total Expenditures: $3,551 - $4,291

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in Coral Springs is approximately $475,000. With an $80,000 down payment (17%), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would mean a monthly payment of $2,600 (including taxes and insurance). After your estimated expenses, you'd have **$3,000/month** left for savings, investments, and the inevitable home maintenance. It’s feasible, but tight for a single income. Most managers here buy with a dual income or after building significant savings.

Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate Florida’s homeowners insurance. It can add $3,000-$6,000 annually to your housing costs, especially for properties closer to the coast or in flood zones. Always get a quote before making an offer.

Where the Jobs Are: Coral Springs's Major Employers

Coral Springs isn't dominated by one industry, which is a strength for construction managers. The jobs come from a mix of public projects, private healthcare, and continuous residential demand. Here are the key players:

1. The City of Coral Springs: The largest single employer. They manage a constant pipeline of public works projects—park renovations, road expansions (like the ongoing work on Sample Road), and facility upgrades. Hiring is steady, benefits are excellent, and it’s a great path for those seeking work-life balance. They post jobs on the official city website.

2. Broward Health (North & Coral Springs Medical Center): The healthcare sector is a massive driver. With ongoing expansions and renovations at both Broward Health North (just north of Coral Springs) and the Coral Springs Medical Center, there’s consistent demand for managers experienced in healthcare construction, MEP coordination, and strict regulatory compliance (think HIPAA and FGI guidelines).

3. Charter School Networks (e.g., Somerset, Academy of the Everglades): South Florida’s charter school boom is alive and well. New schools are being built in Coral Springs and neighboring Parkland. These projects are fast-paced, often on tight budgets, and require managers who can navigate both public and private funding streams.

4. Turner Construction & Coastal Construction (Regional Offices): These national giants have a significant presence in South Florida. They handle large commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential projects throughout Broward County. Working for them means exposure to complex projects and a robust career ladder, though it often involves longer hours and a more corporate culture.

5. Lennar & PulteGroup (Local Builders): As a core part of the "Miami-Dade to Palm Beach" corridor, Coral Springs sees continuous residential subdivisions. Major builders like Lennar and Pulte have active communities in the area (e.g., The Preserve, Serenity Pointe). These roles focus on tract home development, requiring efficiency, cost control, and strong subcontractor relationships.

6. Holy Cross Hospital: While not in Coral Springs proper, it's a major employer in the adjacent Fort Lauderdale area and a hub for medical office building and outpatient facility construction, which is a growing niche.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift towards managers with LEED or WELL AP certifications, especially for commercial and institutional work. Digitization (BIM, Procore) is also a key differentiator. The strongest hiring is in the first and third quarters, coinciding with the start of the dry season and the end of hurricane season.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has clear, regulated pathways for construction managers. Unlike some states, you don’t need a specific "Construction Manager" license, but you will need a contractor’s license for most hands-on management roles or if you're bidding on projects over a certain value.

The Two Main Paths:

1. Certified General Contractor (CGC): This is the most versatile license for construction managers overseeing commercial, industrial, and residential projects of any size. It's state-certified and recognized statewide.
2. Certified Residential Contractor (CRC): For managers focused solely on single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes up to three stories.

Requirements for a CGC:

• Experience: You must prove 4 years of proven construction experience within the last 10 years. This can be as a contractor, foreman, or manager.
• Examination: Pass the Florida Certified General Contractor exam, administered by Pearson VUE. It covers business and finance, project management, and site layout.
• Financials: You must show a net worth of at least $2.5 million (for CGC) or $250,000 (for CRC), though you can use surety bonds and letters of credit to meet this requirement.
• Insurance: You must obtain general liability insurance (minimum $100,000) and workers' compensation (if you have employees).

Costs and Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$300
• License Application Fee: ~$300
• Surety Bond/Financial Proof: Variable, but budget $1,500-$3,000 for bond costs.
• Insurance: ~$2,500 - $5,000 annually for a small operation.
• Timeline: From studying to holding the license, expect 6-12 months if you're already experienced and start preparing for the exam immediately. The state's licensing board (DBPR) can be slow with processing; build in extra time.

Insider Tip: The “business and finance” section of the CGC exam trips many people up. It’s less about on-site know-how and more about reading profit/loss statements, bidding strategies, and labor law. Many local managers take a prep course from the Florida Construction Contractors Association (FCCA) in Fort Lauderdale.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your lifestyle and commute will vary dramatically by neighborhood. Coral Springs is notoriously car-dependent, so proximity to major highways (I-95, the Sawgrass Expressway, SR-7) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
The Springs	The original, mature area with oak-canopied streets. Close to downtown Coral Springs (City Hall, Art Walk). Easy access to University Dr. and Sample Rd.	$1,550 - $1,700	Managers who want a quiet, established community with a short drive to city amenities.
City Center / Downtown Coral Springs	The new, mixed-use heart of the city. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the library. Commute to I-95 is good via Sample Rd.	$1,700 - $1,900	Younger managers or those who want a more urban, social vibe without leaving the city limits.
Riverside	Along the Coral Springs border near the Sawgrass Expressway and NW 31st Ave. Great for commuters heading west to Naples or north to Palm Beach.	$1,450 - $1,600	Managers with a regional travel role. Direct highway access is the biggest perk.
Parkland (bordering Coral Springs)	More affluent, larger lots, excellent schools. A 10-15 minute drive to Coral Springs job sites. Rent is higher, but the lifestyle is more suburban and secluded.	$2,000 - $2,400+ (for 1BR)	Senior managers or those with families prioritizing schools and space. The commute is worth it for them.
Coral Springs Country Club	Golf and gated community living. Offers a mix of condos and single-family homes. Very central, close to the Coral Springs Medical Center.	$1,600 - $1,800 (for condo)	Managers who value amenities and security. It’s a specific lifestyle that isn’t for everyone.

Insider Tip: If your job requires frequent travel to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, consider the Riverside area. The Sawgrass Expressway is a toll road, but it can save you 20-30 minutes of gridlock on I-95 during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your salary and title aren’t static. Specialization and continuous learning are your best tools for advancement in this market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Adds a 10-15% premium to your base salary. The demand is high due to Florida's aging population and the constant need for facility upgrades.
• Sustainable Building (LEED AP, WELL): Can add 5-10% to your pay, especially with commercial and institutional clients who have green mandates.
• High-Rise / Complex Residential: In the broader South Florida market, experience with multi-story residential projects (even if not in Coral Springs itself) can open doors to the lucrative Miami and Miami Beach markets, where salaries are 15-20% higher.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical Path: Senior PM -> Project Executive -> Regional Director. This is common with large GCs like Turner.
2. Specialist Path: Construction Manager -> Owner’s Representative (working for a developer or hospital). This moves you away from daily site supervision to higher-level strategy and budget management.
3. Entrepreneurial Path: After 10-15 years and building a network, many managers launch their own small GC firm, focusing on high-end remodels or specific commercial niches in Broward County. This is high-risk but high-reward.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid, driven by an aging housing stock needing renovations, continued school construction, and the slow but steady expansion of healthcare facilities. The threat is a major hurricane, which can pause the industry for months, and interest rate volatility, which can cool the residential market. Managers who are adaptable and have a diverse portfolio of public and private project experience will weather these cycles best.

The Verdict: Is Coral Springs Right for You?

Coral Springs offers a compelling blend of solid pay, a stable job market, and a family-oriented lifestyle, but it’s not without its compromises.

Pros	Cons
Median Salary ($112,040) is strong relative to cost of living.	Cost of Living (111.8) is above national average, especially for housing and cars.
Stable Job Market (8% growth) with diverse employers (public, healthcare, residential).	No state income tax is offset by high property insurance and homeowners insurance rates.
Excellent Public Schools (Coral Springs is part of the Broward County system, which is highly rated).	Car-Dependent lifestyle. Limited public transit; you will need a reliable car.
Central Location in South Florida. Easy access to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach for weekend trips.	Suburban Sprawl. Lacks a dense, walkable urban core (though City Center is developing).
Community Feel. Well-maintained parks, active community events, and a strong sense of local pride.	Hurricane Risk is real. Requires preparation and can disrupt work for weeks.

Final Recommendation:
Coral Springs is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Construction Managers (ages 30-55) who are planning to put down roots, especially those with families. The public school system is a major draw, and the housing stock offers a good range of options for buyers. It’s less ideal for young, single professionals who crave a vibrant nightlife and walkable neighborhoods—Fort Lauderdale or Miami would be a better fit. For those seeking stability over explosive growth, a healthy work-life balance, and a community that values safety and education, Coral Springs delivers a high quality of life that justifies its price tag.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed before I move to Coral Springs to find a job?
Not necessarily. You can work as a Project Engineer or Superintendent for a licensed GC without your own license. However, to be a true Construction Manager bidding on your own projects, you'll need a Florida CGC or CRC. Many firms will hire you with the expectation you'll obtain the license within a year or two.

2. How does the hurricane season affect the job market and my work?
Construction seasons are dictated by the weather. The "dry season" (November to April) is the peak period. During hurricane season (June-November), work can be delayed by rain and storm threats. Post-hurricane, there is often a surge in repair and remediation work. Your job security depends on the stability of your employer; larger GCs and public employers are better equipped to weather these disruptions.

3. What's the commute like from Coral Springs to major job sites?
Most construction managers in Coral Springs work within a 20-mile radius. Commutes to sites in