Construction Manager in Davie, FL

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers in Davie, FL.

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: construction is always in motion here. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Davie reflects a strong market, but your actual earning potential hinges heavily on your experience and the specific projects you land. The median salary of $112,040/year sits comfortably above the national average of $108,210/year, a clear sign of the demand in our South Florida market. When you break it down, the hourly rate of $53.87/hour is your baseline for full-time, salaried roles, though many senior positions come with significant performance bonuses tied to project completion and budget adherence.

To give you a realistic picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Davie area. These figures are based on local job postings and industry reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the South Florida Business Journal.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Davie, FL)
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $92,000
Mid-Level	4-9 years	$95,000 - $135,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$135,000 - $165,000
Expert/Principal	20+ years	$165,000 - $200,000+

Insider Tip: The top end of this range is often achieved by managers who specialize in high-demand verticals like healthcare, multi-family luxury condos, or large-scale commercial retrofits. General residential subdivision work will typically land you in the mid-range.

How Davie Compares to Other Florida Cities:
Davie's salary is competitive, especially when you factor in its strategic location. It’s not Miami, but it’s close enough to tap into that market without the same intensity. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Miami: Median salary is higher (~$120,000+), but the cost of living and project competition are significantly more intense.
• Fort Lauderdale: Very similar to Davie, often within a few thousand dollars. Davie offers slightly more affordable housing, making it a strategic choice for commuting to Fort Lauderdale jobs.
• Orlando: Median salary is slightly lower (~$105,000), but the job market is robust, driven by tourism and residential growth.
• Tampa: Similar to Orlando, with a median salary around $106,500. Davie’s proximity to the port and major logistics hubs can offer more specialized project opportunities.

Davie hits a sweet spot: strong salaries, a diverse project pipeline, and a more manageable cost of living compared to coastal Miami.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what matters: can you live comfortably on $112,040/year in Davie? The short answer is yes, but budgeting is key. With a cost of living index of 111.8 (11.8% above the national average), your dollars stretch a bit less than in other parts of the country. Housing is the primary driver.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager earning the median salary.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$9,337	($112,040 / 12)
Taxes (Est. 28%)	-$2,614	Includes federal, FICA, and state (FL has no state income tax)
Net Monthly Income	$6,723
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,621	The provided average. You can find places from $1,400-$1,900+
Utilities (Avg.)	-$180	Electricity, water, internet. AC is the big cost in summer.
Groceries & Dining	-$650	South Florida food costs are above national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$550	Highly variable. Insurance is costly in FL.
Health Insurance	-$300	If not covered fully by employer.
Retirement/401(k)	-$600	Aiming for 10-12% of gross is smart.
Discretionary/Savings	$2,822	Gas, entertainment, travel, emergency fund.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is a major question for anyone moving to Florida. The median home price in Broward County is approximately $425,000. For a $112,040 salary, a $425,000 home is within reach, but it requires discipline.

• Down Payment: A 20% down payment is $85,000. This is the biggest hurdle for most buyers.
• Mortgage: A 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly principal and interest payment of around $2,150. With property taxes ($600/month) and homeowners insurance (a major factor in FL, often $200-$400/month), your total housing payment could exceed $3,000/month.

Insider Tip: Many Construction Managers in Davie who buy homes opt for townhomes or single-family homes in western neighborhoods like Cooper City or Southwest Ranches (though the latter is more expensive). They often buy after 3-5 years of saving aggressively, leveraging the strong salary and potential for project bonuses. Renting for the first year or two is a very common and financially prudent strategy to understand the local market.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie’s construction job market is a mix of large-scale developers, specialized contractors, and public works. It’s not dominated by one or two giants, which creates diverse opportunities.

1. The Related Group: This Miami-based developer has a massive footprint in South Florida. They are constantly building luxury condos, multi-family apartments, and mixed-use projects. While their HQ is in Miami, they hire Construction Managers to oversee projects in western Broward, including the Davie/Oakland Park corridor. They are a top-tier employer for high-rise and complex projects.

2. Balfour Beatty Construction: A national firm with a major regional office in Fort Lauderdale, they are a key player in commercial construction—especially healthcare, education, and government projects. They frequently manage projects for Nova Southeastern University (located in Davie) and local medical centers. Their hiring is steady and they value experienced PMs with large-project credentials (like LEED).

3. Stiles Corporation: Another Fort Lauderdale-based powerhouse, Stiles focuses on commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. They have a reputation for quality and are often involved in the revitalization of downtown areas and suburban office parks. Their projects around the I-595 corridor are frequent.

4. The Walter Group (Walter Construction & Demolition): Headquartered right in Davie, this is a local giant in excavation, site work, and demolition. They are often the first on the ground for major developments. Working for a site-work contractor is a fantastic way to get broad experience across multiple project types. They hire for project managers and superintendents.

5. City of Davie - Public Works Department: Don’t overlook the public sector. The town of Davie manages its own capital improvement projects—road expansions, park development, and utility upgrades. These jobs offer stability, excellent benefits, and a 40-hour workweek, which is a rare commodity in private construction. Check the Town of Davie’s career page regularly.

6. Nova Southeastern University (NSU): As a major institution with a campus in Davie, NSU is in a constant state of growth and renovation. They employ in-house Construction Managers to oversee their capital projects, from new academic buildings to dormitory renovations. It’s a less stressful environment than high-rise condos but requires knowledge of educational and healthcare facility standards.

Hiring Trends: There is a strong push towards sustainable building (LEED, Florida Green Building Coalition) and resilient construction post-Hurricane Ian. Managers with experience in these areas or with certifications like LEED AP or PMP have a distinct advantage. Public infrastructure projects, funded by state and federal grants, are also a growing segment.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has strict requirements for Construction Managers, especially as the scope of work can overlap with general contracting. The primary license you'll encounter is the Certified General Contractor (CG) license, administered by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Why a CG License? While you can work as a Construction Manager without one, most employers will require a CG license if you have any direct contractual responsibility for the construction itself, or if you want to run your own firm eventually. It’s the gold standard.

Steps & Costs:

1. Experience & Education: You need at least four years of experience (a combination of college engineering/architecture degrees and hands-on construction management experience). You must document this on the application.
2. Financial Stability: You must prove a net worth of at least $100,000 (via credit report or affidavit) or have a surety bond or letter of credit.
3. Examinations: You must pass two exams:
   • Florida Business & Finance Exam: Covers state laws, accounting, and insurance.
   • Florida Project Management Exam: Covers project management, safety, and estimating.
   • Exam Cost: Approximately $800-$1,000 for both, including study materials and fees.
4. Insurance & Fees:
   • General Liability Insurance: Required for licensure, with minimum limits of $100,000/$300,000/$500,000. Premiums vary widely but expect $2,500-$5,000/year for a new licensee.
   • Licensing Fees: Application and initial license fees total around $500-$700.

Timeline: From start to finish, it typically takes 6-12 months to get your CG license in Florida, assuming you have the required experience and can schedule the exams promptly. The DBPR website is your best resource for the most current forms and fee schedules.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Davie depends on your lifestyle, commute, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for a CM
Davie Central (SW 136th Ave Area)	The heart of Davie. Close to shops, restaurants, and I-595. A 15-20 minute commute to Fort Lauderdale.	$1,600 - $1,800	Maximum convenience. Easy access to everything. Best for those who want to be in the action.
Western Davie / Country Glen	Quiet, suburban, more single-family homes. Feels more "country." A 20-25 minute commute.	$1,500 - $1,700	More space, quieter nights. Great if you want a yard without paying the Southwest Ranches premium.
Cooper City (Adjacent)	Top-rated schools, family-oriented, very safe. Often considered a step up. A 20-25 minute commute.	$1,750 - $2,000+	Ideal for managers with families. The higher rent is justified by schools and community feel.
Davie/Oakland Park Border	A mix of older apartments and new townhomes. Closer to the I-95/I-595 interchange. 15-minute commute.	$1,550 - $1,750	Strategic for those who work in Fort Lauderdale or need quick access to both I-95 and I-595.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and Griffin Road can be brutal during peak hours. If your job site is west of Davie (e.g., in Western Ranches or near the Everglades), living in western Davie or Cooper City will save you hours each week.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 8% for Construction Managers in the metro area is solid, reflecting steady economic growth. However, to maximize your career and salary, you need to specialize and network.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in hospital projects (convincing, strict regulations) can command a 10-15% salary premium.
  • Multi-Family/High-Rise: This is the dominant market in South Florida. Expertise here is invaluable.
  • Renovation & Retrofit: With aging building stock, managers skilled in seismic retrofitting, hurricane hardening, and modernizing old structures are in high demand.
  • Sustainability: LEED AP or Florida Green Building Coalition certifications can open doors to high-profile, public-facing projects.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Field Engineer/Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Project Executive or Director of Operations. To break into the executive tier, you’ll need to master not just construction, but also client relations, business development, and financial management.

• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain strong, driven by population growth and the need for resilient infrastructure. The biggest threat is not a lack of work, but a shortage of skilled labor and rising material costs. The most successful managers will be those who can navigate supply chain issues, manage diverse teams of subcontractors, and build strong, lasting relationships with local suppliers and inspectors.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries: Above national average with no state income tax.	High Cost of Living: Primarily driven by housing and insurance.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of residential, commercial, and public projects.	Traffic & Commute: I-595 and I-25 can be gridlocked; commutes are longer than they look on a map.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Fort Lauderdale and Miami markets without the highest costs.	Hurricane Risk: This is a real factor. Building codes are strict, but project delays are inevitable.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Year-round warm weather, proximity to beaches and the Everglades.	Hurricane Season Stress: The 6-month season (June-Nov) adds a layer of professional and personal anxiety.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial benefit.	Competitive Market: You’re competing with a large pool of experienced professionals from all over.

Final Recommendation:
Davie is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager, particularly if you are mid-career and looking to step up your earning potential and project complexity. It’s ideal for someone who values a suburban lifestyle but wants easy access to the energy and opportunities of a major metropolitan area. If you are budget-conscious, willing to start by renting, and prepared to navigate the occasional hurricane and traffic, Davie offers a fantastic blend of career growth and quality of life. It’s not the cheapest place to live in Florida, but for a skilled Construction Manager, the financial and professional rewards are well worth it.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know Spanish to work as a Construction Manager in Davie?
While not a strict requirement, it is a major asset. A significant portion of the construction workforce in South Florida is bilingual. Being able to communicate directly with subcontractors and laborers on site, even at a basic level, improves safety, efficiency, and morale. It will definitely give you an edge in hiring.

2. How does the hurricane season affect my job?
From June to November, you must build potential delays into your project schedules. Material shipments can be delayed, and site work can halt due to heavy rain. Furthermore, post-storm, there is often a surge in repair and renovation work. A good Construction Manager plans for this reality, ensuring sites are secure before a storm and having contingency plans for recovery.

3. Is it better to work for a large national firm or a local Davie-based contractor?
It depends on your career goals. Large national firms (like Balfour Beatty) offer structured training, benefits, and opportunities to work on massive, complex projects across the country. Local firms (like The Walter Group) often provide more visibility, a tighter-knit team, and a faster path to leadership roles. Many successful managers work for both at different stages of their careers.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new Construction Managers moving to Davie?
The biggest challenge is often navigating the local bureaucracy and network. Building relationships with Broward County building officials, local suppliers, and reputable subcontractors takes time. The pace is fast, and the expectations are high. Don't underestimate the learning curve of the local market, even if you have years of experience elsewhere. Join local chapters of organizations like the Associated General Contractors (AGC) or the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to speed up the process.

5. How competitive is the job market for the ~215 jobs in the metro area?
The 215 figure represents a stable but not massive market. It’s competitive, but not cutthroat. For an experienced, licensed (CG) manager with a solid track record and good references, finding a position is very feasible. The key is to have a specialized skill set and to network actively. Many of the best jobs are filled through referrals before they are ever publicly listed. Your resume needs to stand out, but your local connections will be what lands you the top-tier roles.