Construction Manager in Dayton, OH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Dayton, Ohio.

The Salary Picture: Where Dayton Stands

As a Construction Manager in Dayton, you're looking at a solid earning potential that sits comfortably above the national median for many trades, but slightly below the national average for your specific role. Let's break it down.

The median salary for Construction Managers in the Dayton metropolitan area is $105,710 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.82. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year. However, when you factor in Dayton's significantly lower cost of living (more on that later), your paycheck goes much further here than it would in a major coastal city or even in Columbus or Cincinnati.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Salary Range (Dayton Metro)
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	Assistant PM, field superintendent trainee, estimating support	$65,000 - $85,000
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	Managing smaller projects ($2M-$10M), leading crews, client liaison	$90,000 - $120,000
Senior (9-15 years)	Overseeing major projects ($10M+), multi-project management, budget control	$120,000 - $150,000+
Expert (15+ years)	Executive/VP roles, corporate leadership, complex infrastructure projects	$150,000 - $200,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median. Specialized project types (e.g., healthcare, advanced manufacturing) can command premiums at the senior level.

Compared to other Ohio metros, Dayton offers a compelling balance:

• Columbus: Higher average salaries ($112,500+), but a cost of living that's 15% higher and fierce competition for projects tied to state government and tech.
• Cincinnati: Similar salary range ($108,000+), with a more concentrated market and a higher cost of living, particularly in desirable neighborhoods.
• Cleveland: Salaries are comparable ($107,000+), but the market is more heavily tied to industrial and healthcare projects, with a slower growth trajectory in residential and commercial sectors.

Insider Tip: Dayton's strength is in project diversity. You're not pigeonholed into one sector. You can build a hospital wing at Miami Valley Hospital one year, renovate a historic building in the Oregon District the next, and manage a logistics distribution center for a major employer like Kroger or Fuyao in between. This variety is a career safeguard.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real numbers. A median salary of $105,710 in Dayton feels like a different world than the same figure in New York or San Francisco. Here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown after taxes and core expenses.

Assumptions: Married filing jointly, two dependents, Ohio state income tax (4.5% bracket), federal tax (approx. 15% effective rate), FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$8,809
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (incl. health insurance): ~$2,400
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,409/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR in a good area)	$800 - $1,000	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Moderate climate, older home stock.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Dayton is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Essentials	$500 - $650	Reasonable grocery costs, especially with local chains.
Dining & Entertainment	$300 - $500	Affordable local dining scene.
Discretionary/Shopping	$300 - $500
Savings/Investments	$1,500 - $2,000	A strong savings rate is very achievable.
Total	$4,000 - $4,700	Leaves a healthy buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. As of late 2023, the median home price in the Dayton metro area is approximately $230,000. With a 20% down payment ($46,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,300 - $1,500. This is easily manageable on a $105,710 salary, especially compared to the rent-versus-buy calculus in larger cities. Many Construction Managers in the area own homes in the suburbs for the value and space.

Where the Jobs Are: Dayton's Major Employers

Dayton's construction market is fueled by a mix of institutional, industrial, and commercial employers. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Miami Valley Hospital & Premier Health Partners: The largest healthcare system in the region is almost perpetually in a state of expansion or renovation. They manage multi-million dollar projects for new patient towers, specialized clinics, and outpatient centers. Hiring is steady, and they value PMs with healthcare construction experience (infection control, HIPAA-compliant sites).

2. The Dayton Children's Hospital: Similar to Miami Valley, this is another major institutional client with a continuous pipeline of projects. Their growth is driven by the region's pediatric needs.

3. The University of Dayton (UD) & Wright State University (WSU): Both have ongoing capital improvement plans. UD's campus is a mix of historic Gothic architecture and modern facilities, requiring PMs skilled in renovation and new construction. WSU's projects are often focused on science labs and student housing.

4. Fuyao Glass America: This is a massive industrial project. As a major employer in Moraine, Fuyao's continued investment in their plant (the largest in the world) means ongoing major construction projects. This is a different beast—industrial manufacturing—which requires specialized knowledge but pays well.

5. Logistics & Distribution Hubs (Amazon, Kroger, Speedway): The Dayton region is a logistics sweet spot at the intersection of I-75 and I-70. Companies like Amazon have built fulfillment centers (e.g., in nearby Monroe), and Kroger is a local giant. These are fast-track, high-volume projects that are excellent for building a resume quickly.

6. The Dayton Metro Library & Local Municipalities: Public projects are stable and offer good benefits. The library system's recent major renovations (like the new main branch) are examples of civic investment that require skilled management.

7. Private Commercial Developers (e.g., The Dillin Corporation, Miller Valentine Group): These firms drive the commercial office, retail, and multi-family housing market. They are key players in downtown revitalization and suburban development.

Hiring Trend: The market is robust but not overheated. The push for "reshoring" manufacturing and the region's role as a logistics hub are creating new project pipelines. There's a particular demand for PMs who can manage projects on time and under budget in a skilled labor market that can be tight.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio does not have a state-level license for general construction managers. However, being licensed can significantly boost your credibility and employability, especially for larger, public, or complex projects.

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License: While not required for all CM roles, a PE license is a major differentiator, particularly for projects involving structural, civil, or MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineering. It's issued by the Ohio Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

   • Process: ABET-accredited engineering degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of progressive experience under a PE, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Cost: Exam fees ($600), application fees ($100), and continuing education.
   • Timeline: 5+ years from start to licensure.

2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), this is the premier credential for CMs. It's nationally recognized and highly valued by employers like hospitals and universities.

   • Process: Requires a combination of education and verified construction management experience (e.g., a bachelor's degree + 4 years, or no degree + 8 years). You must pass a comprehensive exam.
   • Cost: Exam fee (~$495 for members, ~$695 for non-members), plus membership and study materials.
   • Timeline: You can sit for the exam once you meet the experience requirements. The process can take 6-12 months of preparation and application.

3. Trade-Specific Licenses (Electrician, Plumber, etc.): If you plan to self-perform any work or manage trade contractors, you must understand that Ohio requires state licenses for these trades, administered by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). You don't need to hold them yourself, but you must ensure all your subcontractors do.

Insider Tip: In Dayton's tight-knit professional community, a CCM or PE designation often gets your resume to the top of the pile. It signals you understand formal project controls, risk management, and quality assurance—the language of the institutional clients that drive many of the region's best projects.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will affect your commute, social life, and budget. Dayton is a city of distinct neighborhoods and suburbs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for a CM
Kettering	Established suburb, family-friendly, 10-15 min to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Close to Miami Valley Hospital and major retail. Great school districts. The "safe bet."
Centerville	Upscale suburb, excellent schools, 15-20 min to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,300	High quality of life, strong community. Popular with senior PMs and families.
Oakwood	Historic, affluent suburb, 15 min to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,500	Beautiful homes, top-rated schools. A prestige address with a short commute.
Dayton (South Park/Huffman)	Historic urban neighborhood, 5-10 min to downtown.	$750 - $950	Charming, walkable, close to the action. For those who want city living without the downtown price.
Beavercreek	Suburban, convenient to I-675 and Wright-Patterson AFB, 20-25 min to downtown.	$950 - $1,150	Proximity to the Air Force base and its contractors (for specialized projects). More modern housing stock.

Commute Reality: Traffic in Dayton is minimal compared to other metros. A 20-minute commute is considered long. Living in a suburb like Kettering or Centerville gives you quick access to most job sites, which are often on the periphery (industrial parks, hospital campuses) rather than the congested city center.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection for Construction Managers in the Dayton area is 8%, which is in line with the national average. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady and reliable.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: +10-15% above base. Requires understanding of codes like NFPA 99 (healthcare facilities) and infection control protocols (ICRA).
• Industrial/Mechanical: +10-20%. Managing projects in active manufacturing plants (like Fuyao) is complex and lucrative.
• Public Works (Government/University): +5-10%. The process is more bureaucratic, but the work is stable and comes with strong benefits.
• Sustainable/Green Building (LEED): +5-10%. As employers like the University of Dayton pursue sustainability goals, PMs with LEED AP credentials are in demand.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Field Engineer/Superintendent -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Project Executive or Director of Operations. In Dayton, staying with a single firm like a major hospital system or a large general contractor (like The Gilbane Building Company, which has a regional office) can lead to lucrative senior roles. Another path is to move into a specialized role like Project Controls Manager or Risk Manager for a large developer, focusing on the financial and scheduling side.

Insider Tip: The best long-term strategy is to build a portfolio of project types. Don't just do warehouses. Build a hospital, then a school, then a commercial office. This makes you indispensable and protects you from sector-specific downturns.

The Verdict: Is Dayton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $105,710 median salary goes remarkably far, enabling home ownership and a comfortable lifestyle.	Slower Career Growth: The 8% growth is steady but not explosive. Major promotions may require lateral moves or seeking roles in Columbus/Cincinnati.
Diverse Project Portfolio: You can work on healthcare, institutional, industrial, and commercial projects, keeping your skills sharp.	Car-Dependent Lifestyle: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle for commuting and site visits.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major institutions (hospitals, universities, the Air Force base) and the logistics industry.	Limited "Prestige" Projects: Fewer opportunities for managing iconic skyscrapers or mega-projects compared to larger metros.
Manageable Pace & Community: Less cutthroat than major cities; the professional network is tight-knit and supportive.	Weather: Winters can be gray and cold, which can impact project schedules for exterior work.
Strong Homeownership Potential: With median home prices around $230,000, building equity is very achievable.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: Compared to Columbus or Cincinnati, the scene is smaller, though the Oregon District has charm.

Final Recommendation:
Dayton is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a diverse project pipeline over the prestige of working on mega-projects. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a long-term career with a strong local reputation. It may not be the best fit for a young, single professional seeking a 24/7 city vibe or someone aiming for the absolute pinnacle of corporate leadership in the field. For the majority, Dayton offers a fulfilling, financially rewarding, and sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. Is the construction market in Dayton recession-proof?
No market is entirely recession-proof, but Dayton's is more resilient than most. Its economic anchors are healthcare, education, and defense (Wright-Patterson AFB), which are less sensitive to economic cycles than, say, speculative commercial real estate. A downturn might slow some private projects, but institutional work will likely continue.

2. Do I need a car if I move to Dayton?
Yes, absolutely. Dayton is a classic Midwestern city designed around the automobile. Public transportation exists (RTA buses) but is not practical for most commutes to job sites, which are often in industrial parks or suburbs. Factor car ownership into your budget.

3. What's the best way to network in Dayton's construction scene?
Join the Dayton chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or the CMAA Ohio Valley Chapter. Attend events hosted by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The local scene is friendly; a simple introduction at a networking event can lead to a long-term contact. Many key players know each other.

4. How does the cost of living really compare?
Using the provided index, Dayton's cost of living is 92.3 (US avg = 100). This means you need about 7.7% less income to live the same standard of life as the national average. More concretely, your $105,710 salary in Dayton would need to be $114,000+ in Columbus or $135,000+ in Denver to maintain the same purchasing power.

5. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
This varies by employer. For a field-heavy role like a Superintendent, you're on-site daily. For a Project Manager at a general contractor, there's often a mix of office time (in the downtown or suburban office) and site visits. Institutional clients like hospitals and universities may have hybrid office/site schedules. It's not a fully remote field, but flexibility is increasing.