Construction Manager in Deltona, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Deltona Stands

If you’re a Construction Manager looking at Deltona, you’re probably already eyeballing the numbers. Let’s cut right to it: the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Deltona metro area is $107,787 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.82. That’s a solid figure, especially when you consider the local cost of living. It’s just a hair below the national average of $108,210 per year, but in a market like this, that slight difference can stretch a long way.

The job market here is stable, not booming. There are approximately 197 job openings for Construction Managers in the metro area, which covers Deltona, DeLand, and the surrounding Volusia County regions. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%. This isn't explosive growth like you might see in a major metro like Tampa or Orlando, but it indicates a steady, reliable demand. It’s a market that favors experienced professionals who understand local codes, climate challenges (think humidity and hurricane resilience), and the specific supply chains in Central Florida.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Deltona will hinge heavily on your experience level and the specific sector you’re in (residential, commercial, or civil). Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market data and trends:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities in Deltona
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Assisting project managers, scheduling sub-contractors, on-site quality control for residential builds in communities like Deltona Lakes.
Mid-Level (4-9 yrs)	$95,000 - $125,000	Managing full projects ($1M-$5M), client relations, budget oversight for commercial strip malls or medical offices.
Senior (10-15 yrs)	$120,000 - $145,000+	Overseeing multiple projects, strategic planning, complex permitting with Volusia County, managing large civil or infrastructure projects.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$140,000 - $165,000+	Senior leadership, business development, expert witness for local disputes, high-end custom residential or specialized commercial work.

Note: These ranges are estimates for the Deltona market. Specialization in areas like healthcare construction (near AdventHealth facilities) or storm-resistant engineering can push you toward the higher end of these brackets.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

How does Deltona stack up against other Florida hubs? It’s a classic trade-off between salary and cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Avg. 1BR Rent	Job Market (Volume)
Deltona Metro	$107,787	98.7	$1,152	Moderate (197 jobs)
Miami-Fort Lauderdale	$118,510	123.5	$1,895	High
Tampa-St. Petersburg	$112,130	108.9	$1,530	High
Jacksonville	$105,230	96.1	$1,295	High
Orlando	$109,450	107.5	$1,465	High
Gainesville	$97,650	94.2	$1,115	Moderate

Insider Tip: While Miami and Tampa offer higher gross salaries, the net take-home after housing and transportation can be significantly less than in Deltona. Jacksonville is a strong competitor with a slightly lower salary but a similar cost of living. Deltona’s advantage is its location—close enough to the Orlando job market (30-40 minute drive to the I-4 corridor) for higher-paying opportunities if you’re willing to commute, but with a much more affordable home base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning a median salary of $107,787 doesn’t mean you take home $8,982 a month. After federal, state (Florida has no state income tax, which is a major plus), and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect to net approximately $7,800 per month (this is a rough estimate; consult a tax professional). This is a significant advantage over states with high income taxes.

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Deltona is $1,152/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Construction Manager: $107,787/yr)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$7,800	After taxes (approx. 28% effective rate)
Rent (1BR)	$1,152	Average for a decent, modern apartment.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Florida’s AC costs in summer can add $50-100 to your bill.
Car Payment & Insurance	$650	Assuming a moderate car note + FL's high auto insurance rates.
Groceries & Household	$500	Deltona has competitive grocery pricing.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer, but a common out-of-pocket share.
Discretionary/Savings	$4,948	This is the key number.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With nearly $5,000 left after essential expenses, buying a home is very feasible. The median home price in Deltona is around $325,000 - $350,000. A 20% down payment on a $350,000 home is $70,000. With a savings rate of 20-30% of your discretionary income, you could save that amount in 2-3 years. A mortgage on a $350,000 home (with 10% down) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000/month including taxes and insurance, which is still very manageable on this salary. You could comfortably buy a 3-4 bedroom home in a neighborhood like Orange City or Lake Helen within a few years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Deltona's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Deltona is a mix of local builders, regional players, and specialty contractors. You won’t find the corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 construction firms here, but there’s a robust ecosystem of mid-sized companies driving local growth.

1. AdventHealth (Deltona & DeLand Campuses): A major employer and a constant source of renovation and expansion projects. They manage their own facilities team and also hire external CMs for larger capital projects. Hiring is steady, with a focus on healthcare-compliant construction.
2. Volusia County Government: The county itself is a massive employer for civil and public works projects. They oversee road improvements, school construction, and public facility builds. Jobs are posted on the Volusia County Government website. Stability is high here.
3. Lennar & PulteGroup: These national homebuilders have a significant presence in the Deltona area, developing large communities like Deltona Lakes and Saxon Crossing. They employ Construction Managers for site development and residential project oversight. Hiring is tied to the housing market cycle.
4. Brasfield & Gorrie (Regional Office): While headquartered in Birmingham, AL, this major commercial contractor has a strong footprint in Central Florida. They handle healthcare, industrial, and commercial projects. Their Deltona-area work often involves healthcare and retail. They hire experienced CMs with commercial backgrounds.
5. Jon Smith Properties (Local Commercial Developer): A key player in local commercial development, responsible for many of the retail centers and office buildings along the I-4 corridor and in DeLand. They work with a network of CMs for project management.
6. Local Specialty Contractors (e.g., Roofing, HVAC, Electrical): Firms like Allied Air Enterprises (HVAC) or Roofing & More (Siding/Roofing) often have project manager roles that function like construction management for their specific trades. These are excellent entry points into the local market.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward "local expertise." A CM who knows how to navigate the Volusia County Building Department in DeLand, has relationships with local subcontractors, and understands the soil conditions (sandy, high water table in some areas) is highly valued. There’s also a growing niche in "resilient" construction post-Hurricane Ian (2022), with a focus on wind-resistant building codes.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific requirements for Construction Managers, though the state does not have a single "Construction Manager License." Instead, you typically need either a Certified General Contractor (CGC) license or a Certified Building Contractor (CBC) license, depending on the scope of work.

• Certified General Contractor (CGC): For projects of any size, including commercial, industrial, and residential (if over 3 stories). This is the most versatile license for a CM managing diverse projects.
• Certified Building Contractor (CBC): For residential and small commercial projects (under 3 stories, under $500,000 value). Good for CMs focused on residential development.

Requirements & Costs (for CGC):

1. Experience: You must have 4 years of experience as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor. This can be a mix of education (a 4-year degree in a construction-related field can substitute for up to 2 years of experience).
2. Exam: Pass the Florida Certified General Contractor Examination. The exam fee is approximately $265.
3. Financials: Provide proof of a minimum $5,000 net worth (can be shown via bank statements or a surety bond).
4. Insurance: You must have general liability insurance (minimum $300,000) and workers' compensation (if you have employees).
5. Licensing Fee: The state application fee is $290.

Timeline: The entire process, from gathering documentation to passing the exam and getting approved, can take 3 to 6 months. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) is the governing body. Insider Tip: Many local CMs in Deltona use third-party exam prep courses like Prov or PPI (known for PE exam prep) which are well-regarded in Florida.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Deltona is a large suburban community of about 100,000 people, spread out over 41 square miles. Commute times are generally short, but choosing the right neighborhood can align you with your preferred projects and lifestyle.

1. Deltona Lakes (Central Deltona):

   • Vibe: Established, family-oriented, with a mix of older and newer homes. The heart of the city.
   • Commute: Central to most local job sites and easy access to I-4.
   • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,150 - $1,250
   • Why here: You’re in the middle of the action. Close to shopping, AdventHealth Deltona, and major residential developments.

2. Orange City (North of Deltona):

   • Vibe: Quaint, slightly more rural feel, with a historic downtown. Growing quickly with new subdivisions.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to central Deltona; 25 minutes to DeLand.
   • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,100 - $1,200
   • Why here: A great balance of affordability and community. Close to the I-4 corridor for commuting to the Orlando area. A hotspot for new residential construction.

3. Lake Helen (South of Deltona):

   • Vibe: Small, quiet town with a strong sense of community. Known for its lake and parks.
   • Commute: 15 minutes to central Deltona; 20 minutes to DeLand.
   • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,050 - $1,150
   • Why here: Lower cost of living, peaceful. Good for CMs who work on projects in the southern part of Volusia County or who prefer a quieter home base.

4. DeLand (East of Deltona, ~15 mins):

   • Vibe: A vibrant, historic college town (Stetson University), with a more urban feel than Deltona. Higher-end homes and a thriving downtown.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to central Deltona job sites.
   • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,250 - $1,350
   • Why here: If you want more culture, dining, and a walkable downtown, DeLand is the choice. It’s also where the main Volusia County government offices are located, which can be a plus for CMs working on public projects.

5. Saxon Crossing (Southwest Deltona):

   • Vibe: Newer master-planned community with modern homes, parks, and retail.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to I-4; 20 minutes to Orlando.
   • Rent (1BR Avg): $1,200 - $1,300 (apartments are newer)
   • Why here: Ideal for a CM who wants a modern lifestyle and easy access to the Orlando job market for higher-paying opportunities. A hub for new construction.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over 10 years indicates a stable, but not explosive, market. Your growth will come from specialization and strategic networking.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: CMs with experience in hospital or medical office projects (near AdventHealth) can command a 10-15% salary premium. This niche requires knowledge of stringent infection control protocols and specialized MEP systems.
  • Resilient/Hurricane-Resistant Construction: Post-Hurricane Ian, there’s a high demand for CMs who are experts in the latest Florida Building Code (FBC) for wind and flood resistance. This expertise is becoming a standard requirement, not just a premium.
  • Civil/Infrastructure: CMs working on public projects (roads, utilities) often have more stable, long-term contracts but may see slightly lower top-end pay compared to high-end custom residential.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Manager to Senior Project Manager (3-5 years): You’ll manage larger budgets ($10M+) and more complex projects, possibly overseeing other PMs.
  2. Senior PM to Operations Manager/Director (5-10 years): Shift from project-specific oversight to managing a portfolio of projects, budgets, and regional teams. This often involves moving to a regional office (e.g., Orlando) of a national firm.
  3. Entrepreneurship (10+ years): The local market is ripe for a boutique CM firm specializing in a niche like luxury residential or commercial tenant improvements. With a strong local network, this is a viable path.

• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will be steady, driven by population growth in Volusia County and the continued expansion of the Orlando metro. The key will be adapting to new technologies (BIM, drones for site surveying) and building a deep local network. CMs who are “plugged in” to the local contractor community will always have an edge.

The Verdict: Is Deltona Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $107,787 goes far here compared to major metros.	Limited High-End Project Scale: Fewer $50M+ commercial projects compared to Orlando/Tampa.
Proximity to Orlando: Easy access to a larger, higher-paying job market (30-40 min drive).	Car-Dependent Lifestyle: You need a car; public transit is limited.
No State Income Tax: Increases your net take-home pay significantly.	Job Market Saturation: The 197 jobs are steady, but not a high-volume hiring frenzy.
Stable, Growing Housing Market: Good for residential CMs and those looking to buy a home.	Summer Humidity & Hurricanes: The climate is a factor—expect to manage projects around weather delays.
Local Network Advantage: A smaller market means building a strong reputation has a bigger impact.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: If you crave a bustling urban scene, Deltona/DeLand may feel quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Deltona is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers (5-15 years of experience) who are looking to maximize their income relative to their cost of living. It’s ideal for those who value a suburban lifestyle, want to buy a home, and appreciate being close to nature (beaches, springs) and a major city (Orlando) without the congestion and expense. It’s less ideal