Construction Manager in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

As a local who’s watched the skyline change from just a few downtown buildings to sprawling new subdivisions and commercial centers, I can tell you the construction market in Edmond is steady, but not boom-or-bust. It’s a reliable, family-oriented city with a constant need for housing, schools, and medical facilities. For a Construction Manager, that translates into a stable career path with solid compensation that stretches further here than in most places.

Let’s break down the numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Edmond metro area is $105,288 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.62. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year, but the cost of living difference makes Edmond a financial win for most professionals in this field. The metro area supports 196 jobs for Construction Managers, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s consistent, reflecting Edmond’s stable expansion as a premier suburb of Oklahoma City.

To get a clearer picture, here’s a look at how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings and industry surveys from the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma (AGC OK).

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Edmond, OK)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, subcontractor management, field supervision under senior PM
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$90,000 - $120,000	Full project oversight, budgeting, client relations, safety compliance
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$120,000 - $150,000	Complex projects (schools, medical facilities), team leadership, business development
Expert/Executive (13+ years)	$150,000+	Regional management, pre-construction services, strategic planning for large firms

How does Edmond stack up against other Oklahoma cities?

• Oklahoma City Metro: Slightly higher median salary ($110,000+) but significantly higher competition and a higher cost of living, especially in core areas.
• Tulsa: Similar salary range to OKC, but the market is more tied to energy sector volatility. Edmond’s economy is more diversified between government, education, and healthcare.
• Norman: Close to OKC’s salary range but with a more seasonal demand tied to the university calendar. Edmond offers more year-round stability.

Insider Tip: The 8% growth is a key indicator. While national construction can be cyclical, Edmond’s growth is driven by municipal bonds for schools (like the recent Edmond Public Schools facilities plan) and steady residential demand. This makes your job security higher here than in cities reliant on a single industry.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $105,288 salary sounds great, but what’s the reality after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share? Let’s run the numbers for Edmond, using an average single filer’s tax situation (federal, state, FICA) and local housing costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Construction Manager Earning $105,288:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,774
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA @ ~25-28%): $2,200 - $2,457
• Take-Home Pay (Net): ~$6,317 - $6,574**

Now, let’s factor in the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Edmond, which sits at $773/month. This is for a standard unit in areas like the Southeast or near the I-35 corridor. For a nicer, modern 1-bedroom in a complex like those near the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), you might pay closer to $900-$1,000.

Sample Monthly Budget (using a mid-range net income of $6,400):

• Housing (1BR Rent): $850 (mid-range)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Edmond is car-dependent)
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance/401k Contribution: $500
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment/Dining: $800
• Total Expenses: $3,350
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$3,050/month

This leaves a substantial amount for savings, student loans, or discretionary spending. The key is that the low cost of living, particularly housing, allows for a high savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is where Edmond truly shines for professionals. The median home price in Edmond is roughly $320,000 - $350,000. With a $105,288 salary, a 20% down payment ($64,000-$70,000) is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving from the above budget. A mortgage on a $320,000 home (with 20% down) would be approximately $1,600/month, including taxes and insurance. This is very manageable on a Construction Manager’s salary. Many managers I know purchase homes in the $350,000 - $450,000 range within their first 5 years in the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond’s construction market isn’t dominated by one giant firm. It’s a mix of local developers, regional builders, and public entities that constantly have projects. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Edmond Public Schools (EPS): The district is in a perpetual state of growth and modernization. They have a dedicated facilities team and hire construction managers for bond projects—building new schools (like the planned new high school in the northeast) and renovating existing ones. They often work with a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, creating opportunities for both public sector and private firm placements.

2. The City of Edmond: The municipal government manages public works projects, including water treatment facility upgrades, park expansions (like Mitch Park), and road improvements (e.g., the ongoing Broadway extension projects). Jobs here are posted on the city’s website and offer excellent benefits and stability.

3. L&L Construction & Development: A major local developer specializing in residential (subdivisions like The Reserve at Coffee Creek) and commercial (strip centers, medical office buildings). They frequently hire project managers and construction managers with experience in site development and multi-family projects.

4. Manhattan Construction Company: While a national firm, their Oklahoma City office handles significant projects in Edmond. They’ve been involved in commercial builds like the UCO Business Building and high-end residential. Working here offers exposure to large-scale, complex projects.

5. Chesapeake Energy (Corporate Real Estate): While their headquarters is in OKC, their corporate real estate and facility management teams oversee projects in their extensive campus, which includes offices, data centers, and amenities. This is a niche but high-paying sector for construction managers with corporate experience.

6. Hobby Lobby Corporate Headquarters: Located in OKC but with a massive presence in the Edmond area (their main complex is just south of the city line). Their in-house construction team manages new store build-outs, distribution center expansions, and corporate campus projects.

7. Private Development Firms (e.g., Grogan Development, American Fidelity Assurance): These companies have extensive real estate holdings and often hire construction managers for internal projects or to oversee third-party contractors.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for managers who can handle public school projects (due to bond funding) and residential/commercial mixed-use developments. The trend is toward more green building practices (LEED, Energy Star) and technology integration (drones for site surveys, project management software like Procore). Experience with Oklahoma’s specific building codes and storm shelter requirements is a significant plus.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a state-level mandatory licensure requirement for Construction Managers. This is common for the profession, which is often governed by project contracts, client requirements, and professional certifications. However, there are critical certifications and licenses you should obtain to compete and work on certain projects.

1. State Contractor’s License (For Self-Employed/Own Firm):

• If you plan to start your own firm or work as a prime contractor, you’ll need a license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). Licenses are broken down by classification (e.g., Residential, Commercial, Industrial).
• Cost: Application and examination fees range from $200 - $500. Bonding and insurance requirements are additional and can be substantial.
• Timeline: The process takes 2-4 months. It requires passing a state exam covering business, law, and trade knowledge.

2. OSHA 30-Hour Certification (Mandatory for Most Jobs):

• This is non-negotiable. Almost every reputable employer in Edmond will require this. It’s a 4-day course covering construction safety standards.
• Cost: $150 - $250.
• Timeline: Can be completed in one week.

3. Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended):

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This is the gold standard and can significantly boost your salary potential. It requires experience and passing a rigorous exam. Cost: ~$1,200 for the exam and study materials.
• LEED Green Associate: For a growing edge in sustainable building. Cost: $300 for the exam.
• Timeline: CCM preparation typically takes 3-6 months of study.

Insider Tip: While a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture is the most common path, many successful managers in Edmond have worked their way up from the trades. If you have field experience, highlight it. The local market values practical knowledge over purely academic credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Edmond is geographically large, and your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and social scene. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Southeast Edmond (Near I-35 & 2nd St):

   • Vibe: The bustling corridor. Close to shopping (Edmond’s main retail hub), dining, and easy highway access. A mix of older homes and new townhomes.
   • Commute: Excellent. 15-20 minutes to most job sites in Edmond, 25-30 minutes to downtown OKC.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want convenience and a short commute.

2. Downtown Edmond:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, and charming. Home to the UCO campus, local coffee shops (like Eischen’s Bar, though not a coffee shop, it’s a local landmark), and the popular “Coffee Creek” area. More single-family homes and smaller apartments.
   • Commute: Very central. 10-15 minutes anywhere in Edmond.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR apartment or a room in a shared house.
   • Best For: Those who want a sense of community and easy access to UCO’s events and downtown restaurants.

3. Northeast Edmond (Around Covell & Bryant Rd):

   • Vibe: Newer, master-planned communities. Excellent schools, parks, and modern amenities (like the Mitch Park YMCA). More family-oriented, but popular with young couples.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most locations. Can be longer during rush hour due to traffic on major arteries.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a modern 1BR in a newer complex.
   • Best For: Those planning to start a family soon or who prioritize school districts.

4. The “Terrace” Area (Southwest Edmond):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, and more affordable. Older ranch-style homes and some apartments. It’s close to Lake Hefner and has a more relaxed feel.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes. A bit further from the core commercial areas.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious professionals who don’t mind a slightly longer commute for more space and tranquility.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Edmond is concentrated on the main north-south (I-35, Bryant Rd, Santa Fe) and east-west (Covell Rd, 2nd St, 33rd St) corridors. Living within 2 miles of your primary project cluster or a major highway can save you 10-15 minutes daily.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% in Edmond is reliable, but to advance your salary and title, you need a strategy. The path isn’t just about tenure; it’s about specialization and network.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with niche skills command higher salaries. In Edmond, the most valuable specializations are:

  • Healthcare Construction: Building for INTEGRIS Health Edmond or the OU Health Sciences Center requires stringent knowledge of infection control and medical MEP systems. Premium: +10-15% over base.
  • K-12 & Higher Ed Construction: Expertise in school projects (bond management, phased construction around occupied buildings) is in constant demand. Premium: +5-10%.
  • Pre-Construction & Estimating: Moving from field management to pre-construction (cost estimating, value engineering, design coordination) is a common and lucrative career pivot.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Start as a Project Engineer or Field Superintendent, move to Assistant Project Manager, then Project Manager, and finally to a Senior Project Manager or Operations Manager role.
  2. Specialist to Manager: Become an expert in a specific area (e.g., concrete, steel, MEP) and then transition to a management role overseeing that discipline for a larger firm.
  3. Corporate Path: Move from a general contractor to an Owner’s Representative role (working for a client like a school district or hospital) or into real estate development.

• 10-Year Outlook: The Edmond market will likely see continued demand for residential infill (filling in older areas), medical office buildings (driven by the aging population and healthcare expansion), and school facility upgrades. The push toward energy-efficient buildings will also create opportunities. Networking through the AGC Oklahoma chapter and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce is essential for long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

For a Construction Manager, Edmond represents a “sweet spot” in the Oklahoma market: strong salary potential, low cost of living, and stable, project-rich demand. It’s not a high-octane metropolis, but a well-managed, growing suburb with a high quality of life.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living.	Car-dependent city with limited public transit.
Stable job market with public (schools, city) and private sector demand.	Salary ceiling may be lower than in major coastal cities.
Family-friendly with top-tier public schools and safe neighborhoods.	Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to OKC or Tulsa.
Central location with easy access to OKC, Tulsa, and Norman.	Summers are very hot and can be dry.
Strong professional network through local AGC and business groups.	Growth is steady, not explosive—fewer “big break” opportunities.

Final Recommendation:
Edmond is an excellent choice for Construction Managers in the mid-to-senior level who value financial stability, a family-oriented environment, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those transitioning from a higher-cost metro area or for young professionals looking to build equity quickly. It may not be the best fit for those seeking a fast-paced, high-risk/high-reward career in a mega-city, but for a balanced, prosperous career, Edmond is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Do I need a degree to get hired as a Construction Manager in Edmond?
Not necessarily, but it’s highly advantageous. While many firms will hire experienced professionals from the trades, a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred for most Project Manager and higher roles. Experience can substitute for a degree, but you’ll need to demonstrate a strong track record.

2. What’s the weather like for construction work?
Oklahoma has distinct seasons. Spring and fall are ideal, but you must plan for:

• Summer (June-August): Very hot and often dry. Heat safety protocols are critical and strictly enforced.
• Winter (December-February): Generally mild, but ice storms (sleet/ice)