Construction Manager Career Guide: Enterprise CDP, NV

Let’s cut through the noise. I’ve been analyzing the Nevada job market for years, and Enterprise CDP’s construction scene has its own rhythm. It’s not the neon-lit strip of Las Vegas, but a sprawling, practical suburb where the real work gets done. If you’re a Construction Manager (CM) looking for a move, you’re likely weighing the paycheck against the cost of living, the job security against the competition, and the daily grind against the quality of life. This guide is your data sheet, your neighborhood scout, and your local insider’s take on what it really means to build a career in Enterprise.

We’re talking about a place where the median salary for a Construction Manager is $107,365/year, or $51.62/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but in a metro with a cost of living index of 97.4, your dollar stretches further. With 487 jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, the market is stable, if not explosive. The metro population of 243,802 means a large enough talent pool to keep things competitive, but not so big that you’re just another face in a high-rise.

The Salary Picture: Where Enterprise CDP Stands

The salary reality here is a tale of two markets: the national data and the local cost of living. While the median salary is $107,365, it’s critical to understand how experience impacts your earning potential. Nevada’s construction industry is heavily influenced by the broader Las Vegas metro, but Enterprise CDP, as a master-planned community, has its own distinct projects—from healthcare expansions to retail and residential developments.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level within the Enterprise/Summerlin area:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer	$75,000 - $92,000	Submittal handling, RFI tracking, basic scheduling, cost documentation.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	Project Manager, Construction Manager	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project oversight, subcontractor management, budget control, client liaison.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	Senior Project Manager, Project Executive	$125,000 - $160,000+	Multiple project oversight, strategic planning, high-stakes negotiations, business development.
Expert (15+ yrs)	Director of Operations, VP of Construction	$160,000 - $200,000+	Departmental leadership, corporate strategy, multi-million dollar P&L responsibility.

Insider Tip: The $107,365 median is a solid benchmark, but your leverage comes from specialty. A CM with experience in healthcare (think Dignity Health or the upcoming Valley Hospital expansion) or complex infrastructure can command a 10-15% premium over the median. In Enterprise, it’s not just about managing a build; it’s about managing the specific demands of Southern Nevada’s unique regulatory and environmental landscape.

Comparison to Other Nevada Cities

How does Enterprise stack up? It’s a unique suburb, but for a true comparison, you need to look at the major hubs.

City/Region	Median Salary (CM)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Job Market Vibe
Enterprise CDP (LV Metro)	$107,365	97.4	Stable, diverse projects, less boom/bust than the Strip.
Las Vegas (City Proper)	$109,500	~98	Higher volume of jobs, more competition, intense pace.
Reno	$105,400	~102	Tech and logistics growth, slightly higher COL, strong market.
Carson City	$99,800	~99	Government-heavy, slower-paced, more stable, less growth.

Enterprise offers a sweet spot: the salary is competitive with Las Vegas, but the cost of living is marginally lower and the lifestyle is more suburban. You’re close enough to the action but insulated from the 24/7 tourist economy’s volatility.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $107,365 salary sounds great, but Nevada has no state income tax, which is a massive boost. However, federal taxes and local costs eat into it. Let’s run the numbers for a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Annual Salary: $107,365
• Estimated Federal Tax (after standard deduction): ~$21,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$8,215
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$77,650
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $6,471

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Enterprise is $1,314/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a Construction Manager living in Enterprise.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,314	In a safe, convenient area (e.g., near Durango or the 215).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Summer AC costs can spike this.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in this car-dependent suburb.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to job sites across the valley.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely.
Entertainment & Dining	$400
Savings/Retirement (10-15%)	$650	Crucial for long-term stability.
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses	~$3,964
Remaining Discretionary Funds	~$2,507

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Enterprise is approximately $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($95,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% would run about $2,400/month (PITI). Saving the down payment is the biggest hurdle. With $2,507/month of discretionary funds, a dedicated saver could realistically accumulate a down payment in 3-4 years. It’s an attainable goal, unlike in more expensive coastal markets.

Where the Jobs Are: Enterprise CDP's Major Employers

Enterprise isn’t a standalone corporate hub; it’s an integral part of the Las Vegas metro. The jobs are with regional and national firms that have a massive footprint in Southern Nevada. You’re not looking for a single employer; you’re looking for the firms driving the region’s growth.

1. Clark County School District (CCSD): The largest employer in the state. Their Capital Improvements department is constantly managing bond-funded projects for new schools, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades in Enterprise and surrounding areas. It’s stable, public-sector work with excellent benefits.
2. Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican (Siena Campus): Located just east of Enterprise in Henderson, this is a major healthcare construction hub. Projects range from new patient wings to specialized surgical centers. Experience with healthcare construction (ICRA, MEP systems) is gold here.
3. The Howard Hughes Corporation (Summerlin): Summerlin is the master-planned community bordering Enterprise. They are perpetually developing new villages, retail centers (like Downtown Summerlin), and amenities. Their projects are high-end and require CMs who understand long-term community planning.
4. Las Vegas Valley Water District: With Nevada’s water constraints, this entity is always building and upgrading infrastructure—treatment plants, pipelines, and conservation projects. It’s specialized, essential work that offers recession-resistant employment.
5. MGM Resorts International (Corporate Division): While the Strip is their main stage, their corporate real estate and development teams handle back-of-house facilities, corporate offices, and logistics centers, many located in the southwest/Enterprise corridor.
6. Peccole Nevada: A prominent local development firm known for residential and commercial projects in the west valley. They represent the kind of mid-sized, relationship-driven company that values local expertise.
7. General Contractors (Regional Firms): Firms like Martin-Harris Construction, PENTA Building Group, and Burke Construction Group are perennially active in the region. They bid on everything from public schools to private commercial builds and are always looking for experienced PMs and CMs.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a shift toward public-private partnerships (P3) and sustainable building. CMs with LEED accreditation or experience with public works contracts (especially with Clark County or the City of Las Vegas) are in high demand. The 8% growth is driven by these sectors, not just residential housing.

Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada requires a Construction Manager to be licensed only if they are offering CM services as a separate, contracted entity. If you’re working as an employee for a GC, you don’t need a state CM license. However, to be a Licensed General Contractor (GC)—which is the career path for many in this field—the requirements are strict.

• State Licensing Board: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).
• Requirements for a C-1 (General Engineering) or C-2 (General Building) License:
  • Experience: 4 years of journey-level (or equivalent) experience within the past 10 years.
  • Exam: Pass the state law and business exam, plus a trade exam.
  • Bonding & Insurance: A surety bond (minimum $2,500, but typically $10,000-$25,000 based on project limits) and general liability insurance.
  • Financial Statement: Proof of net worth (often $50,000+).
• Costs: Exam fees ($200), licensing fees ($600), plus bonding/insurance costs. Total startup cost can be $3,000 - $10,000.
• Timeline: From application to license in hand, expect 2-4 months if all paperwork is in order. The exam is the biggest hurdle.

Insider Tip: Many seasoned CMs work under another GC’s license (as a “qualifying party”) while they build their own experience and financials. This is a common path in Nevada. Start by getting your OSHA 30 and LEED GA certifications—these are low-cost, high-value additions to your resume.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Enterprise is vast, and your job sites will be scattered across the valley.

1. Spring Valley (West of the 215): The heart of Enterprise. This is where the median rent ($1,314) is most accurate. It’s a diverse, practical area with great access to the 215 and I-15. Close to job sites for Summerlin, CCSD, and commercial developments. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,450.
2. The Lakes (Summerlin Adjacent): More upscale, with master-planned communities and parks. A longer commute to downtown Henderson but a fantastic lifestyle. Expect to pay more for proximity to Summerlin’s amenities. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $1,800.
3. Enterprise Hills (South of the 215): A quieter, residential area with newer construction. Ideal for CMs who work primarily in the southwest valley or for Henderson-based projects. Good value for space. Rent for a 1BR: $1,250 - $1,400.
4. Boulder City (Adjacent, not Enterprise): A 20-minute commute east. A historic, small-town vibe with a strong sense of community. Many CMs working on Hoover Dam or Lake Mead projects live here. Rent is lower, but commute is longer. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,250.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on the 215 and I-15 during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) is significant. Factor in a 20-45 minute commute depending on your site. Living centrally in Spring Valley minimizes this.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over 10 years isn’t meteoric, but it’s steady. The real growth for you is in specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare CM: +10-15% over median.
  • Public Works/Infrastructure: +5-10%, with incredible job security.
  • LEED AP or WELL AP: Becoming a differentiator on commercial projects, adding ~5% premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field to Office: Move from a Superintendent role to a Project Manager, then to a Senior PM.
  2. GC to Owner’s Rep: Leverage your GC experience to work for a developer or institutional client (like a hospital or school district), managing their contractors. Often better work-life balance.
  3. Corporate Leadership: With a large GC, path to Regional Manager or VP of Operations.
  4. Entrepreneurial: After 10+ years and a solid network, starting your own small GC or CM firm is viable, especially in niche markets like residential remodels or specialty trades.
• 10-Year Outlook: Nevada’s growth is tied to its water resources and the evolution of the Las Vegas economy. CMs who understand water-efficient construction, renewable energy integration (solar is huge here), and data center construction (a growing sector) will be the most valuable. The Strip is always redeveloping, and the suburbs are expanding. The work isn’t going away, but it’s getting more technical.

The Verdict: Is Enterprise CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax – Maximizes your $107,365 salary.	Car Dependency – You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Stable, Diverse Job Market – 487 jobs and 8% growth offer security.	Summer Heat – Triple-digit temps for 3+ months a year.
Lower Cost of Living – Index of 97.4 vs. national average.	Water Scarcity – Long-term environmental and regulatory pressures.
Proximity to the Metro Hub – Easy access to Las Vegas action without living in it.	Competitive Market – You’re competing with talent from the entire metro.
Strong Housing Value – A home is achievable with discipline.	Boom/Bust Cycles – Still tied to the national construction economy.

Final Recommendation: Enterprise CDP is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager seeking a balanced professional life. You get a strong salary relative to the cost of living, a diverse set of employers, and a suburban quality of life. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (5-10 years experience) looking to buy a home and build stable roots. If you’re a new grad, you may find more entry-level opportunities in the denser parts of Las Vegas or Henderson. If you’re a seasoned expert, the entrepreneurial opportunities are here, but you’ll need to build a network.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a CM with 8 years of experience?
A: Very competitive. The 487 jobs in the metro mean there are candidates, but your experience in specific sectors (healthcare, public works, or luxury residential) will set you apart. Tailor your resume to local projects. Use LinkedIn to connect with regional managers at firms like Martin-Harris or PENTA.

Q: Is the $107,365 salary enough for a family?
A: For a single income, it’s tight but manageable in a 1BR. For a family, you’d want to be at the $125,000+ range (Senior PM level) to comfortably afford a 3BR home (median ~$650k) and childcare. Dual-income households make it much easier.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for new CMs in Enterprise?
A: Networking. Nevada’s construction industry is relationship-driven. You need to get involved with the Nevada Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) and attend events. The “who you know” factor is strong here.

Q: How does the licensing work if I’m moving from another state?
A: Nevada does not have reciprocity for GC licenses. You’ll need to meet the same experience and exam requirements. However, your out-of-state experience counts. Start gathering your experience documentation now.

Q: What’s the outlook beyond 10 years?
A: Steady, with a pivot toward sustainability and technology. Water management and energy efficiency will dictate future projects. CMs who stay ahead of these trends will see the most growth. The basic demand for construction management isn’t disappearing, but the skill set is evolving.