Construction Manager in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

If you're a Construction Manager looking at Everett, the first question is about the paycheck. Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Everett is $112,430/year, with an hourly rate of $54.05/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. The Everett metro area has an estimated 222 jobs for this position, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. This is a solid, stable outlook, driven by the region's ongoing development.

How does this break down by experience? While local data is often aggregated, we can use national trends from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to create a realistic picture for Everett's market, adjusted for the local premium.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Everett Area)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$85,000 - $98,000	Project superintendent, assistant project manager, site logistics, cost tracking under supervision.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$98,000 - $125,000	Full project management, subcontractor coordination, budget oversight, safety compliance, client reporting.
Senior (10-15 years)	$125,000 - $150,000+	Multi-project oversight, strategic planning, senior client relationships, complex bids, risk management.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$150,000 - $190,000+	Director-level roles, business development, corporate-level strategy, executive decision-making on major projects.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior is where you see the most significant salary growth in Everett. Specializing in high-demand sectors like aerospace, healthcare, or marine construction can push you toward the top of these ranges. Companies like Boeing and Providence are less sensitive to cost and more focused on specialized expertise.

Comparison to Other WA Cities:
Everett's median of $112,430 is competitive. Seattle's median is higher (often $125,000+), but so is the cost of living. Tacoma is often comparable or slightly lower. Bellevue tends to be higher, reflecting the tech-driven market. Everett offers a strong salary-to-cost-of-living balance, especially for those willing to commute or work on major regional projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life? Let's break it down. For this exercise, we'll assume a single filer with the standard deduction and Washington's no state income tax, but federal and FICA taxes apply.

Approximate Monthly Breakdown (Gross: $112,430 / yr):

• Gross Monthly: ~$9,369
• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$1,650
• FICA (7.65%): ~$716
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,903

Now, let's layer in the average 1BR rent in Everett of $1,864/month.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Construction Manager:

• Net Take-Home: $6,903
• Rent (1BR): -$1,864 (~$5,039 remaining)
• Utilities (Power, Water, Internet): -$250
• Groceries & Household: -$600
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$700
• Health Insurance (Employer Portion): -$300
• 401k/Retirement (10%): -$937
• Total Expenses: -$4,501
• Discretionary Income: ~$2,402

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, entertainment, and travel. The Cost of Living Index in Everett is 113.0 (US avg = 100), which is about 13% higher than the national average. Rent is the biggest driver, but the lack of state income tax helps offset it.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Everett is approximately $575,000. A 20% down payment is $115,000. Let's say you put down $50,000 (about 9%). The monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) on a $525,000 loan at 7% would be around $3,500 - $3,700. This is a significant jump from rent, but on a $9,369 gross monthly income, it's manageable (around 38-40% of gross), especially if you have a dual income. Most professionals in this field buy in their mid-30s to early 40s, once they've saved for a down payment and reached the mid-career salary bracket.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's construction market is anchored by a few key sectors: aerospace, healthcare, port logistics, and public works. Here are the major players to target:

1. Boeing: The massive Everett factory is a constant source of work, from facility upkeep to new tooling assembly buildings. They employ their own in-house construction teams and hire major GCs for expansions. Hiring is steady, with a focus on safety and precision.
2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby Campus): As Everett's largest hospital, Providence is in a perpetual state of expansion and renovation. Projects range from new patient towers to seismic retrofitting. They value CMs with healthcare-specific experience (infection control, specialized MEP).
3. City of Everett / Everett Public Works: The city manages roads, parks, water treatment (e.g., the North Creek South plant), and civic buildings. Public projects offer stability and excellent benefits. Hiring is often through the City's HR portal.
4. Port of Everett: A major economic engine, the Port is constantly developing its marine terminals, commercial real estate (like the Waterfront Place), and industrial properties. Construction managers here need experience with marine construction and heavy industrial.
5. Hoffman Construction (Local GC): A prominent regional general contractor based in the area. They handle a mix of commercial, healthcare, and institutional projects. Working for a GC like this is a fast way to gain broad experience.
6. Swinomish Casino & Lodge (Nearby): While in Skagit County, the Swinomish Tribe's ongoing development projects (hotels, gaming floors, amenities) are a major source of work for the entire North Sound region, including Everett-based firms and contractors.
7. Snohomish County Public Works: Manages county roads, bridges, and drainage systems throughout the region, including projects that directly impact Everett's infrastructure.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong push for sustainability and green building (LEED certification). Projects that emphasize energy efficiency, especially for public and institutional clients, are highly valued. The aerospace sector demands managers who can handle complex, fast-paced projects with stringent quality controls.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State requires a Construction Manager to be licensed as a Construction Contractor if they are engaged in business as a contractor or construction manager. However, if you are an employee of a licensed contractor (a common scenario), you do not need your own individual license. The license is tied to the company.

Key Requirements & Costs:

1. Business License: You'll need a state business license from the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) if you're operating as a sole proprietor or LLC. Cost: $50 for the initial license, plus $50 to renew every 4 years.
2. Contractor's Bond (if independent): A surety bond is required. The minimum is $10,000 for a limited license, but for general contracting, it's often $25,000 or more. Cost: The bond premium is typically 1-3% of the bond amount annually (e.g., $250 - $750/year for a $25k bond).
3. Liability Insurance: General liability insurance is mandatory. Expect a minimum of $1 million per occurrence. Premiums vary widely based on project type, but for a solo CM, it could be $1,200 - $3,000/year.
4. No State Exam: Washington does not have a state-level construction manager exam. Licensing is based on business qualifications.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're joining a company: 1-2 weeks. You just need to be added to the company's license and insurance.
• If you're starting your own firm: 4-8 weeks. This involves setting up your business entity (LLC), obtaining the bond, securing insurance, and applying for the business license.
• Pro Tip: Always verify a contractor's license status on the WA DOL website before accepting a job. Working for an unlicensed contractor can jeopardize your project and your own future licenses.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your neighborhood choice depends on your priorities: commute, amenities, or family space. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Everett	Walkable, urban, close to restaurants, bars, and the Port. Easy access to I-5.	$1,650 - $2,100	Young professionals who want a short commute and urban energy.
North Everett / Rucker Hill	Historic, quiet, tree-lined streets. Close to Providence Hospital. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$1,500 - $1,900	Those seeking a quieter, more residential feel while staying close to work.
South Everett (Airport Area)	Newer construction, more apartment options, close to Boeing and the airport. Car-dependent.	$1,700 - $2,200	People who work at Boeing or the airport and want a modern, easy commute.
Mill Creek	Suburban, family-oriented, with a planned community feel. Excellent schools. 20-30 min commute to Everett.	$2,000 - $2,500+	Construction Managers with families who want a classic suburban lifestyle.
Lake Stevens	Small-town feel on a large lake. More affordable for space. 30-45 min commute to Everett, longer during peak hours.	$1,600 - $2,000	Those prioritizing outdoor recreation and space over a short commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 between Everett and Seattle is a major bottleneck. If your job often takes you south (to Seattle/Bellevue), living in South Everett or Mill Creek can cut significant time off your commute. The Silver Lake area in South Everett is particularly popular for its recreational opportunities and relative affordability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over 10 years is promising, but the real growth comes from specialization and moving up the ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: In Everett, managers with certifications and experience in these areas command a premium:

  • LEED AP (BD+C): Essential for public and commercial projects. Can add 5-10% to your salary.
  • Healthcare Construction: Knowledge of codes like FGI and infection control is gold. Experience here can push you into the $130,000+ range quickly.
  • Heavy Civil / Marine: Experience with ports, bridges, or marine terminals (relevant to the Port of Everett) is highly specialized and pays well.
  • Aerospace Facility Management: Understanding the unique needs of aerospace manufacturing (vibration control, clean rooms) is a niche that Boeing values.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Superintendent → Assistant Project Manager → Project Manager: The standard path.
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM → Project Executive: Focus shifts to portfolio management and client strategy.
  3. Company-Side (Owner's Rep): Move from a GC to the client side (e.g., working for Boeing, Providence, or the Port). This often offers better work-life balance and a strategic, less hands-on role.
  4. Entrepreneur: Start your own niche firm, perhaps focusing on a specific service like tenant improvements or small-scale healthcare renovations.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for CMs in the Seattle-Everett corridor will remain strong. The key trend is technology integration. Managers who are proficient with BIM (Building Information Modeling), project management software (Procore, PlanGrid), and data analytics for project forecasting will be in the highest demand. The role is moving from pure field oversight to a data-driven, strategic position.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries relative to the cost of living.	High Cost of Living (Rent is 13% above national average).
Stable, Diverse Job Market (Aerospace, Healthcare, Port).	Traffic on I-5 can be brutal, especially during peak hours.
No State Income Tax boosts take-home pay.	Limited "Downtown" Vibe compared to Seattle or Bellevue; it's more of a working city.
Access to Nature (Water, mountains, hiking).	Rain and Gray Skies are a significant part of the year.
Proximity to Seattle/Bellevue for occasional big-city amenities.	Boeing Dependency means the local economy can be sensitive to aerospace cycles.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers who value stability, a good salary-to-cost ratio, and access to the outdoors. It's ideal for those who work in aerospace, healthcare, or public works. It's less suitable for someone seeking a vibrant, 24/7 urban nightlife or who is just starting out and needs to live on an entry-level budget. If you can handle the rain and occasional traffic, Everett offers a pragmatic, rewarding career path in a region with long-term growth prospects.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own license to work as a Construction Manager in Everett?
Not if you are employed by a licensed construction company. The business holds the license. However, if you start your own firm or offer CM services independently, you will need a WA state contractor's license and a surety bond.

2. How is the job market for CMs in Everett compared to Seattle?
It's smaller but more specialized. Seattle has more tech and high-rise projects, while Everett's market is dominated by aerospace, healthcare, and industrial work. The competition may be slightly less intense in Everett, and the salary-to-cost ratio is often better.

3. What's the biggest challenge for Construction Managers new to Everett?
Learning the local codes and permit processes. Snohomish County and the City of Everett have their own specific requirements that differ from Seattle. Building relationships with local inspectors and permit staff is crucial. Also, the weather; managing projects with significant rain delays is a key skill here.

4. Is a car necessary in Everett?
For a Construction Manager, yes. While parts of downtown are walkable, job sites are spread out across the region. You'll need to be able to travel to Boeing, the Port, or various neighborhoods, and public transit isn't as comprehensive as in Seattle.

5. What's the best way to network for construction jobs in Everett?
Join the Northwest Construction Council or the Everett Chamber of Commerce. Attend events hosted by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington. Networking here is more relationship-based than in the hyper-competitive Seattle market, so building a local reputation is key.