Construction Manager in Fall River, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

As a local who’s watched the construction boom ripple through the South Coast for years, I can tell you straight up: Fall River pays its construction managers competitively, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The numbers back it up. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Fall River metro area is $108,502/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.16/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, a testament to the demand for skilled managers in a state known for construction and infrastructure projects.

The job market here is niche but steady. There are approximately 187 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is solid growth. While it’s not explosive like some tech hubs, it’s stable and driven by a mix of public works, healthcare expansion, and residential development.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local market analysis and BLS data, reflecting the progression in the Fall River area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes on the Fall River Market
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starts as an Assistant PM or Field Engineer. You'll likely work under a senior manager on larger projects.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	This is the sweet spot where most managers operate. You’re running your own projects, often in commercial or mid-size residential.
Senior-Level (10-15+ years)	$125,000 - $150,000	Managing large-scale projects (e.g., hospital wings, school renovations). Often requires a PE license or extensive portfolio.
Expert/Principal (15+ years)	$155,000+	Leading entire divisions, business development, or running your own firm. Compensation includes bonuses and profit-sharing.

When you compare Fall River to other Massachusetts cities, it holds its own. Boston’s median is significantly higher (often over $130,000), but the cost of living there is insane. Worcester and Springfield are closer in salary to Fall River, but Fall River offers a unique coastal lifestyle and proximity to both Boston and Providence. You're not taking a massive pay cut to live here; you're trading extreme urban density for a more manageable, community-focused environment with strong industry ties.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $108,502/year means for your bank account in Fall River. Massachusetts has a progressive income tax (5% flat rate as of 2023, though note that a 4% rate on income up to a threshold may apply; for this calculation, we'll use the standard 5% state tax for simplicity), plus federal taxes. For a single filer with no dependents and taking the standard deduction, your take-home pay after taxes is roughly $83,000 - $86,000 annually, or about $6,900 - $7,200 per month.

The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fall River is $1,398/month. This is key—Fall River’s cost of living index is 100.9 (US average is 100), meaning it’s just slightly above the national average, but significantly below the Boston metro (which is over 160).

Here’s a practical monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, living alone in a decent 1BR apartment:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Post-Tax Income ~$7,000)

• Rent (1BR): $1,400
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (Essential in Fall River): $600
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $700
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Travel): $800
• Emergency Fund/Other Savings: $550

Total: $5,000 (Leaving ~$2,000 in buffer, which is key for a volatile industry like construction).

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, it's more feasible here than in most of Eastern MA. The median home price in Fall River is around $385,000. With a 20% down payment ($77,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,200 - $2,400. On a $108,502 salary, that’s about 30% of your gross income, which is within the standard lender's guideline. It's tight but doable, especially if you have dual income. Many managers I know buy in more affordable neighborhoods or start with a multi-family to offset costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

Fall River’s construction market is tied to a few key sectors: healthcare, education, public works, and private residential/commercial development. Here’s where the jobs are concentrated:

1. Southcoast Health System: This is a massive driver. The expansion of Charlton Memorial Hospital and the new Southcoast Health facilities (like the Cancer Center and Orthopedics building) require constant construction management. They hire for both healthcare-specific PMs and general construction managers for facility projects.

2. Bristol Community College: Ongoing campus improvements and new building projects (like the John J. Sbrega Health and Science Building) create opportunities. These are great projects for managers who enjoy working on educational institutions.

3. City of Fall River Public Works: The city manages a constant stream of projects—roadway improvements, sewer upgrades, park renovations, and school building projects (through the School Department). These are stable, union-heavy jobs with excellent benefits. Check the city’s procurement page for RFPs.

4. Major General Contractors with Local Offices: National firms like Turner Construction and Shawmut Design and Construction have a presence in the region, often bidding on large projects for hospitals and universities. Locally, firms like Dan O’Connell’s Sons (a well-known local contractor) and J. M. C. Construction are staples, handling everything from commercial to high-end residential.

5. Residential Developers: With the housing market, developers like The Holliston Group (active in the South Coast) and local builders are managing new subdivision and apartment complex projects, particularly in the surrounding towns of Somerset and Swansea, which feed into the Fall River job market.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift toward managers with experience in healthcare construction (infection control protocols, MEP-heavy systems) and public works (grant-funded projects, strict compliance). Digital skills (Procore, Bluebeam, BIM) are now a baseline expectation, not a bonus.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements for Construction Managers, though it’s important to note that the state does not have a mandatory "Construction Manager License" like some states. However, the professional standard is to be a Licensed Construction Supervisor (LCS) or, for more advanced roles, a Professional Engineer (PE).

Licensed Construction Supervisor (LCS):

• Who needs it? Anyone managing the construction, alteration, or repair of a residential or commercial building. It’s required by law to pull permits in most municipalities, including Fall River.
• Requirements: You must pass the state exam. There are two paths: 1) Have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture and 2 years of experience, or 2) Have 5 years of full-time, relevant construction experience.
• Cost: The exam fee is $125. Application fee is $150. Total upfront cost: ~$275.
• Timeline: Study time varies, but you can schedule the exam once you meet the experience/education requirements. The process from application to taking the exam can take 2-3 months. The license is perpetual but requires continuing education for renewal.

Professional Engineer (PE) License:

• Who needs it? If you’re signing off on structural, MEP, or civil engineering plans, or want to advance to a senior/project executive role, you’ll want a PE.
• Requirements: ABET-accredited engineering degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of progressive experience under a PE, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
• Cost: FE exam ($225), PE exam ($375), plus application fees. Total can be $800-$1,000.
• Timeline: A minimum of 4 years after your FE exam. It’s a long-term investment that significantly boosts salary and credibility.

Insider Tip: Even if you’re not required to be licensed, getting your LCS is a huge advantage. It shows local employers you understand MA building codes (which are strict) and the permit process in Fall River and surrounding towns like Somerset and Swansea.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Fall River is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute to major job sites (like the hospital on President Ave or downtown). Here’s a local’s guide:

1. The Highlands: This is a historic, desirable area with beautiful Victorian and Colonial homes. It’s close to downtown, has great restaurants on Pleasant Street, and is a short commute to most job sites. You’ll find a mix of older homeowners and young professionals. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,500 - $1,800/month.

2. North-West End: More residential and quieter, with easy access to I-195 for commuting to Providence or Boston. It’s family-friendly with good schools. A solid choice for managers looking to buy a single-family home. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,200 - $1,450/month.

3. The Flint Village: A working-class neighborhood with a strong community feel. It’s more affordable, which is a big draw if you’re saving for a house. Commute to the hospital or downtown is easy via Route 24. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,000 - $1,300/month.

4. The South End: Waterfront living with views of Mount Hope Bay. It’s a mix of older homes and new developments, popular with younger professionals. The commute to major employers is straightforward. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,300 - $1,600/month.

5. Somerset (Just Across the River): Technically a separate town, but it’s part of the Fall River metro. It offers a more suburban feel, excellent schools, and lower property taxes. Many Construction Managers live here and commute 10-15 minutes into Fall River. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,450 - $1,700/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fall River, career growth for Construction Managers isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder in a single firm—it’s about building a reputation and specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with healthcare construction experience can command a 10-15% salary premium. Public works and municipal project experience is also highly valued and can lead to stable, union-backed roles. Heavy civil or infrastructure (e.g., working on the new Braga Bridge project or local sewer upgrades) is another lucrative path.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Field Engineer -> Assistant PM -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Director of Operations or VP. To break into the top tier, you’ll often need your PE license or an MBA. Another viable path is to start your own small firm, focusing on a niche like high-end residential renovations or historic preservation—Fall River has a lot of historic buildings that need sensitive, skilled work.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The drivers will be continued healthcare expansion (Southcoast Health is growing), public infrastructure grants (MA is investing heavily), and the ongoing need for housing. The key to longevity will be adaptability—staying on top of green building standards (LEED) and new construction technologies (BIM, modular building). With the median salary already at $108,502, a manager with 10+ years of specialized experience and a license could easily be earning $140,000+ in this market.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Pros of Being a Construction Manager in Fall River	Cons of Being a Construction Manager in Fall River
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $108,502 goes much further than in Boston.	Limited Large-Scale Projects: While steady, you won’t find the mega-projects (like a 50-story skyscraper) common in major metros.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Strong healthcare, public works, and residential sectors.	Weather Dependency: New England winters can slow down exterior work and impact project timelines.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Boston, Providence, and Cape Cod for networking and weekend trips.	Union Influence: Strong union presence can be a pro (benefits) or a con (restrictions), depending on your background.
Manageable Lifestyle: Good schools, decent amenities, and a strong sense of community without big-city chaos.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Adoption of new construction tech can be slower than in tech-centric cities.
Opportunity for Ownership: More feasible to start your own firm here than in saturated markets.	Public Transportation Limitations: A car is essential; commuting can be challenging if you live outside the core.

Final Recommendation: Fall River is an excellent choice for construction managers who value work-life balance and financial stability over the high-stakes, high-reward pressure of Boston. It’s particularly ideal for mid-career managers (5-10 years experience) looking to buy a home, start a family, or transition into a specialization like healthcare or public works. If you’re an expert looking for the next big, iconic project, you might find it limiting. But for a rewarding, stable career where your salary has real purchasing power, Fall River is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Fall River?
A: Absolutely. While the downtown area is walkable, most job sites (hospitals, public works projects) and neighborhoods require a car. Public bus service exists but isn’t reliable for a manager’s schedule. Commuting to Providence or Boston is easy via I-195 and I-95.

Q: How competitive is the job market for an outsider?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Local firms value relationships, but with an 8% growth and a smaller talent pool, there’s room for qualified candidates. Having your MA LCS license already in hand will give you a significant edge over applicants from out of state.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Compared to Greater Boston, yes. The Cost of Living Index of 100.9 is only slightly above the national average. The biggest savings come from housing. A $1,398/month 1BR rent is a fraction of what you’d pay in Boston, where similar units can be $2,500+.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for Construction Managers in Fall River?
A: Navigating the permit process and municipal codes. Each town (Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Freetown) has its own quirks. Building relationships with local building inspectors and planning boards is crucial. It’s less about the technical build and more about the local bureaucracy.

Q: Are there networking opportunities?
A: Yes, but they’re more informal than in big cities. Join the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts and attend their South Coast chapter events. The Fall River Chamber of Commerce is also active. The key is to get involved in local organizations and build a reputation for reliability.