Construction Manager in Greenville, MS

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Greenville, Mississippi.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a Construction Manager in Greenville, you're targeting a market that offers a solid middle-class living, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. Let's break down the numbers with the data you need to make an informed decision.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Greenville area is $103,015 per year, which translates to a steady $49.53 per hour. This is a respectable figure, but it's important to see where it stands both within the state and nationally. The national average for this role sits at $108,210 per year. While Greenville's median is slightly below the national figure, the significant difference in living costs means your purchasing power can actually feel stronger here.

In Mississippi, the construction market is unique. Greenville, a key hub in the Delta, has a distinct economic rhythm compared to the state's capital or largest city. There are only about 57 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area, which speaks to a tight-knit, relationship-driven professional community. Over the next decade, the field is projected to see a 8% job growth, a stable outlook that reflects ongoing infrastructure needs and commercial development rather than explosive, unpredictable expansion.

Here’s how experience level typically breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Approximate Salary Range (Greenville)
Entry-Level	0-4 years	$65,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	5-9 years	$85,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$115,000 - $140,000
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$140,000+

Insider Tip: Your specific project experience (e.g., healthcare facility renovations, industrial warehouse builds, or historic preservation) can push you toward the higher end of these ranges, even at mid-career levels. In a smaller market, specialized expertise is a premium commodity.

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Greenville holds its own. It won't match the raw salary numbers of the Jackson metro area, which benefits from a larger concentration of corporate and government projects. However, Greenville's salary offers significantly more purchasing power than a similar role in a coastal city like Gulfport, where the cost of living is higher. For a Construction Manager valuing a slower pace of life and a tight community, the trade-off is often well worth it.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to what your paycheck actually buys you in Greenville. Using the median salary of $103,015, we can build a realistic budget. (Note: This is a pre-tax estimate; actual take-home will vary based on your benefits, 401k contributions, and state/local taxes.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Construction Manager Earning $103,015:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,585
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA ~25%): -$2,146
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $6,439

Now, let's allocate that take-home pay:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): -$714 (Greenville's average)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$550
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): -$858
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Hobbies): -$1,417
• Remaining Buffer: $2,000

This budget shows a healthy financial picture. With over $2,000 left as a buffer, you have substantial room for savings, debt repayment, or larger discretionary purchases. The low housing cost is the primary driver of this financial comfort.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the average rent at $714/month, the financial leap to a mortgage is manageable. The median home price in the Greenville area is approximately $135,000. A 20% down payment ($27,000) is a significant but achievable goal with the savings potential outlined above. A 30-year mortgage on a $108,000 loan at a 6.5% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of roughly $680 (principal and interest), plus taxes and insurance. For many Construction Managers in Greenville, transitioning from renting to owning is a realistic and financially savvy move within the first few years of living here.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Greenville is not about massive corporate job boards; it's about understanding the key players who drive the region's built environment. Here are the primary employers and project sources you should target.

1. The City of Greenville & Washington County: As the local government, they are a consistent source of contracts for public works projects—roads, water systems, public buildings, and park developments. They often hire a Construction Manager directly for large capital projects or contract with local firms. Their procurement office is the place to start.
2. The Greenville Public School District: With several schools in the district, ongoing maintenance, renovation, and potential new construction projects provide steady opportunities. These projects are often managed through local general contractors.
3. Delta Regional Medical Center (DRMC): The largest healthcare provider in the region, DRMC frequently undertakes facility upgrades, renovations, and expansions to meet modern healthcare standards. Managing these projects requires a Construction Manager with experience in healthcare construction, a highly valued specialty.
4. Bassett Furniture Industries: While primarily a manufacturer, Bassett's large Greenville facility requires ongoing maintenance and capital improvement projects. Their internal facilities team often works with or hires Construction Managers for plant expansions and equipment installation projects.
5. Weyerhaeuser: The Weyerhaeuser cellulose fiber mill is a major industrial employer and a constant source of large-scale industrial construction, maintenance, and turnaround projects. These are complex, high-stakes jobs that demand experienced managers.
6. Local & Regional General Contractors: Firms like W.G. Yates & Sons Construction (headquartered in nearby Cleveland) and other regional players are the primary vehicles for most commercial and industrial projects. They are the direct employers for most Construction Managers in the area. Building a relationship with their project executives is key.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is often project-based. There isn't a constant churn of new positions. The best opportunities arise when a major project kicks off (e.g., a new industrial client moving in, a school bond project passing). Networking with architects, engineers, and suppliers in the area is crucial to hearing about these projects before they're publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific license titled "Construction Manager." However, depending on the scope of your work, you will need one of two primary professional licenses. This is a critical distinction.

1. Licensed General Contractor (LGC): If you are acting as the prime contractor, responsible for the entire project (hiring subcontractors, holding the primary contract), you must be a Licensed General Contractor. This is regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

   • Requirements: You must pass an exam covering business and law, and a trade/technical exam. You also need to provide proof of financial stability (bonding capacity) and general liability insurance.
   • Costs: Exam fees are typically around $200. The license application fee is $250, plus a surety bond (cost varies based on your credit and the bond amount required, but expect at least $5,000-$10,000 for a commercial license). Total startup costs can easily exceed $2,000-$5,000.
   • Timeline: The process can take 2-3 months from studying to receiving your license. It's best to start the application process before you move.

2. Professional Engineer (PE) License: If your role involves significant engineering design, calculations, or stamping drawings, you will need a PE license, administered by the Mississippi State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

   • Requirements: This is a longer path. You typically need an ABET-accredited engineering degree, 4 years of progressive experience working under a PE, and to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Costs: Exam fees, application fees, and continuing education costs can total over $1,000.
   • Timeline: This is a multi-year process. If you are already a PE in another state, you can apply for comity licensure, which is much faster.

Insider Tip: For most Construction Managers, the Licensed General Contractor path is the most direct and relevant. Even if you don't intend to be the prime contractor, holding an LGC gives you immense credibility and flexibility in the Mississippi market.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Greenville is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle. Your commute to major project sites (often industrial parks on the outskirts or downtown) will be short no matter where you live, but your choice of neighborhood will define your daily life.

Neighborhood	Commute to Downtown	Vibe & Lifestyle	1BR Rent Estimate
North Greenville	10-15 minutes	Quiet, family-oriented, with good schools. More single-family homes.	$750 - $950
South Greenville / Hwy 82 Corridor	5-15 minutes	Convenient, commercial-focused. Easy access to shopping, dining, and major roads.	$650 - $850
Downtown Historic District	0-5 minutes	Walkable, charming, with historic homes and apartments. Strong community feel.	$700 - $1,100+
East Greenville / The Landing	15-20 minutes	Newer developments, waterfront properties on Lake Ferguson. Quieter, more suburban.	$800 - $1,200
West Greenville	10-15 minutes	Established residential area, more affordable, mix of older and renovated homes.	$600 - $800

Neighborhood Insights:

• For the young professional or single person, Downtown offers a walkable lifestyle with easy access to the local farmers market, riverfront parks, and a handful of great local restaurants and cafes.
• For those planning a family, North Greenville is often the top choice for its established neighborhoods and access to some of the area's better-rated public schools.
• For someone who values convenience above all, the South Greenville area along Highway 82 puts you minutes from the largest grocery stores, big-box retailers, and a quick commute to the industrial zones where many of your projects will be located.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a market like Greenville, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder within a single firm. It's about deepening your expertise and expanding your professional network across the region.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in DRMC or similar medical facility projects can command a 5-10% salary premium.
• Industrial/Mill Work: Expertise in managing projects within active industrial facilities (like Weyerhaeuser) is highly specialized and sought after, often with a similar premium.
• Federal/State Grant Projects: Experience navigating the bureaucracy and reporting requirements of projects funded by USDA Rural Development or other federal grants is a valuable niche.

Advancement Paths:

1. From Field to Office: Many Construction Managers in Greenville start as Superintendents or Project Engineers in the field. The key is to take on more estimating, budgeting, and client-facing responsibilities.
2. From Employee to Owner: This is the most common and lucrative path. After 10-15 years of building a network and a reputation, many top Construction Managers start their own small, specialized contracting firms. The low overhead in Mississippi makes this a very achievable goal.
3. From Generalist to Specialist: Instead of managing a little bit of everything, you can become the go-to expert for a specific type of construction in the Delta, such as agricultural structures, historic renovations, or school facility management.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is a positive sign. Greenville's economy is tied to agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare—all sectors that require constant capital investment and maintenance. While you won't see the frenetic pace of a major metropolis, you will find steady, reliable, and well-compensated work. The key to long-term success will be building a reputation as someone who delivers quality projects on time and on budget, making you the first call for the region's top employers.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Greenville is not for everyone, but for the right Construction Manager, it offers a compelling and financially stable career path. It's a place of deep roots, where your professional reputation is your most valuable asset.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional purchasing power due to low cost of living (84.0 index).	Limited job market with only ~57 openings; hiring is project-based.
Stable, long-term projects in core industries (industrial, healthcare, public works).	Slower pace of life; fewer cultural and entertainment options than a major city.
Tight-knit professional community where networking is direct and effective.	Economic vulnerability tied to agriculture and a few large employers.
Short, easy commutes and minimal traffic congestion.	Limited diversity in professional fields; can feel insular.
Access to unique project types like large-scale industrial and Delta infrastructure.	Professional growth requires entrepreneurship; fewer large corporations to climb within.

Final Recommendation:
Greenville is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is self-motivated, values financial stability over urban excitement, and is skilled at building long-term professional relationships. If you are a mid-career professional looking to stretch your salary, buy a home, and work on meaningful, tangible projects within a community that knows your name, Greenville is a hidden gem. If you are an early-career professional who thrives on the energy of a large city and wants to work for a Fortune 500 company, you might find the opportunities here too limited.

FAQs

1. What is the job market really like? Is it easy to find work?
It's a relationship-based market. There are only 57 jobs, so you can't rely on online postings alone. The key is to identify the major employers (like the ones listed above) and network directly with their project managers or the principals of the local construction firms. Your best bet is to contact firms before you move and ask about upcoming projects.

2. How important is it to have a Mississippi license before moving?
For the Licensed General Contractor (LGC) path, it's highly advisable to start the process before you move. The exam and application can be completed from out of state. For PE licensure, you can apply for comity if you already hold a license in another state. Without a state license, your opportunities will be limited to roles as a project engineer or superintendent working under a licensed contractor.

3. How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
It feels very comfortable. With the median salary of $103,015 and median 1BR rent of $714, your housing costs are an exceptionally low percentage of your income. You can afford to dine out regularly, save aggressively for a home, and enjoy hobbies without financial stress. The 84.0 cost of living index is not just a number; it translates directly to more disposable income.

4. What are the winters like, and how does weather affect construction?
Greenville has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are generally mild, with average lows in the 30s and 40s. Snow is rare. The primary weather-related construction delays are heavy rains and potential flooding from the Mississippi River or its tributaries. Unlike northern climates, you don't lose 4-5 months of the year to freezing temperatures, which allows for a more consistent year-round construction schedule.

5. What's the best way to get connected with the local construction community?
Attend events hosted by the Mississippi Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or the local Chamber of Commerce. Even in a smaller market, these organizations hold networking mixers and educational seminars. The most effective method, however, is a personal introduction. If you know anyone in the industry, even peripherally, leverage that connection for an introduction to others. In Greenville, a warm referral is worth more than a dozen cold emails.