Construction Manager in Hampton, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Hampton Stands

As a local who's watched the Hampton Roads construction scene for years, I can tell you the numbers here are solid, especially when you factor in Virginia's overall job market. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Hampton metro area is $107,365/year, which works out to an hourly rate of $51.62/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $108,210/year, which is impressive for a mid-sized coastal city with a lower cost of living.

The job market isn't exploding, but it's stable. There are currently 274 Construction Manager positions listed in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection sits at a respectable 8%. This growth is largely driven by ongoing military infrastructure projects, commercial development in the Peninsula and Southside, and residential expansion in areas like Poquoson and York County.

Here’s how experience level stacks up in the Hampton market. The state doesn't mandate a rigid pay scale, but this breakdown reflects typical salaries for managers with the right license and portfolio.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Hampton, VA)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-5	$72,000 - $95,000	Project coordination, subcontractor management, scheduling under supervision
Mid-Career	5-10	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project oversight, budget management, client relations, safety compliance
Senior	10-20	$125,000 - $160,000+	Multi-project leadership, business development, strategic planning, high-stakes negotiations
Expert/Executive	20+	$160,000 - $220,000+	Firm leadership, major public/private contracts, mentoring, industry influence

Compared to other major Virginia cities, Hampton holds its own. The Hampton Roads region (which includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton) generally offers competitive salaries, often with more flexibility than the high-cost D.C. area. While you might see slightly higher base pay in Northern Virginia, the cost of living difference is stark, which we'll get into next.

Insider Tip: The salary range for senior and expert-level roles often includes performance bonuses tied to project completion (ahead of schedule and under budget) and can add 10-20% to your base pay. Many local firms, especially those doing military base work, offer strong benefits packages that can be a significant part of total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the brass tacks. A median salary of $107,365 sounds great, but what does it mean for your bank account in Hampton? We'll use a single person filing as a single filer with no dependents for a conservative estimate. This is a rough guide; use a paycheck calculator for your precise situation.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $8,947
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~ $2,200
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,747

The Rent Reality:
The average 1BR rent in Hampton is $910/month. This is a major reason why the cost of living here is so attractive. The overall Cost of Living Index for Hampton is 97.4, meaning it's slightly below the U.S. average of 100. (For comparison, Norfolk is around 96.5, Virginia Beach is 102, and Richmond is 101.5).

Sample Monthly Budget for a Construction Manager ($107,365/year):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,747	After taxes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$910	Average, varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, water, internet
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in our spread-out region
Groceries & Dining	$450 - $600	Common for a working professional
Health & Wellness	$200 - $300	Gym, medical co-pays
Discretionary/Savings	$2,487 - $2,837	Significant savings potential

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With the median rent at $910, a Construction Manager has significant savings capacity. The median home price in the Hampton area is approximately $285,000. As a single earner with a $107,365 income, you would easily qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($57,000) is substantial, but many local buyers use 5-10% down, especially with VA loans (which are extremely common here due to the military presence). The mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $285,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $1,700 - $1,900/month. This is less than 28% of your gross monthly income, which is the standard affordability guideline. You can absolutely build equity here.

Where the Jobs Are: Hampton's Major Employers

The job market is heavily influenced by government and defense contracts. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding): This is the economic engine of the region. They employ thousands and have a constant need for Construction Managers for shipyard infrastructure projects, dry dock renovations, and new facility construction. Their projects are massive, long-term, and require top-tier safety and security clearances.

2. NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton): Located right here in the city, Langley's facilities are always being upgraded. Projects include lab renovations, wind tunnel maintenance, and new support buildings. The work is technically complex and often involves specialized materials and environmental controls.

3. U.S. Military Bases (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads): These bases are constantly in a state of construction and renovation. General contractors like Hensel Phelps and Clark Construction often win these contracts, and they hire local project managers. Work includes barracks, family housing, medical clinics, and command centers.

4. Local Municipalities & School Districts:

   • City of Hampton Public Works: Directly manages capital improvement projects (roads, water systems, public buildings).
   • Hampton City Schools: New schools and renovations (e.g., recent projects at Hampton High and the new Kecoughtan High) are ongoing.
   • Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority: Focused on affordable housing projects and neighborhood revitalization.

5. Regional Construction Firms: Many firms are based in the area to serve the local market.

   • W.M. Jordan Company: A large, well-established regional firm with offices in Newport News. They do commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.
   • Dundas Construction: A local firm specializing in commercial and industrial work throughout Hampton Roads.
   • S.B. Ballard Construction Company: Based in Virginia Beach but a major player on the Peninsula for public and private projects.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong trend toward "design-build" and "public-private partnership" models, especially for large-scale public projects. Having experience with these delivery methods is a huge plus. Also, there's a growing emphasis on sustainable building (LEED) and military-grade construction standards (like Anti-Terrorism Force Protection - ATFP).

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia requires a license for Construction Managers, but it's not as straightforward as some states. The license is issued by the Virginia Board for Contractors (VBC).

Requirements:

1. Qualifying Party: You must be a "Qualifying Party" (QP) for the license. This person needs to have at least 5 years of full-time, supervisory experience in the construction field.
2. Exam: You must pass the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) exam, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) with Virginia amendments. There is also a Business and Law exam.
3. Bond & Insurance: You need a surety bond (minimum $5,000 for a Class C license, up to $45,000 for unlimited Class A) and general liability insurance.
4. Application & Fee: The application fee is $115, with an additional $100 for the license itself (if approved).

Timeline & Costs:

• Study Time: Typically 2-4 months of dedicated study for the exams. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is the key resource.
• Exam Fee: $105 per exam.
• Total Estimated Cost (Before Bond/Insurance): $320 - $500 (Exam fees, application, study materials).
• Getting Started: Visit the Virginia Board for Contractors website (dpor.virginia.gov) and download the application. Sign up for an exam date through Pearson VUE, which administers the tests. Many local community colleges (like Thomas Nelson Community College) offer prep courses.

Insider Tip: If you're coming from out of state, you can apply for a license based on equivalent experience and exams from other states (reciprocity). Virginia has reciprocity agreements with several states, including Maryland, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. Check the VBC website for the latest list.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Location in Hampton Roads matters, as commutes can be long. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Hampton/Phoebus: Commute: Excellent to NASA Langley, good to downtown Newport News. Lifestyle: Walkable, historic, with great restaurants and breweries (like The Vanguard). You're close to the Hampton Coliseum and waterfront. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Ideal for those who want an urban, walkable vibe without the Norfolk traffic.

2. Buckroe Beach: Commute: Easy to the base and Peninsula. Lifestyle: A quiet, residential community with a beautiful beach and park. More single-family homes. It's a bit isolated but peaceful. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR or small house. Good for wanting a laid-back, coastal feel.

3. Poquoson: Commute: 20-30 minutes to most Peninsula job sites. Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, with excellent schools and low crime. It feels more like a separate small town. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150 for a 1BR. Best for managers with families or those seeking a quiet, safe community.

4. Southampton (Norfolk side): Commute: 15-25 minutes to Naval Station Norfolk, 30+ to Peninsula. Lifestyle: Historic, charming, with tree-lined streets and a strong community feel. Close to downtown Norfolk amenities. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300 for a 1BR. A great option if your work is more on the Southside.

5. Grafton (York County): Commute: 25-35 minutes to most job sites. Lifestyle: Rural/suburban mix. More affordable housing, larger lots. Good for those who want space and don't mind a longer drive. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Your choice should be dictated by your primary job location. If you're at Huntington Ingalls or NASA, stick to the Peninsula (Hampton, Poquoson, Grafton). If you're with the Navy or Coast Guard, the Southside (Southampton, Virginia Beach) makes more sense.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hampton, your career path isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come with niche expertise.

  • Military/ATFP Construction: This is the golden ticket. Managers with experience in Anti-Terrorism Force Protection requirements for military bases can command salaries $20k-$40k above the median.
  • Industrial (Shipyard/Port): Working on large-scale industrial projects like those at Huntington Ingalls or the Port of Virginia is another high-value specialty.
  • Marine Construction: Given the Hampton location, experience with docks, piers, and waterfront structures is highly valuable and niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Vice President/Operations: The standard path in large firms.
  2. Private Firm -> Public Sector: Moving to a city, school district, or authority for better work-life balance and benefits.
  3. Employee -> Owner: Many successful local contractors started as project managers. With the right license and network, starting a small firm (especially a woman-owned or minority-owned business to get a bid advantage) is a viable, if risky, path.

• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 8% Growth): The 8% growth is solid, not explosive. The demand will be driven by:

  • Military Infrastructure: The ongoing modernization of local bases is a guaranteed pipeline.
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Sea-level rise and hurricane preparedness are driving new construction standards and retrofitting projects.
  • Tech & Life Sciences: While smaller than other markets, growth in sectors like tech at Peninsula tech parks will create demand for modern lab and office space.

The Verdict: Is Hampton Right for You?

Here’s the straight talk, no sugar-coating.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Salary ($107,365 median) with $51.62/hour base.	Job Growth is Steady, Not Booming (8%).
Low Cost of Living (Index 97.4, Avg 1BR Rent $910).	Commutes Can Be Long in the scattered metro area.
Proximity to Major Employers (NASA, Military, Shipyard).	Hurricane Season is a real risk and can impact projects.
High Home Ownership Potential (Median price ~$285k).	Cultural/Entertainment Scene is more laid-back than major cities.
Strong Niche Markets (Military, Marine, Industrial).	Dependent on Government/Defense Spending.

Final Recommendation:
Hampton is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over the frenetic pace and high costs of a major metropolis like D.C. or Atlanta. If you have, or are willing to get, experience in military, industrial, or marine construction, and you don't mind a drive to work, this is a market where you can build a long-term career, save money, and buy a home. It's not a get-rich-quick locale, but it's a place where a solid professional can thrive.

FAQs

1. I'm licensed in another state. Can I work in Hampton immediately?
You need a Virginia license to work as a Construction Manager. If your state has reciprocity with Virginia (e.g., DC, MD, NC), the process can be faster. Otherwise, you'll need to apply, possibly pass the exam, and provide proof of experience. You can work as a foreman or superintendent under a licensed firm while your application is processed.

2. Do I need a security clearance for jobs in Hampton?
For work on military bases or NASA facilities, you will almost certainly need a security clearance (often a Public Trust or Secret level). The employer will sponsor you, but it can add 6-12 months to the hiring process. Having a clean record is essential.

3. What's the biggest challenge for Construction Managers in Hampton?
Hurricane season (June-November). It can delay projects, require emergency repairs, and add stress to scheduling. Being prepared for weather-related disruptions is a key part of the job here.

4. How important is local networking?
Critical. The construction community in Hampton Roads is tight-knit. Join the Hampton Roads Associated General Contractors (HRAGC) chapter and attend events. Knowing the right people at firms like W.M. Jordan or Dundas can open doors that online applications won't.

5. Is it better to work for a large firm or a small local company?
Large firms (like those working on base contracts) offer more structured training and benefits but can be bureaucratic. Small local firms offer more visibility and a faster path to responsibility. For a strong start, aim for a large firm to build your resume, then consider a local firm for advancement or work-life balance.