Construction Manager in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

As a local who’s watched Hollywood grow from a sleepy beach town to a bustling suburban hub, I can tell you the construction scene is active, but it’s not Miami. Salaries here reflect our position in the South Florida market—solid, but not at the premium levels you’ll find further south. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Hollywood, FL is $112,040/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.87/hour. This puts you slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, a testament to Florida’s robust construction market and the high cost of living.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Hollywood Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, safety oversight, sub-contractor liaison
Mid-Level (4-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Full project budgeting, client management, permitting
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Multi-project oversight, business development, complex logistics
Expert (15+ yrs)	$135,000 - $160,000+	Executive leadership, strategic planning, high-value commercial/healthcare

When you compare this to other Florida cities, Hollywood holds its own but doesn’t lead the pack. Miami-Dade County and Tampa often command a 5-10% premium due to larger project scales and higher density. Orlando’s market is comparable, driven by its own tourism and healthcare expansions. The key advantage Hollywood offers is a slightly lower cost of living than Miami while still providing access to that major metro job market. The 10-year job growth for this metro area is 8%, which is healthy and indicates sustained demand for experienced managers, especially in residential and light commercial sectors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers on the ground. A $112,040 annual salary in Florida, with no state income tax, is a significant advantage. After federal taxes (assuming single filing, standard deduction, no dependents), your take-home pay is roughly $7,800 - $8,200 per month. Now, factor in the local cost of living.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Hollywood is $1,621/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 111.8 (US avg = 100). This means daily expenses—groceries, utilities, transportation—are about 12% higher than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,621	Utilities often add $150-$200
Car Payment/Insurance	$500 - $700	Essential in Hollywood; public transport is limited
Groceries & Dining	$600 - $800	Higher due to COOL index; note local Publix and fresh markets
Healthcare/Insurance	$300 - $500	Employer plans vary; major networks (Memorial, Broward Health)
Utilities & Phone	$250 - $350	AC is a must; high summer bills common
Entertainment/Leisure	$400 - $600	Beach access, dining, some nightlife
Savings/Debt/Other	$1,500 - $2,000	Leftover for savings, student loans, or home down payment
Total Monthly Outlay	~$5,171 - $6,571	Leaves a solid buffer for savings or a mortgage

Can you afford to buy a home? The answer is yes, but it’s competitive. The median home price in Hollywood hovers around $425,000 - $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($85k-$95k), your monthly mortgage (at ~7% interest) would be roughly $2,200 - $2,500, plus taxes and insurance. This is a significant jump from rent. However, with the $112,040 salary, you’re within the typical lender’s 28-30% debt-to-income ratio. The challenge is the initial down payment. Many local managers opt for condos in the Lakes or Emerald Hills areas as a first step, which are more affordable than single-family homes in the same neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

Hollywood’s construction market is driven by a mix of residential, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. The major employers aren’t always based in Hollywood proper, but they actively manage projects here. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Broward County Public Schools & Broward County Government: They oversee a constant pipeline of school renovations, new facility builds (like the recent technical high schools), and public works projects. These are long-term, stable contracts. Hiring is often through the county’s procurement portal.
2. Memorial Healthcare System: With a major presence at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood and expanding clinics, their facilities management team is always hiring. Projects range from interior remodels to new outpatient centers. They prefer managers with healthcare construction experience (ICRA, infection control).
3. Lennar & PulteGroup: These national homebuilders have massive operations in Broward County. Lennar, in particular, has communities in Hollywood (e.g., Emerald Hills). They need managers for large-scale residential subdivisions, which are a huge part of the local market.
4. Balfour Beatty Construction: A national firm with a strong Florida presence, they handle major commercial, aviation, and federal projects. They often have projects at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is a major economic driver for the region.
5. The Related Group: While based in Miami, Related is the developer behind many of Hollywood’s luxury condo towers and mixed-use projects along the beach and the Young Circle arts district. Their projects define the skyline and offer high-end, complex management opportunities.
6. Local General Contractors: Firms like Miller Construction (Fort Lauderdale-based) and Baldwin Contracting Co. (Hollywood-based) are staples. They handle everything from restaurant fit-outs to medical office buildings. They’re often the best entry point for managers new to the area, offering a more hands-on, local network.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a push toward sustainable and resilient construction due to hurricane codes and rising sea levels. Managers with LEED or LEED AP credentials, or experience in hurricane mitigation (impact windows, reinforced roofing), have a distinct advantage. The airport (FLL) expansion and the ongoing revitalization of downtown Hollywood (the Young Circle area) are creating steady project pipelines.

Getting Licensed in FL

As a Construction Manager in Florida, you generally need a Certified General Contractor (CG) license for most projects over $25,000, or a Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) for single-family homes. Most Construction Manager roles will expect or require you to hold one of these, or be in the process of getting it. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) manages this.

The Process & Costs:

1. Experience: You need 4 years of experience to sit for the exam. This can be a combination of college education and on-the-job experience (1 year of college = 1 year of experience, up to 2 years).
2. Exam: Pass the two-part state exam (business & finance, and trade knowledge). Exam fees are about $290.
3. Financial & Background: You must prove a net worth of at least $15,000 and submit to a background check. You will also need to secure a $25,000 surety bond.
4. Application: The application fee is $300. The total cost for licensing (excluding study courses) is typically $1,000 - $1,800.
5. Insurance: You must carry general liability insurance (minimum $100,000 for single projects, $300,000 aggregate) and worker’s compensation if you have employees.

Timeline: From deciding to get licensed to holding the certificate can take 6-12 months, depending on how quickly you gather your experience documentation and pass the exams. Many candidates take prep courses (costing $500-$1,500). Insider Tip: Join the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) South Florida Chapter. They offer excellent exam prep and networking events that are crucial for understanding the local market nuances.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top areas for a Construction Manager in Hollywood:

1. Hollywood Lakes: This is a popular choice for professionals. It’s a quiet, established neighborhood with beautiful lakes, older homes, and tree-lined streets. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to I-95, the Turnpike, and downtown Hollywood. You’ll find a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Rent Estimate: A 1BR in a complex here is around $1,650 - $1,850/month. Commute to the airport or downtown Miami is 25-35 minutes.
2. Emerald Hills: Adjacent to Hollywood, this area is more suburban and family-oriented, with newer construction and planned communities (like those from Lennar). It’s a hub of ongoing residential projects, so you might even manage a project in your own neighborhood. Rent Estimate: Slightly lower, around $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR. Commute is similar to Hollywood Lakes.
3. Downtown Hollywood (Young Circle): For the manager who wants a walkable, urban vibe. This area is undergoing a renaissance with new apartments, restaurants, and arts venues. It’s great for networking. Commutes are easy via I-95, but parking can be a challenge. Rent Estimate: Newer 1BR apartments can range from $1,750 - $2,200. Best for those without a long daily commute to a specific site.
4. Southwest Hollywood (near Stirling Road): This area is more affordable and has a strong Hispanic community with fantastic food (try the Cuban sandwiches on Hallandale Beach Blvd). It’s close to the South Florida Education Center (a major employer). Rents are more manageable. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments can be found for $1,400 - $1,600. Commute times are still good, about 20-30 minutes to most job sites.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95 and US-1 is brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). If you land a job with a GC based in Miramar or Pembroke Pines, living in Emerald Hills or Southwest Hollywood will cut your commute time significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% is solid, but to maximize your earnings in Hollywood, you need to specialize. The base salary of $112,040 is just the starting point.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in hospital projects can command a 10-15% premium due to the complexity (infection control, medical gas systems). This is a direct path to roles with Memorial or Baptist Health.
  • High-Rise/Condo: Experience with the strict Miami-Dade/Hollywood building codes for condos over 3 stories can add a 5-10% premium. This is key for projects with Related Group or local developers.
  • Sustainable Building (LEED): While not as lucrative as in some markets, LEED AP credentials can give you an edge and a 5-7% salary bump, especially with government or corporate clients.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager to Senior Project Manager: You’ll move from managing one site to overseeing a portfolio. This is the most common path and leads to the $130k+ range.
2. Specialty Consultant: After years in the field, some move into cost consulting (with firms like Turner & Townsend), safety management (with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at FIU), or estimating. This can be more stable but may cap earnings slightly unless you go independent.
3. Entrepreneur: Many seasoned managers in South Florida eventually start their own small GC firms. The network here is tight-knit; reputation is everything. This is high-risk, high-reward.

10-Year Outlook: Hollywood’s growth is tied to Broward County. Expect continued demand in residential infill (the city is encouraging redevelopment), healthcare expansion (aging population), and infrastructure (water/sewer upgrades). The biggest variable is the real estate market. A downturn could slow new development, but repair/renovation work often increases. Having a diversified portfolio of experience is your best hedge.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the pros and cons of pursuing a construction management career in Hollywood.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to national average and COL in other regions.	High Cost of Living Index (111.8) strains the budget, especially rent.
No state income tax is a major financial benefit.	Traffic congestion is a daily reality, impacting commute times.
Diverse project mix from beachfront condos to healthcare facilities.	Hurricane season brings regulatory complexity and potential work disruptions.
Access to a major metro job market (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale) while living in a slightly less expensive city.	Competitive housing market for both renting and buying.
Strong job growth (8%) indicates a healthy, stable market.	Seasonal population can affect some retail/commercial project timelines.
Beach lifestyle and outdoor recreation are integral to living here.	High insurance costs (auto, home, hurricane) are a significant expense.

Final Recommendation: Hollywood is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager with 5+ years of experience looking to leverage their skills in a growing market. It’s especially suitable if you have a partner or family and want a balance between career opportunity and a family-friendly environment with access to the beach. For a single, early-career professional, the cost of living might be tight initially. If you’re seeking the highest possible salary and the most complex projects (like supertalls), you might look at Miami-Dade. But for a sustainable career with solid growth and a great quality of life, Hollywood is a compelling bet. Your success will hinge on getting locally licensed, building a network through ABC or the Broward County Building Industry Association, and specializing in a high-demand niche like healthcare or sustainable construction.

FAQs

1. I’m licensed in another state. Can I work in Florida?
You cannot perform work in Florida without a Florida license. However, Florida has reciprocity with some states (like Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia). You must apply to the Florida DBPR, prove you hold an active license in good standing, and often you won’t need to re-take the exams. Check the CILB website for the current list of reciprocal states.

2. How is the work-life balance for a Construction Manager in Hollywood?
It’s demanding, as in most major metros. You’ll often work early starts (6-7 AM) to beat the heat and traffic. During peak seasons (dry season, typically Nov-April), hours can be long. However, the ability to hit the beach or a local park like Topeekeegee Yugnee Park after work on a Friday is a real perk that balances the grind.

3. What’s the best way to find a job here if I’m not local?

1. Network on LinkedIn with recruiters from the major employers listed (Lennar, Balfour Beatty, Memorial). 2. Contact local staffing agencies that specialize in construction, like Adams & Martin Group or WilsonHCG. 3. Join the ABC South Florida Chapter and attend their events—they often have job boards. 4. Check the job boards for the City of Hollywood and Broward County for public sector opportunities.

4. Is the job market for Construction Managers saturated?
No. The 8% growth and constant influx of new residents and businesses keep demand steady. However, the market is competitive. Managers who are licensed, have experience with local building codes (especially hurricane mitigation), and can demonstrate knowledge of the South Florida permitting process (which can be slow) will stand out.

5. What’s the single biggest challenge for a Construction Manager new to Hollywood?
Permitting and logistics. The tri-county area (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach) has some of the most stringent and complex building codes in the country. Understanding the permitting process with the City of Hollywood’s Building Department and navigating material deliveries in a congested, seasonal tourist area are critical skills that aren’t always obvious on a resume. Be prepared for a learning curve.