Construction Manager in Huntington, WV

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the building industry across the Mountain State, I can tell you that Huntington offers a unique proposition for Construction Managers. It’s not the booming metropolis of Charlotte or Columbus, but that’s precisely its appeal: steady demand, a manageable cost of living, and a community where you’re not just a resume in a pile. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to help you decide if Huntington should be your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Huntington Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. Construction Managers in the Huntington metro area earn a median salary of $104,444 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.21. It’s crucial to understand this is the median—the point where half of all managers earn more and half earn less. Your specific earnings will hinge heavily on experience, the size of the projects you manage, and the sector you're in (commercial, residential, or civil infrastructure).

Compared to the national landscape, Huntington’s salary is slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year. However, this gap is almost entirely offset by the city’s significantly lower cost of living. When you factor in the local economy, a $104,444 salary in Huntington often provides a better quality of life than the national average in a high-cost coastal city.

In the broader context of West Virginia, Huntington is a strong market. While the state capital, Charleston, might edge it out slightly in top-tier salaries due to government and utility projects, Huntington’s cost of living is even lower. Cities like Morgantown (driven by WVU) or Wheeling (near the Pittsburgh corridor) have different market dynamics, but Huntington stands as a solid, mid-tier market with a stable demand for skilled management.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Huntington)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, project engineer, estimating support, field supervision.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Full project management, client liaison, budget control, subcontractor management.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000	Multi-project oversight, major client accounts, complex infrastructure bids, strategic planning.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$140,000+	Executive roles (VP, Director), firm ownership, consultant for mega-projects, regional management.

Insider Tip: The "Expert" tier in Huntington is less about corporate ladders and more about owning your own firm or being the go-to consultant for specialized local projects, like the renovation of historic buildings in the Ritter Park district or the expansion of healthcare facilities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $104,444 annual salary sounds robust, but let’s ground it in reality. After federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and West Virginia state taxes (which range from 3% to 6.5%), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $6,200 - $6,500 (this is a conservative estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation).

Huntington’s cost of living is a major advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 88.4 (US avg = 100), meaning you get about 11.6% more purchasing power than the national average. The core of this is housing.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Huntington is $815/month. Let's build a sample budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	~$8,704	$104,444 / 12
Estimated Take-Home	~$6,350	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Apt)	$815	Well below national averages
Utilities	$200	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$400	For one person
Car Payment/Gas	$500	Commuting is car-dependent
Health Insurance	$400	Employer-sponsored plan premium
Retirement Savings (10%)	$870	Pre-tax 401(k) contribution
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,165	Dining out, hobbies, travel
Total Expenses	~$4,350
Monthly Surplus	~$2,000	For savings, home down payment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $2,000/month surplus, a Construction Manager can easily save for a down payment. The median home price in Huntington is around $150,000 - $180,000. A 20% down payment on a $170,000 home is $34,000. At a savings rate of $1,000/month, that's achievable in under three years. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $900-$1,100 range, which is highly manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Huntington's Major Employers

Huntington’s construction market is driven by a mix of education, healthcare, legacy industries, and ongoing infrastructure needs. Here are the key players you should have on your radar:

1. Marshall Health & Cabell Huntington Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They are in a constant state of expansion and renovation. From new outpatient clinics on Route 60 to hospital wing additions, their projects are steady, well-funded, and require managers who understand healthcare codes (HIPAA, infection control). Hiring trends show a need for PMs with experience in occupied facility renovations.

2. Marshall University: The university is a massive, perpetual construction site. Beyond student housing, they manage research labs, athletic facilities, and historic building restorations. Projects range from small capital improvements to multi-million dollar new builds. They hire through university procurement and often partner with local firms.

3. The City of Huntington & Cabell County Public Works: Municipal projects are the bedrock of local construction. This includes road resurfacing (think Route 23 or 5th Avenue), bridge repairs, water/sewer upgrades, and park developments (like Rotary Park). These jobs are public and listed on the WV Procurement System (WVProcure), offering stable, long-term contracts.

4. AEP Ohio / Appalachian Power: While not a "construction firm," AEP is a massive generator of infrastructure work. Grid maintenance, substation upgrades, and new service lines for residential and industrial developments are constant. PMs with utility or civil experience are highly sought after here.

5. Major Local Contractors: Firms like The D. H. Griffin Company (a giant in demolition with a national footprint headquartered here), Prestera Center (for facility management), and regional players like The Arnold Agency (engineering and architecture) are key. For residential, watch builders like D. R. Horton (national) and local custom home builders serving the Ritter Park and Southside areas.

6. Industrial & Manufacturing: The Huntington area still has a strong industrial base. Companies like CSX (railroad) and various manufacturing plants in the East Huntington and Ona areas regularly require facility maintenance, expansion, and retrofit projects.

Getting Licensed in WV

West Virginia does not require a state-specific license for Construction Managers, which is a significant advantage for mobility. However, being licensed and certified dramatically increases your credibility and earning potential.

• Professional Licensure (PE): If your background is in engineering, becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) through the West Virginia Board of Professional Engineers is the gold standard. It requires an ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and 4 years of progressive experience. The cost is a few thousand dollars in exam and application fees over several years.
• Certifications: The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA is highly respected. It requires experience and passing an exam. The Project Management Professional (PMP) is also valuable, especially for managers in the public sector.
• Timeline: If you start the process today, you could be a CCM or PMP within 6-12 months. A PE is a longer-term investment (3-4 years). You do not need a state license to start working as a Construction Manager in Huntington.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute and lifestyle will be shaped by where you live. Huntington is compact, so distances are short, but traffic can bottleneck.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Ritter Park / Southside	Historic, walkable, near Marshall University and the hospital. Close to downtown offices.	$900 - $1,200	Managers working at Marshall, Cabell Huntington, or downtown firms.
East Pea Ridge / Route 60	Commercial corridor with newer apartments and townhomes. Easy access to everything.	$800 - $1,000	A central, convenient hub. Good for those who work across the metro.
Teays Valley / Scott Depot	Suburban, family-friendly, with top-rated schools. A 15-20 minute drive to Huntington.	$850 - $1,100	Managers with families who prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
Central City / 13th Ave West	More affordable, closer to industrial areas and I-64. Gentrifying but still gritty.	$600 - $800	Budget-conscious professionals, quick commute to AEP and industrial sites.
Huntington West (Kenova)	Quieter, small-town feel right on the WV/KY border. Slower pace.	$700 - $900	Those who want a clear separation between work and home life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Huntington, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a skyscraper; it's about deepening your expertise and building a local network.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a higher salary with specialized skills. Healthcare construction (understanding medical gas, negative pressure rooms) can add a 10-15% premium. FEMA/Disaster Recovery work is relevant in the flood-prone Ohio Valley. Historic Preservation skills are a niche but valuable asset in a city with a rich architectural history like Huntington.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer to Assistant PM, to full PM, to Senior PM or Director. The ultimate goal for many is starting their own firm. Huntington’s market is large enough to support specialized firms (e.g., "Tri-State Healthcare Builders") but small enough that your reputation will spread quickly.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth is projected at 8% for the Construction Managers occupation in the Huntington area, which aligns with the national average. This indicates stable, not explosive, growth. The drivers will be: 1) Ongoing healthcare expansion, 2) University capital projects, 3) Aging infrastructure requiring replacement, and 4) Normalized residential building in the suburbs. It's a reliable long-term market.

The Verdict: Is Huntington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $104,444 salary goes very far, with housing costs ~50% below the national average.	Slower Pace of Growth: Not a boomtown. Career advancement may require starting your own business.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Healthcare, education, and government provide recession-resistant demand.	Limited High-Profile Projects: Fewer "landmark" projects compared to major metros.
Manageable Commute & Scale: Less traffic, shorter commutes, and a true community feel.	Brain Drain Concerns: Some young talent leaves for larger cities, which can limit networking depth.
Strong Local Network: It's a small enough market to build meaningful professional relationships.	Cultural Scene is Modest: Fewer top-tier concerts, dining, and international events than big cities.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to the Ohio River, state parks, and the Appalachian foothills is a major plus.	Weather: Winters can be dreary and gray; summers are humid.

Final Recommendation: Huntington is an ideal choice for a Construction Manager who values quality of life over superstar career status. It’s perfect for someone with 5-15 years of experience who wants to earn a solid median salary of $104,444, buy a home, and be part of a community where their work directly impacts the city's fabric. It’s less suitable for someone chasing the highest possible salary in a cutthroat, hyper-competitive market. If you’re looking for stability, affordability, and a chance to be a big fish in a welcoming pond, Huntington is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a Construction Manager in Huntington?
A: It can be competitive for the best roles, but the market is stable. The key is networking. Join the local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or attend Marshall University’s construction management program events. Most top jobs are filled through references, not online postings.

Q: How does the weather affect construction schedules?
A: The Ohio Valley climate is a real factor. Winters can be cold and wet, slowing exterior work. Spring brings rain, and summer humidity can be intense. Projects are planned around these seasons. A good local manager factors in 2-4 weeks of weather delay into their schedule.

Q: What’s the typical project size in the Huntington market?
A: You’ll see everything from $50k renovations to $20-$50 million hospital wings or university buildings. It’s rare to see $100M+ projects unless it’s a major infrastructure project (like a new bridge or interstate expansion). This range means you can work on a variety of scales without leaving the area.

Q: Do I need to be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)?
A: No. Many highly successful Construction Managers in Huntington are not PEs. However, if you want to work on public infrastructure projects or lead engineering-heavy designs, a PE is essential. For general construction management, certifications like CCM or PMP are often more immediately valuable.

Q: How is the quality of life for a single professional vs. a family?
A: Excellent for both. For singles, the low cost of living means disposable income for travel and hobbies. For families, the top-tier schools in areas like Teays Valley, access to outdoor activities, and a safe, community-oriented environment are major draws. The lifestyle is more suburban/rural, so if you crave constant urban buzz, it may not be the fit.