The Complete Career Guide for Construction Managers in Jackson, Mississippi

So, you're a Construction Manager looking at Jackson. You’re not just looking at a job; you’re looking at a lifestyle. Jackson is the capital city, the heart of Mississippi, and it has a construction scene that’s as resilient as the people who live here. It’s a city of historic bones and constant renewal. As someone who’s watched the skyline evolve from the Fondren corner to the bustling Flowood corridor, I can tell you the work is here. It’s not the booming frenzy of Nashville or Dallas, but it’s steady, meaningful, and it pays well for the cost of living.

This guide skips the fluff. It’s built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, and the lived experience of building in the humid, hilly landscape of the Capital City. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The pay for a Construction Manager in Jackson is solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. According to the most recent data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Jackson metropolitan area is $105,190 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.57. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but that gap closes—and often reverses—once you account for Mississippi's low tax burden and affordable housing.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These are general benchmarks for the Jackson market; your specific offer will depend on the company and your project portfolio.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Jackson Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level Manager	2-5 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, field supervision on smaller residential/commercial jobs, sub-contractor coordination.
Mid-Career Manager	5-10 years	$95,000 - $115,000	Full project management, budgeting, client relations, safety oversight on mid-sized projects ($5M-$20M).
Senior Manager	10-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Managing large-scale projects ($20M+), multi-project oversight, business development, complex stakeholder management.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$140,000+	Executive roles, niche expertise (e.g., healthcare, industrial), VP of Construction, corporate leadership.

Compared to other Mississippi cities, Jackson offers a competitive edge. While the Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport) can see higher pay for specialized coastal work, the median is often comparable, and the job market is more diverse. Cities like Hattiesburg or Oxford have lower costs of living but also fewer large-scale commercial projects, often capping salaries for senior managers below $120,000. Jackson provides the best balance of high-value projects and manageable living costs in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $105,190 median salary in reality. Mississippi has a progressive income tax, but it’s relatively low. For a single filer earning this salary, take-home pay after federal and state taxes is approximately $78,000-$80,000 annually, or $6,500-$6,650 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Jackson is $997/month. However, where you choose to live will vary. Let’s build a monthly budget for a mid-career manager earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, $105,190/yr Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,550	After taxes & deductions (401k, health insurance).
Rent (1BR)	$1,100	A realistic average for a decent place in a safe area.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	Higher in summer due to AC costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$650	Jackson is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries & Household	$500
Dining & Entertainment	$400	Jackson has a great food scene.
Health Insurance/Co-pays	$300	Employer-sponsored plan.
Miscellaneous/Personal	$400	Clothing, hobbies, etc.
Savings/Investment	$1,950	25-30% savings rate is very achievable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $105,190 salary, you’re in a strong position. The median home price in the Jackson metro is around $175,000-$200,000. A 20% down payment is $35,000-$40,000. With the savings potential outlined above, a dedicated saving period of 18-24 months is realistic. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $200,000 home could be around $1,200-$1,400, which is often comparable to or less than renting a larger space. Homeownership is a very attainable goal for Construction Managers in Jackson.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The construction market in Jackson is driven by a mix of large corporate builders, regional firms, and institutional projects. Your opportunities will come from these key players:

1. W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company: Based in nearby Philadelphia, MS, but a major player in the Jackson market. They specialize in commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects. They are known for high-quality work and internal promotion. Hiring trends show steady demand for PMs with industrial or healthcare experience.
2. BancorpSouth Construction (now Cadence Bank): As a major regional bank, they have an in-house construction arm that manages their branch builds and renovations, and they finance many local projects. It’s a stable, corporate environment with good benefits.
3. Madison County Schools / Rankin County School District: These districts are in constant expansion. They regularly hire Construction Managers or contract with firms to oversee new school builds, additions, and maintenance projects. These are long-term, steady contracts.
4. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): Located in Jackson, UMMC is the state’s only academic medical center and is perpetually expanding. They have an in-house facilities team and hire external PMs for major expansions. Projects here are complex and highly regulated, offering a premium for those with healthcare construction experience.
5. City of Jackson / Hinds County: Government projects are a constant. From infrastructure work (roads, bridges) to public building renovations, these contracts are bid out. Working for a firm that holds these contracts or for the city/county itself is a path to stable, public-sector work.
6. Southern Air, Inc.: A leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor in the region. They often need project managers to oversee large-scale MEP installations for commercial clients. This is a great niche for managers with a technical background.
7. Local & Regional Development Firms (e.g., The David Day Company, CDFL Architects): While not always direct employers, these architecture and development firms are at the center of many projects. Building relationships with them is key for landing work with general contractors.

Insider Tip: The construction market in Jackson is relationship-driven. Join the local chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or the Associated General Contractors (AGC). The networking here is genuine and often leads to the best job opportunities, especially for mid-level and senior roles.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a mandatory "Construction Manager" license at the state level. However, to legally oversee construction projects as a general contractor, you need a license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Most Construction Managers working for a firm will operate under the company's license. If you plan to start your own firm or bid on projects as a prime contractor, you will need your own.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Licensing: To get a Prime General Contractor license (for projects over $50,000), you must pass an exam, provide proof of financial stability (bonding capacity), and show experience.
• Exam: The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers business and law, plus trade-specific knowledge. Study materials are available through the Board and third-party providers.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $150-$250. The license application fee is $200. You will also need to secure a surety bond, which can range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the scope of work. Total startup costs can be $1,000 - $3,000+.
• Timeline: If you have your experience documented, you can prepare for and take the exam within 2-3 months. The license approval process after passing the exam typically takes an additional 4-6 weeks.

Professional Certifications are highly valued and can boost your salary potential:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): From the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Requires a combination of education and experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): From the Project Management Institute (PMI). Widely recognized across industries.
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification: A minimum standard for safety management on sites.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Jackson is a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. As a construction manager, you’ll likely be driving to job sites across the metro—so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown/Job Hubs
Fondren	Hip, walkable, medical district. Close to UMMC and restaurants. Older homes, tree-lined streets.	$1,050 - $1,300	10-15 mins to downtown; 5 mins to UMMC.
North Jackson / Madison	Family-friendly, excellent schools (Madison Co.). Upscale, newer homes. Commuter hub.	$1,200 - $1,500	20-30 mins to downtown; 15 mins to Flowood.
Flowood	Suburban, commercial center. Great shopping, schools (Rankin Co.). Very popular for families.	$1,000 - $1,250	20 mins to downtown; 10 mins to airport.
Belhaven	Historic, charming, near Belhaven University. Walkable to museums and parks.	$950 - $1,200	10 mins to downtown; 15 mins to Fondren.
Brandon / Pearl	Quiet suburban communities. Strong school districts. More space for your money.	$900 - $1,150	25-35 mins to downtown; commute to Flowood is easy.

Insider Tip: If you're working on municipal projects downtown, Fondren or Belhaven offer the shortest commutes and great quality of life. If you're in commercial/industrial work in Flowood or the airport area, living in Flowood or Brandon cuts your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for Construction Managers in Jackson is projected at 8%, which is in line with the national average. This indicates a stable, growing market, not an overheated one. To maximize your earnings and career trajectory, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a 10-20% salary premium for specialized expertise. In Jackson, the most lucrative specialties are:
  • Healthcare Construction: Due to UMMC and other medical facilities.
  • Industrial/Manufacturing: Supporting Nissan in nearby Canton or general industry.
  • Large-Scale Commercial: Managing complex projects for banks, retail chains, or government.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager (PM) to Senior PM: Focus on delivering complex projects under budget and on time.
  2. Senior PM to Operations Manager: Overseeing multiple projects, teams, and regional budgets.
  3. Operations Manager to Executive (VP of Construction/Owner): This path often requires an MBA or extensive business development experience.
  4. Entrepreneurship: With your license and network, starting a boutique firm focused on a niche (e.g., historical renovations, sustainable building) is a viable and potentially lucrative path in Jackson’s tight-knit business community.

10-Year Outlook: Jackson’s population is stable, and its role as the state capital and medical hub ensures a baseline demand for construction. Growth will come from infrastructure repair (a major issue in the city), commercial revitalization, and the ongoing expansion of the medical and educational sectors. Managers who adapt to sustainable building practices and technology (like BIM) will have the greatest long-term advantage.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $105,190 salary goes much further than in national metros.	Car Dependency: You must own a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: 287 jobs in the metro with 8% growth provides security.	Urban Challenges: Jackson faces issues with infrastructure (roads, water) and some pockets of crime. Research neighborhoods carefully.
Friendly, Relational Business Culture: Networking is personal and leads to long-term relationships.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant, high-growth chaos like in Austin or Denver, Jackson may feel quiet.
Strong Niche Opportunities: In healthcare, education, and public works.	Limited High-End Amenities: Fewer Michelin-star restaurants or luxury boutiques compared to larger cities.
Accessible Homeownership: A clear path to buying a home within a few years.	Heat & Humidity: The summer climate is intense and can impact construction schedules.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values financial stability, a manageable pace, and a strong sense of community. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a lasting network. It may be less ideal for a young, single professional seeking a non-stop social scene or for a specialist in ultra-high-rise construction. For the right person, Jackson offers a rewarding career and a high quality of life.

FAQs

1. Is the construction industry in Jackson recession-proof?
No industry is entirely recession-proof, but Jackson's market is relatively resilient. Its reliance on government (capital city), healthcare (UMMMC), and education provides stability that insulates it from the worst downturns, as these sectors are less volatile than, say, luxury residential.

2. How important is a bachelor's degree for a Construction Manager in Jackson?
While a degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture is highly beneficial and often preferred by large firms, it’s not the only path. Extensive field experience (10+ years) combined with relevant certifications (like a CCM or OSHA 30) can be equally valuable, especially with mid-sized contractors who value hands-on know-how.

3. What's the best way to find a job in Jackson if I'm not local?
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers at the firms listed above. Post on the local ABC/AGC chapter job boards. For the most part, the market is not heavily reliant on large online job portals. A direct application to a firm's "Careers" page, coupled with a personalized email to a regional manager, is often the most effective strategy.

4. Are there opportunities for women and minorities in Jackson's construction scene?
Yes, and the demand is growing. Larger firms and government contractors are increasingly prioritizing diversity. Organizations like the Mississippi Association of Women in Construction and local NAACP chapters host events and have job boards. The market is open, but proactive networking is key to breaking in.

5. How does the climate affect the work schedule?
Significantly. Summer heat and humidity (May-September) can slow outdoor work and require adjusted shifts (e.g., early starts). The primary severe weather threat is tornadoes in the spring. Project schedules must account for these seasonal factors and have contingency plans for weather delays. Roofing and exterior work are often seasonal.