Career Guide: Construction Manager in Jackson, Tennessee

If you're a construction manager weighing a move to West Tennessee, Jackson offers a compelling mix of affordability and opportunity. As someone who's watched this city's skyline change over the last decade, I can tell you it's a place where your skills are in demand, but your paycheck stretches further than in Nashville or Memphis. Let's break down what life and work look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

The numbers tell a clear story: Construction Managers in Jackson earn $104,087/year at the median, which translates to $50.04/hour. That's below the national average of $108,210/year, but don't let that scare you off. The cost of living here is 87.3 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar goes significantly further. The metro area has 136 jobs for construction managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and commercial development.

Here's how salaries break down by experience level in Jackson:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Median)	Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	$32.69 - $37.50	Project coordination, subcontractor management, quality control
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$85,000 - $98,000	$40.87 - $47.12	Full project oversight, budgeting, client relations
Senior (9-15 years)	$104,087 (Median)	$50.04	Department leadership, complex project bidding, strategic planning
Expert (15+ years)	$125,000 - $145,000	$60.10 - $69.71	Executive-level management, multi-project oversight, business development

Compared to other Tennessee cities, Jackson's construction manager salaries follow a distinct pattern. Nashville's median is $115,000 but comes with a cost of living index of 104.2 and average 1BR rent of $1,580. Memphis is closer at $109,500 with a COL index of 95.1 and rent averaging $1,120. Knoxville sits at $105,800 with similar living costs to Jackson. The key takeaway? Jackson offers a sweet spot for mid-career professionals who value purchasing power over prestige.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about take-home pay. For a Construction Manager earning the Jackson median of $104,087/year (single filer, no dependents, standard deduction):

• Federal Tax: ~$17,200
• FICA (7.65%): ~$7,960
• State Tax (TN has no income tax): $0
• Total Annual Tax: ~$25,160
• Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,660

Now factor in the average 1BR rent of $866/month. Your monthly budget looks like this:

Expense Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Rent (1BR average)	$866	Can range from $750-1,000 depending on neighborhood
Utilities (electric, water, trash)	$180	Higher in summer due to AC needs
Groceries	$450	Competitive pricing at local markets
Transportation (car payment + gas + insurance)	$650	Jackson is car-dependent; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$400	Varies by employer plan
Retirement (401k, 5% match)	$435	Smart move given growth projections
Discretionary/Entertainment	$600	Includes dining, social life, hobbies
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,581
Monthly Savings/Disposable Income	$3,079

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Jackson is $215,000. With your savings rate, you could comfortably afford a 20% down payment ($43,000) in about 14 months. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would be approximately $1,200/month, including taxes and insurance. That's significantly more than rent but still manageable on your salary. Many construction managers here opt for homes in the $250,000-$300,000 range in neighborhoods like North Jackson or Old Hickory.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson's construction market is anchored by several key players, each with distinct hiring patterns:

1. Corgan Associates (Jackson Office) - The largest architecture/engineering firm in the region, heavily involved in healthcare and educational projects. They typically hire 2-3 construction managers annually, often poaching from competitors. Insider tip: They value project managers with healthcare construction experience.

2. West Tennessee Healthcare - The region's largest hospital system is constantly expanding. Their capital projects team manages everything from new patient towers to facility upgrades. Hiring tends to be cyclical with budget cycles (Q2 and Q4). Current project: The $120 million expansion of their main campus on Hospital Drive.

3. Jackson Energy Authority - Public utility managing infrastructure projects. Stable employer with excellent benefits. They typically promote from within but occasionally hire external construction managers for specialized projects. Growth area: Renewable energy installations and grid modernization.

4. Dyersburg State Community College (Jackson Campus) - Part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system with ongoing facility projects. Educational construction offers predictable timelines but strict budget controls. Recent hire: Construction manager for their new workforce development center.

5. City of Jackson Public Works Department - Manages municipal projects (roads, water, parks). Public sector jobs offer job security but salaries may be 10-15% lower than private sector. Current focus: $45 million infrastructure bond projects.

6. Regional Contractors (Local Firms) - Companies like H.B. Lawrence Construction and McKee Foods Construction (actually based in Collegedale but active in Jackson) provide private sector opportunities. Hiring is project-based, so networking is critical.

Hiring Trends: The market is shifting toward green building and resilient infrastructure. Contractors with LEED AP or similar certifications command 5-10% salary premiums. Federal infrastructure funding has created a pipeline of public projects through 2026.

Getting Licensed in Tennessee

Tennessee doesn't require a state-specific license for construction managers (unlike general contractors), but professional certifications significantly boost credibility and pay. Here's the practical path:

Required Credentials:

• Tennessee Contractor License: Only needed if you perform actual construction work. Most construction managers work under their employer's license.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification: Required by most employers; costs $150-$250 online.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by CMAA; requires 4 years of experience plus exam; costs $550 for exam, $1,000 for prep course.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-2: Obtain OSHA certification and update resume with local project experience.
2. Month 3-4: Network through the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Association of General Contractors. Attend monthly meetings.
3. Month 5-6: Secure interviews; most construction managers find positions within 3-6 months in Jackson's market.
4. Month 7-12: Consider pursuing CCM if you have 4+ years experience; it can boost salary by $10,000-$15,000.

Cost Breakdown:

• OSHA 30-Hour: $200
• CCM Exam: $550
• CCM Prep Course: $1,000
• Total Optional Investment: $1,750
• ROI: 1-2 years based on salary increase

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Jackson offers diverse living options, each with different commute patterns and lifestyles:

Neighborhood	Average Rent (1BR)	Commute to Major Employers	Vibe & Best For
North Jackson	$950-$1,100	10-15 min to hospitals, downtown	Established, family-friendly, good schools. Home to many Corgan and healthcare professionals.
Old Hickory	$800-$950	20-25 min to downtown, 15 min to hospital	Quiet, suburban feel, more space for the money. Popular with mid-career managers.
East Jackson	$700-$850	15-20 min to most employers	Affordable, diverse, growing. Close to Union University and retail corridors.
South Jackson	$650-$800	25-30 min to north side employers	Budget-friendly, closer to industrial parks. Longer commutes but more house for your money.
Downtown/Midtown	$1,000-$1,300	5-10 min to most employers	Walkable, historic, social scene. Best for younger managers or those without families.

Insider tip: Many construction managers choose Old Hickory for its balance of affordability and reasonable commute times to the hospital and industrial areas. The $900/month rent there leaves more budget for a mortgage savings fund if you're planning to buy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson's construction market isn't just about managing today's projects—it's about positioning for tomorrow's opportunities. Here's how to play the long game:

Specialty Premiums (Salary Boosts):

• Healthcare Construction: +$8,000-$12,000 annually. West Tennessee Healthcare's expansion pipeline guarantees demand.
• Industrial/Warehouse: +$5,000-$8,000. Jackson's location on I-40 attracts logistics companies.
• Green Building (LEED/Sustainable): +$10,000-$15,000. As environmental regulations tighten, certified managers become invaluable.
• Public Projects: +$3,000-$5,000. While base salaries may be lower, the stability and benefits package often compensate.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager → Senior PM → Operations Director: The traditional ladder within large firms like Corgan.
2. Construction Manager → Owner's Representative: Transition to the client side (hospitals, schools) for better work-life balance.
3. Specialist → Consultant: Experienced managers with niche expertise (e.g., hospital compliance) can command $150+/hour for project consulting.
4. Entrepreneur: Many established managers launch their own firms after 10+ years, leveraging local connections. Jackson's small market rewards relationships over size.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth projection is conservative. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Department of Transportation have committed $2.3 billion to regional infrastructure through 2030. Jackson's role as a healthcare and education hub means steady institutional construction. However, residential construction may slow as interest rates remain elevated. Recommendation: Focus on public sector and healthcare projects for stability.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (COL index 87.3)	Limited cultural amenities compared to Nashville/Memphis
Median salary of $104,087 goes far	Car-dependent city; limited public transit
Job stability in healthcare/education sectors	Smaller network for business development
Short commute times (average 20 minutes)	Less prestigious projects than major metros
Strong community; easy to build relationships	Fewer specialty niches (e.g., no biotech construction)
No state income tax	Slower pace of development

Final Recommendation: Jackson is ideal for construction managers in their mid-career (5-15 years experience) who prioritize purchasing power over prestige. It's especially attractive if you have or plan to have a family—the schools in North Jackson and Old Hickory are solid, and childcare costs are lower than national averages. If you're early career and seeking cutting-edge projects or high networking potential, consider starting in Nashville or Memphis and moving to Jackson later. For senior managers, Jackson offers a comfortable lifestyle with fewer 80-hour weeks than coastal markets.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is Jackson's job market for construction managers?
A: Moderately competitive. With only 136 positions in the metro, openings aren't constant. However, the 8% growth means steady opportunities. Most jobs are filled through networking rather than online applications. Join the Jackson Chamber of Commerce's Construction Committee for early access to openings.

Q: Can I work remotely as a construction manager in Jackson?
A: Partially. While site visits are mandatory, many administrative tasks (scheduling, budgeting, client calls) can be done remotely. This hybrid model is becoming standard, especially with firms like Corgan. Expect 3-4 days on-site during active construction, 1-2 days remote.

Q: What's the commute like from Jackson to Memphis or Nashville?
A: Jackson to Memphis: 1 hour 15 minutes via I-40. Some managers make this commute for higher salaries ($115,000+) but burn out quickly. Jackson to Nashville: 2 hours. Not practical for daily commuting but doable for occasional meetings. Most professionals choose to live in Jackson and work locally.

Q: Are there opportunities for women in Jackson's construction management scene?
A: Yes, though the field remains male-dominated (≈85%). Companies like West Tennessee Healthcare and Corgan have actively worked to increase diversity. The Tennessee Association of General Contractors has a women's networking group that meets quarterly in Jackson. Salaries are equal for equal experience, and the supportive community makes it easier to build credibility.

Q: How does Jackson's construction market handle economic downturns?
A: Reasonably well. Unlike cities dependent on tourism or tech, Jackson's healthcare and education sectors are recession-resistant. During the 2020-2021 slowdown, public projects continued, and healthcare expansion never stopped. The 8% growth projection accounts for moderate economic fluctuations. Still, diversifying into public sector work adds stability during downturns.

---

Bottom Line: Jackson offers a realistic path to a six-figure salary with a lifestyle that doesn't require a six-figure budget. The construction manager role here isn't about chasing the next skyscraper—it's about building the community's infrastructure with steady hands and smart financial planning. If that appeals to you, Jackson might just be your next career move.