Construction Manager in Jacksonville, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Jacksonville, FL.

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As a career analyst who’s watched the Jacksonville construction landscape evolve over the last two decades, I can tell you this: the city’s growth isn’t just a headline—it’s a tangible reality you’ll see cranes dotting the skyline from Riverside to the Beaches. If you’re a Construction Manager (CM) evaluating a move, you’re looking at a market with solid fundamentals, a relatively reasonable cost of living, and a diverse portfolio of projects, from military infrastructure to luxury waterfront homes. This guide breaks down the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Jacksonville Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. In Jacksonville, the financial outlook for a mid-career Construction Manager is competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Jacksonville is $107,950 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $51.9. It’s important to note that the national average for this role sits at $108,210/year. Jacksonville’s figure is essentially on par with the national average, but the real value emerges when you consider the local cost of living, which we’ll explore later.

The job market here is active. The metro area supports approximately 1,971 jobs for Construction Managers, and the 10-year job growth outlook is 8%. This growth isn’t explosive, but it’s steady and reliable, reflecting Jacksonville’s steady population influx and ongoing development projects.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary in this field is heavily dependent on experience and the scale of projects managed. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Jacksonville market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $85,000	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer, overseeing specific trades under supervision.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$90,000 - $130,000	Managing full project cycles, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, site safety.
Senior (10-15+ yrs)	$130,000 - $170,000+	Senior PM for large-scale commercial, healthcare, or industrial projects; mentoring junior staff.
Expert/Executive	$175,000+	Regional Director, VP of Construction, overseeing multiple projects and business development.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

How does Jacksonville stack up against Florida’s other major metro areas?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Affordability Context
Jacksonville	$107,950	99.2	Excellent balance of salary to living costs.
Miami	$115,200	123.5	Higher salary is often negated by significantly higher housing costs.
Tampa	$105,500	102.8	Competitive salary, but rent and housing prices are climbing faster than Jax.
Orlando	$104,800	104.1	Similar salary to Jax, but higher cost of living and more traffic congestion.
Sarasota	$101,400	113.0	Lower salary, much higher cost of living; focus is on luxury residential.

Insider Tip: While Miami and Tampa offer marginally higher top-end salaries, the day-to-day financial pressure is often greater. Jacksonville provides a "sweet spot" where your dollar stretches further, especially if you're coming from a high-cost coastal market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $107,950 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Jacksonville?

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):
Assuming standard deductions (federal, state, FICA), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $6,400 - $6,700. Let’s use $6,500 for our budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,354
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$250
• Groceries: -$450
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$600 (Jacksonville is a driving city)
• Health Insurance (Employer plan): -$300
• Retirement/401k (10%): -$900
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, etc.): -$1,200
• Remaining: $1,446

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, unexpected expenses, or accelerating debt repayment. The key is the rent. At $1,354/month for an average 1-bedroom, you're spending about 21% of your take-home pay on housing, which is well within the recommended 30% threshold.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Jacksonville metro is approximately $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment around $1,700-$1,900 (including taxes/insurance). Given the budget surplus above, homeownership is a realistic goal for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, especially for those with a spouse or partner contributing to the household income. Many local CMs I know bought homes in established neighborhoods like Murray Hill or the Southside within their first 3-5 years in the market.

Where the Jobs Are: Jacksonville's Major Employers

Jacksonville’s construction market is a mix of large national firms, strong regional players, and specialized contractors. The hiring trends are driven by healthcare expansion, military and port-related infrastructure, and residential growth in the suburbs.

1. The Haskell Company (Haskell): A giant in the design-build world, headquartered right here in Jacksonville. They specialize in large-scale industrial, commercial, and federal projects. They’re a top employer for CMs with experience in complex, fast-track projects. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring for project managers and superintendents, with a focus on healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

2. Brasfield & Gorrie: A major national contractor with a significant regional office in Jacksonville. They are leaders in healthcare, commercial, and industrial construction. Their local projects include major hospital expansions. Hiring Trend: Active in the healthcare sector, which is a massive driver in Jacksonville with Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, and HCA Florida all expanding.

3. Robins & Morton: Another national powerhouse with a strong Jacksonville presence. They focus heavily on healthcare, higher education, and hospitality. If you’ve managed hospital projects, you’re a prime candidate. Hiring Trend: Looking for senior PMs with healthcare sector experience.

4. The Clark Construction Group: While their Southeast headquarters is in Atlanta, Clark has a major presence in Jacksonville for large public and private projects, including work at JAXPORT and for the City. Hiring Trend: Hiring for public works and infrastructure projects, which are steady in the region.

5. The Haskell Company (Federal Division): Worth mentioning separately due to its focus on federal and defense projects. With Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS JAX) and NS Mayport, there’s a constant need for CMs with security clearances and federal contracting experience. Hiring Trend: Strong, stable demand for cleared professionals.

6. Local/Regional Residential Builders: Companies like Masterpiece Homes, D.R. Horton (massive in the region), and Lennar have large operations in the Jacksonville area. The residential market here is booming, particularly in master-planned communities like Nocatee and Durbin Park. Hiring Trend: High volume hiring for site superintendents and project managers, though often with a focus on production building.

7. City of Jacksonville & JEA: The public sector is a steady employer. The city’s Public Works department and JEA (the utility) hire CMs for infrastructure, water/sewer, and public facility projects. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on long-term capital improvement plans.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida does not require a state-issued license to work as a Construction Manager, but it’s essential to understand the licensing landscape for the projects you’ll manage.

• Certified General Contractor (CGC) License: This is the most relevant license for a CM. If you are the "prime contractor" on a project over $25,000, or if you are contracting directly with the owner, you need a CGC license. Many senior CMs obtain this to offer full-service construction management.

  • Requirements: You must pass a state exam, prove 4 years of experience, and provide financial stability (a surety bond and proof of financials).
  • Cost: Exam fees (~$300), application fee ($240), plus the cost of a surety bond (varies, but often $5,000-$10,000 for a CGC). Total initial cost can range from $1,500 to $3,000+.
  • Timeline: The process can take 3-6 months from application to license in hand, assuming you have your experience documentation and pass the exam on the first try.

• Licensed Residential Contractor (LRC): If you plan to focus on single-family or multi-family residential work, this is the appropriate license. The requirements and costs are similar to the CGC but tailored to residential work.

Insider Tip: You do not need to hold a license to work as an employee of a licensed contractor (e.g., an owner’s rep or a PM for a GC). The license is for the entity performing the work. However, having your CGC opens doors to starting your own firm or taking on developer roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Jacksonville impacts your commute (traffic on I-295 and I-95 can be brutal) and your lifestyle. Here are four top areas for CMs.

1. Riverside/Avondale (Westside):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, trendy. Full of restaurants, bars, and older homes. Home to many architects, designers, and creatives.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown or the Southside business corridors. Easy access to I-95.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR in a historic building: $1,500 - $1,800/month.
   • Best For: CMs who want a vibrant, established neighborhood with character and don't mind a slightly older home.

2. Southside (Deerwood, Baymeadows):

   • Vibe: The corporate and commercial heart of Jax. Modern apartment complexes, shopping centers, and easy access to everything. Not walkable, but incredibly convenient.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most major job sites on the Southside. 25-35 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR in a modern complex: $1,400 - $1,650/month.
   • Best For: CMs who prioritize a short commute to corporate offices (like Haskell, Brasfield & Gorrie) and want modern amenities.

3. San Marco (South of the St. Johns River):

   • Vibe: Upscale, quiet, and beautiful. Known for its square, historic mansions, and high-end boutiques. Feels like a small, affluent town.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown, 20-30 to Southside.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR in a newer apartment or historic unit: $1,600 - $2,000/month.
   • Best For: Senior CMs or those with higher incomes looking for a prestigious, serene neighborhood with top-rated schools.

4. Atlantic Beach/Neptune Beach (The Beaches):

   • Vibe: Laid-back, coastal living. A mix of small beach cottages and newer condos. The "beach lifestyle" is real here.
   • Commute: Can be a significant 30-45 minutes to Southside or downtown jobs, especially during tourist season. Traffic on JTB (Hodges Blvd) is the main issue.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,500 - $1,900/month.
   • Best For: CMs who value work-life balance and are willing to trade a longer commute for living at the beach.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jacksonville, career growth for a Construction Manager follows two primary paths: specialization and scale.

• Specialty Premiums (Where the money is):

  • Healthcare: Managing projects at Mayo Clinic, Baptist, or HCA facilities requires strict infection control protocols and complex MEP systems. This specialization can command a 10-15% salary premium.
  • Federal/Defense: Working on NAS JAX or Mayport projects requires security clearances and knowledge of federal contracting (FAR/DFARS). These roles are less common but offer high job security and premium pay.
  • Industrial/Port Logistics: With JAXPORT expansion, CMs with experience in large-scale warehousing, distribution centers, and industrial facilities are in high demand.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Vertical within a GC: Move from Project Engineer to Assistant PM, to PM, to Senior PM, to Operations Manager or Regional Director.
  2. Owner’s Rep: Transition to working for the client (e.g., Mayo Clinic, City of Jacksonville, a developer). This role focuses more on budget, schedule, and quality control from the owner's side. Pay is often comparable, with more regular hours.
  3. Developer/Real Estate: Many senior CMs in Jacksonville leverage their project knowledge to move into development, either with a firm or by starting their own small-scale development company.

• 10-Year Outlook:
  The 8% job growth is a solid indicator. Jacksonville’s population (metro of 985,837) is projected to continue growing, especially with the influx from other Florida metros and the Northeast. The healthcare sector will remain the largest driver of construction. The rise of "smart" and sustainable building (LEED, WELL) will also create a demand for CMs with green building expertise. The long-term outlook is stable and positive, with no signs of a major market slowdown on the horizon.

The Verdict: Is Jacksonville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Your $107,950 median salary goes further here than in most other major Florida cities.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited. You will need a reliable vehicle.
Diverse Project Portfolio: From healthcare to military to residential, you can build a varied resume.	Summer Humidity & Hurricanes: The climate can be oppressive, and hurricane season is a real factor for construction schedules.
Steady Job Market: The 8% growth and 1,971 jobs indicate a stable, non-speculative market.	Traffic Congestion: While not as bad as Miami, commutes can be long, especially crossing the St. Johns River.
No State Income Tax: This effectively boosts your take-home pay compared to states with income tax.	Limited Public Transit: You can't rely on buses or trains to get to most job sites.
Growing Metro Area: A population of nearly 1 million means sustained demand for housing and infrastructure.	"Big Small Town" Feel: It lacks the cultural density of a New York or Chicago, which can be a pro or con.

Final Recommendation:
Jacksonville is an excellent choice for Construction Managers at the mid-career level (4-15 years of experience) seeking stability, a manageable cost of living, and a diverse range of projects. It's particularly attractive if you have experience in healthcare, federal work, or large-scale residential. The move is less ideal for those who prioritize walkability, robust public transit, or a highly concentrated arts and cultural scene. For the practical, data-driven professional looking to maximize their earnings while owning a home in a growing market, Jacksonville is a top-tier contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as a Construction Manager in Florida?
No, Florida does not have a state-issued "Construction Manager" license. However, if you are acting as the prime contractor (directly responsible for the work), you will need a Certified General Contractor (CGC) license. Most CMs work as employees of a licensed contractor (like Haskell or Brasfield & Gorrie) and do not need their own license.

2. How is the hurricane season affecting construction schedules?
Significantly. Builders in Jacksonville plan around the June-November season. Projects often aim to have building envelopes secured by early summer to avoid weather delays. Experienced CMs here are adept at managing "weather days" and have contingency plans for material delays and inspections. It’s a standard part of the job, not a dealbreaker.

3. Is it better to work for a large national GC or a local firm?
Both have merits. Large nationals (Haskell, Clark) offer structured career paths, large projects, and often better benefits. Local and regional firms (like many residential builders) might offer more flexibility, a closer-knit culture, and faster advancement for top performers. The choice depends on your project preference (large commercial vs. residential) and career goals.

4. What’s the best way to break into the Jacksonville market?
Network. The construction community here is surprisingly tight-knit. Attend events