Construction Manager in Jonesboro, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Jonesboro Stands

If you're weighing a move to Jonesboro, Arkansas, with your construction management skills, the first thing you need to know is that your earning potential is solid, but it’s not the top tier nationally. As a local, I’ve seen the salary landscape shift over the years, and Jonesboro offers a stable, if not spectacular, market for seasoned pros. The median salary for a Construction Manager here is $103,567 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.79. That’s about 4% below the national average of $108,210/year. It’s not a huge gap, but it’s a consistent one. The job market in the metro area is tight, with only 161 jobs listed for construction managers, which tells you this isn’t a boomtown for the profession. However, the 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which is steady, if not explosive. It’s enough to suggest stability, especially for those with established local networks.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down salaries by experience level. This isn't an exact science, but based on local job postings and conversations with peers in the area, here’s a realistic breakdown.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Often starts in assistant PM or field engineer roles.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Where most local managers fall; you'll manage projects for schools or healthcare builds.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Oversees larger commercial or multi-family projects; often leads teams.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$140,000+	Typically directors or VPs at local firms; extremely rare without deep local ties.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Jonesboro holds its own but isn’t the leader. Little Rock, the state capital, has a larger market and commands higher pay—often 10-15% more—for similar roles due to a higher concentration of corporate headquarters and state projects. Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas and a growing tech scene, can also offer premiums for specialized project work, especially in commercial or institutional builds. Bentonville, with its retail giants, is a different beast; salaries there are closer to national averages, but competition is fierce. In Jonesboro, your local knowledge of suppliers, subcontractors, and the city’s permitting office off Southwest Drive is your real currency. It’s a town where relationships, not just résumés, get you the better-paying gigs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s cut through the noise and look at your bottom line. A median salary of $103,567 sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget after Uncle Sam and local living costs take their cut?

First, the math. On a $103,567 salary, your estimated take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and state income tax (Arkansas has a progressive system) would be roughly $78,000 annually, or about $6,500 per month. This is a conservative estimate and can vary based on deductions.

Now, let's factor in one of Jonesboro’s biggest advantages: affordability. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $767/month. That’s incredibly low compared to national averages. For a Construction Manager earning the median, housing is not a burden. Let’s build a sample monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Experienced Construction Manager ($103,567 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Details & Local Insight
Take-Home Pay	$6,500	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$767	You can find a nice 1BR in a safe area like North Park for this price.
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, internet. Summers can be hot, so AC usage spikes.
Groceries	$400	For one person; Jonesboro has good local markets and chains.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Jonesboro; public transit is limited. Insurance rates are low.
Gas & Maintenance	$250	Commuting is short, but you'll drive to job sites across the region.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Food/Entertainment	$400	Plenty of local eateries and low-cost entertainment.
Savings/Retirement	$2,000	A strong savings rate is achievable here.
Miscellaneous	$500	Clothing, personal care, etc.
Total Expenses	$5,297	Leaving a healthy surplus of $1,203/month.

This budget assumes a single person. If you have a family, costs will rise, but the low median rent still gives you significant breathing room. The Cost of Living Index for Jonesboro is 85.7 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to healthcare is about 14% cheaper than the national average. This is a major draw.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $1,200 monthly after a comfortable budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Jonesboro is around $220,000. A 20% down payment would be $44,000. If you saved $1,000 of your monthly surplus, you could have a down payment in less than four years. For a family, it might take longer, but the path to homeownership is clear and achievable on this salary. This is a stark contrast to markets like Austin or Nashville, where homeownership is a distant dream for many professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Jonesboro's Major Employers

Jonesboro's construction market is driven by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, and retail. As a local, I know that getting in with one of these employers is your best bet for long-term stability. The 161 jobs available might seem low, but it reflects a market where turnover is low and relationships are everything. The 8% growth is expected to come from ongoing expansion at these primary employers.

Here are the major players you need to know:

1. Northeast Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NEA Baptist): The largest hospital complex in the region is a constant source of construction projects. From new wings to renovation of existing facilities, they have a continuous pipeline. They often hire directly for in-house construction management roles or work with top-tier local contractors. Hiring is steady, especially after the pandemic highlighted the need for modern healthcare infrastructure.

2. Arkansas State University (A-State): With over 14,000 students, A-State is always building. Recent projects include new dorms, the College of Nursing & Health Professions building, and athletic facility upgrades. Their projects are often publicly bid, so knowing how to navigate the state procurement system is key. They favor local firms with a proven track record.

3. The Mall at Turtle Creek & Retail Corridors: While retail construction has cooled nationally, Jonesboro’s retail scene remains active. The Mall and the surrounding commercial corridors on Southwest Drive and Caraway Road see constant remodels, new stand-alone builds (like banks and restaurants), and infill development. The developers here are often local or regional firms like B&B Contractors or Lexicon, Inc., which handles a lot of the high-profile retail and commercial work.

4. Jonesboro Public Schools: The district is expanding to keep up with population growth. Projects range from new elementary schools (like the recent update to the Jonesboro Human Development Center) to athletic complexes and turf fields. These are public projects, so bidding is competitive, but they provide long-term, reliable work.

5. General Contractors (Local Firms): Your best bet for direct employment is with a local GC. B&B Contractors is a giant in the region. C.R. Crawford Construction (based in Fayetteville but active here) does major commercial work. McGoodwin Williams & Yates (MWY) is a well-respected local firm. These firms are the gatekeepers. They rarely post on national job boards; their open positions are often filled through referrals. Insider Tip: Attend the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce events. The construction community is small, and the best jobs are traded over coffee, not online.

6. Industrial & Manufacturing: Producers like Frito-Lay and Hydro-Texaco have significant operations in the region. While they may not have constant construction, their capital projects for facility upgrades or expansions are large and require skilled management. These gigs are often handled by larger regional contractors.

The hiring trend is for managers who are not just technically skilled but also adept at navigating Jonesboro's specific permitting and inspection process. The city’s development office on Southwest Drive can be a maze if you don’t know the players. Local firms value CMs who already have those relationships built.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas requires a Construction Manager to be licensed if they are offering services directly to the public. The state doesn't have a "Construction Manager" license per se, but you must obtain a Commercial or Residential Builder's License from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). This is non-negotiable if you plan to be your own boss or run projects independently.

Here’s the path and the costs:

• Requirements: You need to prove experience (typically 8 years in the last 12, with at least 4 years in a managerial capacity), pass a business and law exam, and a trade exam (Commercial or Residential).
• Costs: The application fee is $100. The exam fees are approximately $100 each (for the trade and the business/law exam). If you use a prep course, which is highly recommended, that can cost $300 - $600. You’ll also need to secure a surety bond (minimum $10,000) and prove general liability insurance, which are ongoing business costs.
• Timeline: From start to finish, if you have your experience documentation ready and pass the exams on the first try, you can be licensed in 3-4 months. The bottleneck is often scheduling the exams, which are offered monthly in Little Rock.

For someone moving to Jonesboro, the most critical step is to apply for the license immediately upon arrival. You can work as a Project Manager or Superintendent under another licensed builder in the meantime, but you cannot bid your own projects. The ACLB website is your primary resource here.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Jonesboro impacts your commute and lifestyle. As a local, I can tell you that the "best" neighborhood depends on whether you prioritize a short drive to job sites, school quality for a family, or a more urban feel.

1. North Park / The Village at Varona: This is the premier area for professionals. It’s a planned community with a mix of apartments and single-family homes, excellent parks, and a very low crime rate. You’re close to major retail on Southwest Drive and a 10-15 minute drive to most job sites. Rent for a 1BR is around $850/month, slightly above the city average but worth it for the quality.
2. Central Jonesboro (near A-State): Ideal if you want to be close to the university and the downtown area’s limited nightlife. You can find older, well-maintained apartments and houses here. The commute to industrial areas or the medical center might be a bit longer (15-20 mins). Rent is more affordable, averaging $700/month for a 1BR. It’s a popular spot for younger professionals.
3. Southwest Jonesboro: This corridor is the heart of commercial Jonesboro. Living here means you’re minutes from The Mall, countless restaurants, and key employers like NEA Baptist. It’s convenient for work but can feel less residential. You’ll find newer apartment complexes with amenities. A 1BR will run you about $775/month. This is the choice for the ultimate short commute.
4. Brookland (Northeast of Jonesboro): A growing, family-friendly suburb. It’s about a 15-20 minute commute into Jonesboro, but you get more house for your money and a strong school district. If you’re looking to buy a home in the future, this is a top contender. Rent is lower here, around $650/month for a 1BR, but options are more limited.
5. Westover Hills: An established, upscale neighborhood with older, character-filled homes. It’s quiet, tree-lined, and favored by long-time residents and professionals. It’s centrally located but not directly in the bustle. Commutes are a breeze. Rent for a 1BR in a nearby complex is roughly $800/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real concern in smaller markets, but Jonesboro offers clear advancement paths if you’re strategic. The 8% job growth will come from specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: While the median is $103,567, you can push your salary higher by specializing. An Healthcare Construction Certification (like the CHC) is gold in Jonesboro because of NEA Baptist and the medical district. Managers with experience in LEED or sustainable building are also in demand as A-State and new commercial projects seek green credentials. These specialties can add a 10-15% premium to your salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Field Engineer to Project Manager to Senior PM. From there, you have two real options in Jonesboro: move into a Senior Management or Director role at a local GC (like B&B), where you oversee multiple projects, or transition into a Real Estate Development role. Several local developers are active, and a CM’s insight into costs and timelines is invaluable. Another path is to go independent and start your own small firm, focusing on the residential or small commercial sector that larger firms ignore.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The 8% growth is tied to population growth and healthcare expansion. Jonesboro is the regional hub for Northeast Arkansas, and that isn’t changing. Over 10 years, you could see your salary grow to the $130,000+ range with experience and specialization. The key is to avoid being a generalist. Become the go-to person for a specific type of project in the area.

The Verdict: Is Jonesboro Right for You?

After breaking down the data and the local dynamics, here’s the final assessment.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, enabling homeownership and high savings.	Limited Job Market: Only 161 jobs means fewer opportunities and more competition for high-end roles.
Stable, Predictable Employers: Hospitals, universities, and schools provide consistent project pipelines.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries are capped below national averages; moving to Little Rock or Bentonville may be necessary for the top tier.
Strong Local Network: Relationships are currency. A good reputation can secure work for decades.	Limited Cultural/Urban Amenities: You won't find the arts, dining, or nightlife of a larger city.
Manageable Commutes: You’re rarely more than 15-20 minutes from a job site, saving time and money.	Slower Pace: The 8% growth is steady, not dynamic. It’s not a market for rapid career jumps.
Affordable Housing: The $767 median rent is a game-changer for financial health.	Networking is Everything: It can be hard to break in without local connections.

Final Recommendation: Jonesboro is an excellent choice for mid-career construction managers (4-15 years of experience) who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a lower-stress lifestyle over the high-energy, high-salary grind of a major coastal city. It’s not for the ambitious 25-year-old looking to make partner in five years, nor is it for the specialist seeking the most cutting-edge project work. It’s for the professional who wants to build a solid life, own a home, and be a respected part of a close-knit community. If you’re willing to invest a few years to build local relationships, Jonesboro offers a rewarding and sustainable career path.

FAQs

Q: Is it possible to commute from a larger city like Memphis or Little Rock to Jonesboro?
A: It’s not practical. The drive from Memphis is about 1.5 hours each way, and from Little Rock, it’s over 2 hours. The lower cost of living in Jonesboro is quickly erased by fuel, vehicle wear, and lost time. It’s far more feasible to live in Jonesboro and occasionally travel to a neighboring city for meetings.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a newcomer?
A: It’s moderately competitive but not closed-off. Local firms value skills and reliability over pure pedigree. Your best strategy is to apply to the major GCs (B&B, etc.) directly, even if no job is posted. Also, get involved with the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Arkansas chapter. Introductions matter.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a Construction Manager in Jonesboro?
A: Finding and retaining skilled trade labor. While Jonesboro has a stable workforce, there’s a regional competition for skilled welders, electricians, and carpenters. A manager who can build and maintain relationships with reliable subcontractors is worth their weight in gold.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
A: In this field, very little. Construction management is a hands-on, on-site profession