Construction Manager in Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who has watched Lakewood's construction scene evolve from a quiet suburb to a bustling hub, I can tell you this city offers a unique mix of opportunity and Colorado lifestyle. If you're a Construction Manager weighing a move, you're likely looking beyond just the paycheck—you need to understand the commute from Belmar to the mountains, the real cost of living, and which employers are actually hiring. Let's break down the reality of building your career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Lakewood's construction management pay sits right in the sweet spot for Colorado. At a median salary of $109,995/year ($52.88/hour), you're earning slightly above the national average of $108,210/year. The metro area supports approximately 311 construction management positions, with a solid 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This signals steady demand, especially with ongoing infrastructure projects and residential development along the Colfax corridor.

Here's how experience typically translates to pay in the Lakewood market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Lakewood Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	4-7 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$120,000 - $145,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$145,000 - $170,000+

Local Insight: The mid-level range is where most active job postings fall. Companies like Saunders Construction and GH Phipps often hire at the $105,000 - $115,000 mark for PMs with 5-7 years of commercial experience. If you're coming from a coastal market, you might find initial offers lower, but the lower tax burden and cost of living often balance out.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Lakewood offers a strategic middle ground:

• Denver: $115,000 median (higher, but commute from Lakewood is manageable)
• Boulder: $118,000 median (much higher cost of living)
• Colorado Springs: $102,000 median (lower salaries, but similar housing costs)
• Fort Collins: $104,000 median (smaller market)

Insider Tip: The 8% growth is driven by two factors: Colorado's population influx and the aging infrastructure in Lakewood's older neighborhoods (like Edgewater and parts of the West Colfax area) requiring renovation and redevelopment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $109,995, your monthly take-home after taxes (assuming single filer, no dependents, CO state tax of 4.4%, and standard deductions) is roughly $6,200 - $6,500. The average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood is $1,835/month, which is 5.5% above the US average (Cost of Living Index: 105.5).

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Construction Manager earning $109,995:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,400	After taxes, 401k contribution (5%), health insurance
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	Average for Lakewood; varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$200 - $250	Includes Xcel Energy (electric/gas), water, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$500 - $700	Average for Colorado; car is essential here
Food/Groceries	$400 - $500	Slightly above national average
Gas/Transport	$200 - $300	Commute to job sites across metro area
Miscellaneous	$500 - $700	Entertainment, gym, etc.
Remaining	$1,715 - $2,165	For savings, debt, or future home

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in Lakewood is around $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be approximately $2,650/month (including taxes and insurance). This is about 41% of your gross monthly income ($9,166), which is above the recommended 30% threshold. However, many managers in the area buy with a smaller down payment or partner's income.

Personal Insight: Most Construction Managers I've met in Lakewood either bought older homes in West Lakewood (e.g., near Wadsworth) or rented for 2-3 years to save. The key is to leverage the $1,700+ monthly surplus from renting to build a down payment. If you're coming from a high-cost coastal city, you might find Lakewood's market surprisingly affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's construction scene is anchored by a mix of large GCs, specialized subs, and public entities. Here are the key players:

1. Saunders Construction (Headquarters in Lakewood) – One of Colorado's top GCs, focusing on commercial, healthcare, and higher education. They handle major projects like St. Anthony's Hospital expansions. Hiring trends: Steady for Project Managers with 5+ years, especially in healthcare. Recent postings indicate a push toward sustainable building.

2. GH Phipps Construction (Lakewood office) – Specializes in public works, schools, and civic projects. They're a go-to for Jefferson County School District builds. Current demand is high for Superintendents with municipal experience. Expect $110,000 - $130,000 offers.

3. TLC Engineering (Based in Lakewood) – A smaller, niche firm focusing on residential and light commercial. They often hire Assistant Project Managers for infill developments near Belmar. Good entry point if you're transitioning from residential to commercial.

4. Jefferson County Government – Public works department manages roads, parks, and facilities. They hire Construction Managers for public projects. Benefits are excellent, and salaries are competitive (around $95,000 - $120,000). Hiring is cyclical but stable.

5. Lakewood Water Department – Part of Westwater, they manage infrastructure projects. Less frequent hiring, but when they do, it's for Civil/Construction Managers with water utility experience. Pay is in the $100,000 - $125,000 range.

6. Balfour Beatty (Denver office, but major Lakewood projects) – Handles large-scale commercial and military projects in the metro area. They often subcontract to local firms but hire directly for Project Engineers and PMs. Trend: Increased focus on federal contracts.

7. Local General Contractors (GCs) – Firms like Brinkmann Constructors and Haselden Construction have Lakewood operations. They're active in the West Colfax redevelopment zone. Hiring is opportunistic; network through the Colorado Association of General Contractors (CAGC).

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there's a surge in retrofit and renovation projects—Lakewood's older housing stock and commercial buildings need updates. Also, affordable housing initiatives are creating jobs. The 8% growth is real but uneven; commercial has slowed slightly, while infrastructure and residential are hot.

Insider Tip: Many jobs aren't posted online. Join the Denver Metro Area Construction Council (DMACC) for networking events. Also, check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) job board for infrastructure projects spilling into Lakewood.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires a Construction Manager License only if you're performing CM services independently (not as an employee of a GC). Most Construction Managers in Lakewood work under a GC's license. However, for career advancement, getting your Colorado Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is valuable.

State-Specific Requirements:

• PE License: Requires ABET-accredited engineering degree, 4 years of experience under a PE, passing the FE and PE exams. Cost: $500 - $800 for exams, plus state fees ($200). Timeline: 4+ years from start to finish.
• CCM Certification: Through CMAA (Construction Management Association of America). Requires 8 years of experience (4 with a degree). Cost: $1,250 for exam/application. Timeline: 6-12 months prep.
• No state-specific "Construction Manager License": Unlike some states, Colorado doesn't have a standalone CM license (per Colorado Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors). Instead, you work under a GC's license or get a PE.

Cost Breakdown:

• FE Exam: $225
• PE Exam: $375
• State Licensure Fee: $200
• CCM Exam: $1,250
• Annual Renewals: $100 - $200

Timeline to Get Started:
If you're new to licensure, start with the FE exam while employed. Many Lakewood employers (like Saunders) offer tuition reimbursement. For a PE, plan for 5-6 years total. For CCM, if you have 5+ years experience, you can prep in 6 months and apply.

Local Insight: In Colorado, the PE license is more prestigious and often required for public projects. If you're in civil or structural, get it. For general construction management, the CCM is sufficient and faster. Lakewood employers like GH Phipps prioritize CCM for senior roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Lakewood's neighborhoods vary widely in vibe and commute. As a Construction Manager, you'll likely commute to job sites across the metro (e.g., Denver, Golden, or even Boulder), so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for CMs
Belmar	Urban, walkable, near 6th Ave. 15 min to downtown Denver.	$1,900 - $2,100	Central, near major employers (Saunders HQ). Nightlife, restaurants.
West Lakewood (Wadsworth & 6th Ave)	Suburban, quiet, older homes. 20-25 min to Denver.	$1,650 - $1,800	Affordable, easy access to I-70 for mountain commutes. Great for families.
Edgewater	Trendy, smaller-town feel, near Sloan's Lake. 15 min to Denver.	$1,800 - $1,950	Growing area, many renovation projects. Good for networking.
Applewood	Upscale, suburban, near Golden. 25-30 min to Denver.	$2,000 - $2,200	Higher-end area, close to I-70 and Golden's tech corridor.
Green Mountain	Near Bear Creek Lake Park, spacious. 30 min to Denver.	$1,700 - $1,900	Outdoor access, less traffic. Good for those working in southwest metro.

Personal Insight: If you're single and want an urban lifestyle, Belmar is the spot—it's where many young professionals in construction live. For a quieter home base, West Lakewood offers the best value. Avoid East Lakewood (near I-25) if you hate traffic; commutes to northern job sites can be brutal.

Insider Tip: Rent varies seasonally. Look in winter (Nov-Feb) for better deals. Also, some apartments in Belmar include utilities, which can save $100/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lakewood, advancement depends on specialization and networking. The 10-year outlook for 8% job growth is promising, but you need to stay ahead.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare/Institutional: +15% premium (e.g., St. Anthony's projects). Skills in infection control and HIPAA compliance.
• Sustainable/Green Building: +10% premium. LEED certification is highly valued.
• Public Works/Municipal: +5% premium. Experience with federal/state contracts is key.
• Residential High-Density: Emerging premium for multi-family developments near transit.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager → Senior PM (3-5 years): Focus on larger budgets ($10M+), manage teams. Salary jump to $120,000 - $140,000.
2. Senior PM → Director/VP (5-10 years): Requires business development skills. $150,000 - $170,000+.
3. Specialist to Generalist: Start in a niche (e.g., water treatment) and broaden to commercial. Many Lakewood managers move from public to private for higher pay.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth will be driven by:

• Infrastructure: CDOT projects (e.g., I-70 expansion) near Lakewood.
• Aging Population: More healthcare facilities (St. Anthony's, Lutheran).
• Affordable Housing: City initiatives to redevelop older areas like West Colfax.
• Green Transition: Colorado's renewable energy push means more solar/energy retrofits.

Personal Insight: Join the CAGC and attend their monthly meetings. Also, get involved with Lakewood's Community Development department—they love hearing from local CMs. In 10 years, I expect smart city tech (IoT for construction) to be a big differentiator; start learning now.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Here's a straightforward look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average ($109,995) with 8% job growth	Cost of living is 5.5% higher than US average
Stable employer base (Saunders, GH Phipps, county government)	Traffic can be brutal, especially on I-25 and 6th Ave
Outdoor access (Red Rocks, mountains 30 min away)	Housing costs rising; median home $525,000
No state income tax on Social Security (for retirees)	Winter weather can disrupt construction schedules
Diverse project mix (healthcare, infrastructure, residential)	Competition from Denver-based firms for top talent

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is right for you if you're a mid-career Construction Manager (5-15 years) seeking a balance of urban and mountain lifestyle, with steady job growth and reasonable pay. It's not ideal if you're entry-level (salaries are tight) or hate commuting. For families, the suburbs (West Lakewood, Applewood) are perfect; for singles, Belmar offers the best social scene.

Insider Take: I've seen many managers from California and New York thrive here because the cost of living adjustment is favorable. If you can handle the weather and traffic, Lakewood is a solid foundation for a long-term career.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Colorado driver's license to work as a Construction Manager in Lakewood?
Yes, for any job involving driving to sites. Most employers require it within 30 days. It's straightforward to transfer an out-of-state license (cost: $12).

2. How competitive is the job market in Lakewood?
Moderately competitive. With only 311 metro jobs, openings aren't constant. However, the 8% growth means opportunities are increasing. Networking through CAGC or DMACC is essential—many jobs are filled via referrals.

3. Can I commute from Denver and work in Lakewood?
Absolutely, and it's common. Commute from Denver to Lakewood is 20-30 minutes via I-25 (reverse commute). Many managers live in Denver for the city vibe but work in Lakewood's suburbs. Rent in Denver is higher ($2,000+ for a 1BR), so Lakewood offers savings.

4. Are there remote/hybrid options for Construction Managers here?
Partially. Site visits are mandatory, but design and admin work can be done remotely. Post-pandemic, many firms (like Saunders) allow 2-3 days remote. Pure remote roles are rare—construction is hands-on.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move to Lakewood?

• Network early: Connect with Lakewood-based CMs on LinkedIn.
• Visit in winter: Test the commute and weather.
• Budget for upfront costs: First/last rent ($3,670), moving, car (if you don't have one).
• Research employers: Target 3-5 firms (e.g., Saunders, GH Phipps) and apply directly.

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Lakewood is a practical choice for building a career without sacrificing Colorado's quality of life