Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Lawrence, Kansas.

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Career Guide: Construction Manager in Lawrence, KS

As a local career analyst who has watched Lawrence’s skyline change over the last decade, I can tell you this: the job market for construction managers here is stable, affordable, and deeply connected to the University of Kansas. It’s not the high-velocity growth of Austin or Denver, but it’s a solid career path with a low cost of living that lets you keep more of your paycheck.

If you’re weighing a move here, this guide breaks down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world logistics of building a career in the "River City."

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

Let’s get straight to the data. Construction Managers in Lawrence earn a median salary of $105,288/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.62/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the trade-off is Lawrence’s significantly lower cost of living (more on that later).

The metro area supports roughly 192 jobs for Construction Managers. That’s a tight-knit market—you won’t be lost in a sea of applicants, but you also won’t see the endless listings of a major coastal city. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which aligns with national trends. This isn’t a boomtown; it’s a steady, reliable market driven by university expansion, healthcare projects, and residential redevelopment.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $105,288, your actual earnings will depend heavily on experience and the complexity of the projects you manage.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starts as an Assistant PM or Field Engineer on residential or small commercial sites.
Mid-Level	4-9 years	$95,000 - $115,000	Manages projects independently ($1M-$5M). This is where the median salary sits.
Senior	10-15 years	$120,000 - $140,000+	Oversees multiple projects, complex commercial/ institutional work (e.g., KU labs, hospital wings).
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$145,000+	Director-level roles, large-scale public works, or ownership of a mid-sized local firm.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

How does Lawrence stack up against its Kansas peers?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Lawrence	$105,288	91.0	192 jobs
Kansas City, MO	$118,500	92.0	~2,500+ jobs
Topeka	$102,100	88.5	~350 jobs
Wichita	$104,500	85.0	~600 jobs

Insider Insight: Lawrence’s salary is competitive with Wichita and Topeka but lower than Kansas City’s. However, Lawrence's housing costs are significantly lower than KC's, often making the take-home pay feel more robust. The trade-off is the market size: you'll find more variety in KC, but Lawrence offers a stronger local network and less corporate competition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number. Let’s calculate your actual monthly budget using the median salary of $105,288.

Based on Kansas tax brackets (2024 estimates) for a single filer with no dependents:

• Federal Tax (approx.): $15,500/year
• FICA (7.65%): $8,055/year
• Kansas State Tax (5.2%): $5,475/year
• Total Annual Tax Burden: ~$29,030
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $76,258
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,355

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $869/month
• Utilities & Internet: $180/month
• Groceries: $400/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $550/month
• Health Insurance (Employee Share): $400/month
• Retirement (401k, 6%): $525/month
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: $1,000/month
• Remaining Buffer: $2,431/month

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. Lawrence’s median home price is around $260,000 (as of late 2023). With your monthly buffer of over $2,400, a 30-year mortgage on a $260k home (assuming 20% down) would run you roughly $1,200/month including taxes and insurance. This leaves you with a healthy safety net. Homeownership is very attainable for a Construction Manager on a single income here.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The Lawrence job market is dominated by two major sectors: Education and Healthcare. Construction is driven by their expansion, along with steady residential work.

1. University of Kansas (KU) Facilities Planning & Development: The largest employer in the region. They manage massive capital projects—from new science labs on West Campus to dorm renovations and stadium upgrades. Hiring is consistent, and projects are complex. Insider Tip: Getting on with KU means great benefits and pension plans, but the bureaucracy can be slow.

2. Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH): As the city’s primary healthcare provider, LMH is in a constant state of expansion and renovation. They handle everything from small clinic fit-outs to major construction for new patient towers. Projects here require strict adherence to healthcare building codes (OSHA, infection control).

3. The City of Lawrence & Douglas County: Public works projects are a steady source of work. Think road widening, water treatment plant upgrades, and municipal building renovations. These jobs are posted on the City’s HR portal and often require a competitive bidding process for firms.

4. Local Residential Developers (e.g., DeVaughn James, local builders): The residential market in Lawrence is active, with infill development in East Lawrence and new subdivisions in North Lawrence. Firms like DeVaughn James and Berkley Custom Builders are consistently hiring PMs for single-family and multi-family projects.

5. Black & Veatch (with an office in nearby Lenexa): While not in Lawrence proper, this global engineering and construction firm has a massive presence in the Kansas City metro. They handle large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Many Lawrence-based managers commute to Lenexa (30 mins) for these higher-paying, complex roles.

6. Burns & McDonnell (Kansas City Metro): Another engineering giant. Their construction management division handles everything from data centers to power plants. A commute to KC is common for managers seeking premium salaries on specialized projects.

Hiring Trends: The biggest driver right now is KU’s $1 billion capital campaign. They are building new facilities for engineering, business, and student life. If you have experience with institutional or higher-ed construction, Lawrence is a prime market.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has specific requirements to legally call yourself a "Construction Manager." The process is managed by the Kansas State Licensing Board for Contractors.

• Requirement: To bid on projects over $2,500, you must hold a Kansas Contractor’s License. For Construction Managers specifically, you'll typically need a General Contractor (GC) license or a specialized license for your trade (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical).
• Process:
  1. Experience: You must document 4 years of journeyman-level experience in your trade or 2 years of supervisory experience.
  2. Exam: Pass the Kansas Business and Law Exam, and a trade exam relevant to your specialty (provided by PSI Exams).
  3. Financials: Submit a financial statement proving your business’s net worth (minimum $10,000 for most categories).
  4. Bond & Insurance: Secure a surety bond and general liability insurance.
• Costs:
  • Exam Fees: ~$250
  • License Application: ~$200
  • Surety Bond (varies): ~$500-$1,500/year
  • Total Startup Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
• Timeline: From starting the paperwork to getting your license in hand, plan for 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: If you’re working for an established firm (like KU or a GC), they will handle the licensing. The license is critical if you plan to start your own firm or work as an independent contractor.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will affect your commute and lifestyle. Lawrence is compact, but these four areas are most popular for professionals.

1. East Lawrence: Historic, eclectic, and close to downtown. Full of older homes being renovated and new infill projects. You’ll be close to the action and local breweries. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100.
2. South Lawrence (Naismith Corridor): Near KU’s main campus and Memorial Stadium. A mix of student housing, single-family homes, and townhomes. Commute to most job sites is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,000.
3. North Lawrence: More affordable and residential, with larger lots and easier access to I-70 for commuting to KC or Topeka. Growing with new subdivisions. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $900.
4. West Lawrence: Suburban feel with newer construction, shopping centers (like The Oread), and easy access to the KU Med Center (though that’s in KC). Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,150.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawrence, career growth isn’t about rapid upward jumps; it’s about building a reputation and diversifying your project types.

• Specialty Premiums: Developing expertise in higher-ed construction or healthcare facilities can command a 10-15% salary premium. These projects are complex and require specialized knowledge.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Path A (Corporate): Field Engineer → Assistant PM → PM → Senior PM → Director of Construction (at a large firm or KU).
  • Path B (Entrepreneurial): PM at a local GC → Start your own niche firm (e.g., specializing in historic renovations or sustainable building) → Grow and hire other PMs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth is reliable. KU’s endowment and LMH’s community commitment ensure a pipeline of work. The rise of remote work may bring more tech workers to Lawrence, potentially driving residential and commercial renovation projects. The key to long-term success here is relationship building. Lawrence is a "who you know" town. Join the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Market Size: Fewer job openings than a major metro.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, less traffic.	Lower Ceiling: Top salaries are lower than in KC or coastal cities.
Stable, Predictable Demand: Driven by KU and healthcare.	Fewer Specialty Projects: Less exposure to ultra-high-rise or landmark projects.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: Easy to build a reputation.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant, high-intensity change, this may feel slow.
Amenities of a College Town: Restaurants, arts, sports, college vibe.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.

Final Recommendation:
Lawrence is an ideal choice for a Construction Manager who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over maximal salary potential. It’s perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a respected, long-term career without the stress of a cutthroat major market. If you’re early in your career and want to specialize in institutional work (higher-ed, healthcare), Lawrence offers a fantastic, low-cost training ground.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Lawrence?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, and job sites—especially for residential and public works—can be on the outskirts. While the downtown core is walkable, reliable transportation is a must for a construction manager.

Q: How competitive is the job market for outsiders?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Local candidates have an edge due to existing networks, but qualified managers with relevant experience (especially in healthcare or higher-ed) are always in demand. Be prepared to interview in person and show you’ve researched the local market.

Q: What’s the weather like for construction?
A: Kansas has four distinct seasons. Construction is year-round, but winter (Dec-Feb) can be slow for outdoor work due to cold and snow. Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and humid, which can affect scheduling and crew morale. Factor in weather delays in your project planning.

Q: Is there a union presence?
A: Yes, but it’s not as dominant as in larger cities. The Kansas City-based unions (like the Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters) have a presence in Lawrence. For non-union firms, which are common, the market is open-shop. It’s important to know the labor landscape of the specific firm you’re applying to.

Q: How do I find a job before moving?
A: Use local job boards and LinkedIn. For KU jobs, check their official HR site. For private firms, look at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce member directory. Personal outreach is effective—send a brief, professional email to the head of construction at KU or LMH expressing your interest in relocating. Mentioning your specific experience with similar institutional projects will get their attention.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kansas State Licensing Board for Contractors, Zillow, Rent.com, City-Data.com, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.