Construction Manager in Layton, UT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Layton, Utah.

The Salary Picture: Where Layton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the construction scene in Layton is robust, driven by steady residential growth and strategic infrastructure projects near Hill Air Force Base. The salary data reflects a strong market that aligns with the region's cost of living.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Construction Manager in Layton is $106,619/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.26/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the local economy's stability and lower living costs make it a financially attractive proposition. The Layton metro area supports approximately 167 jobs for this role, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, indicating steady demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Layton
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assisting with scheduling, safety protocols, and sub-contractor coordination on local residential developments.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Managing full project cycles for commercial builds (often near the Hill AFB corridor) or large multi-family units.
Senior-Level (10-15+ years)	$125,000 - $155,000+	Overseeing complex commercial/industrial projects (e.g., logistics centers along I-15 or specialized military support facilities).
Expert/Principal	$160,000+	Executive-level roles for major regional firms, often involved in bidding and high-level client relations for large-scale Utah projects.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities
Layton’s median salary of $106,619 positions it competently within the Wasatch Front. It sits comfortably above Provo-Orem ($102,500) and St. George ($98,000), but trails the high-cost hubs of Salt Lake City ($112,000) and Park City ($125,000+). However, when you factor in housing costs, Layton often wins on overall affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. The median salary of $106,619 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Layton?

Estimated Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,885
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, UT State, FICA): ~$2,300
• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,585
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,283/month
• Utilities (Est.): $200
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Maint.): $450 (Layton is car-dependent)
• Groceries & Essentials: $450
• Health Insurance (Employer/Personal): $300
• Discretionary/Retirement Savings: $3,402

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Layton hovers around $475,000. With a $106,619 salary, a 20% down payment ($95,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with strong credit, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,400-$2,600 is feasible, representing about 35-38% of your take-home pay. Many managers in the area opt for starter homes in areas like Clearfield or South Layton, or use FHA loans with smaller down payments.

Where the Jobs Are: Layton's Major Employers

Layton’s construction market is uniquely influenced by its proximity to Hill Air Force Base and its role as a growing residential hub. Here are the specific local employers you should target:

1. Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) Infrastructure & Prime Contractors: This is the economic engine. Companies like Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Leidos have significant footprints on base. They manage facilities maintenance, new construction projects, and specialized hangar work. Look for "Facilities Manager" or "Construction Project Manager" roles with these contractors.
2. Layton City Municipal Government: The city itself is a major employer, managing public works, park development, and municipal building projects. Check the Layton City website’s "Employment" section regularly.
3. Burt Brothers Construction: A prominent local general contractor with heavy involvement in commercial and industrial projects throughout Davis County. They frequently hire for project managers familiar with local codes.
4. Vivid Homes & SunRay Custom Builders: These are leading residential developers in the booming Layton and Syracuse areas. They manage large-scale subdivision projects, from grading to final occupancy.
5. Layton Hills Mall Redevelopment & Commercial Developers: With ongoing commercial revitalization, firms like The Boyer Company or Mountain West Commercial Real Estate often have development managers overseeing retail and office projects.
6. Interstate 15 (I-15) Corridor Contractors: Major firms like Kiewit or Staker Parson (a Utah staple) frequently have crews and project managers working on the I-15 widening and interchange projects that directly impact Layton traffic flow.

Hiring Trends: There is a strong push for managers proficient in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and LEED certification, especially for federal and municipal contracts. Knowledge of Davis County’s specific permitting process is a massive plus.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Licensing is non-negotiable for commercial work and highly recommended for residential.

1. Licensing Authority: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
2. Requirements:
   • Experience: 4 years of journeyman-level experience within the last 10 years.
   • Exam: Pass the Utah Business & Law Exam and the relevant trade exam (e.g., General Building Contractor).
   • Financials: Proof of a $50,000 surety bond and financial statements.
3. Costs & Timeline:
   • Application Fee: ~$200
   • Exam Fee: ~$150 per exam
   • Surety Bond Cost: Varies, but expect $500-$1,500/year depending on credit.
   • Timeline: From application to license in hand, expect 60-90 days if all documents are in order. Start the process at least 3 months before moving.

Insider Tip: Utah has a "Residential Builder" license separate from the "Commercial General Contractor" license. If you plan to work exclusively on homes, the Residential path is less complex but has a lower revenue ceiling.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live impacts your daily life and commute to job sites.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 2BR Rent	Why It's Good for CMs
Central Layton (Near 200 W/ Hill Field Rd)	Walkable, older homes, close to downtown Layton amenities.	$1,950	Short commute to City Hall and many commercial job sites. Historic charm.
South Layton / East Layton (Hill AFB Adjacent)	Newer subdivisions, family-oriented, near base access.	$2,100	Proximity to Hill AFB contractors. Easy access to I-15 for regional travel.
Clearfield (West of Layton)	More affordable, strong military family presence, older stock.	$1,650	Great value for the budget. 10-minute commute to most Layton job sites.
Syracuse (North of Layton)	Rapidly growing, master-planned communities, excellent schools.	$2,000	Where the big residential developers are active. Newer homes, higher resale.
Kaysville/Farmington (South of Layton)	Established, upscale, quieter, near Davis Hospital.	$2,200	Premium living. Commute is easy via I-15, but farther from base-related work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% in a metro of 83,523 people indicates a stable, rather than explosive, market. Growth comes from specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Federal/DoD Work: Managers with a security clearance or experience with USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) can command a 15-20% premium over the median.
  • Sustainable Building: Utah is adopting updated energy codes. A LEED AP credential can add $10,000-$15,000 to your base salary.
  • Heavy Civil: Experience with DOT (Utah Department of Transportation) projects is highly transferable to the booming interstate and rail projects in the state.

Advancement Paths:
A common trajectory is: Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager (at ~$85,000) -> Construction Manager ($106,619) -> Senior Project Manager (manages multi-million dollar portfolios) -> Regional Director of Operations (often with firms based in SLC or Ogden).

10-Year Outlook: The Layton market will remain steady. The biggest opportunity lies in the adaptive reuse of older industrial spaces near the rail lines and the continued residential infill to meet housing demand. Managers who can navigate both will be most secure.

The Verdict: Is Layton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: Cost of living index of 95.1 (vs. 100 national) stretches your $106,619 salary.	Car Dependency: Limited public transit; you will drive everywhere.
Stable Job Market: Strong base of federal and defense-related construction.	Slower Pace: Fewer high-profile, landmark projects compared to SLC.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, with easy access to outdoor recreation (Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake).	Competitive Residential Market: Finding affordable housing near job sites can be challenging.
Strategic Location: 25 minutes to SLC airport, 30 minutes to downtown SLC for networking.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture: It’s a suburb; for city amenities, you commute.

Final Recommendation:
Layton is an excellent choice for a mid-career Construction Manager seeking stability, affordability, and a family-oriented environment. If you value a slower pace, low traffic (compared to Salt Lake), and a direct line to the stable federal contracting market, Layton delivers. It’s not a place for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-rise boom of a major metropolis, but it offers a solid, rewarding career and life.

FAQs

1. Is the construction market in Layton seasonal?
While residential building slows in winter, commercial and federal work on Hill AFB continues year-round. Layton’s market is less seasonal than purely recreational towns like Park City.

2. How do I network in a smaller metro area?
Join the Davis County Chamber of Commerce and the Utah Associated General Contractors (AGC) Chapter. Most networking happens through these formal groups and industry events at the Davis Conference Center.

3. What software skills are most valued locally?
Proficiency in Procore for project management and AutoCAD/Revit for plans is standard. Experience with Plangrid is also common on federal sites.

4. Is a security clearance worth pursuing for Layton jobs?
Absolutely. If you aim to work on Hill AFB contracts, obtaining a Secret clearance (often sponsored by an employer) can open doors to the most stable, high-paying projects in the region.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for new CMs in Layton?
Understanding the Davis County permitting process. It differs from Salt Lake County. Building relationships with the county’s building inspectors and plan reviewers is crucial for avoiding costly delays.

(Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Data; Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing; Layton City Planning Department; Davis County Chamber of Commerce.)