Construction Manager in Lenexa, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lenexa Stands

As a guy who's watched the construction landscape shift from the growing suburbs of Lenexa to the bustling corridors of I-435, I can tell you the numbers tell a story of stability and solid earning potential. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Lenexa is $106,034/year, which breaks down to a robust hourly rate of $50.98/hour. This is right in line with what you'd expect for a professional with our specific mix of technical knowledge, project management skills, and people leadership. It's slightly under the national average of $108,210/year, but that gap closes when you factor in our significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the local market. This isn't just theory; it's based on what I've seen local firms pay to keep good talent.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Lenexa)	Key Responsibilities in Our Market
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $89,000	Field superintendent support, cost tracking, sub-contractor coordination on mid-size residential or commercial projects. Often starts as an Assistant PM.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$90,000 - $120,000	Project Management on commercial builds, managing budgets up to $5M, direct supervision of site crews, client communication. This is the core of the local market.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$120,000 - $150,000	Senior Project Manager or VP of Operations. Overseeing multiple projects, high-level risk management, business development focus.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$150,000+	Executive roles (Regional Manager, Company Owner), complex public/private partnerships (e.g., municipal buildings, large infrastructure).

When you look at other Kansas cities, Lenexa holds its own. You might find slightly higher base salaries in the core of Kansas City, MO, but the commute and higher living costs eat into that. In a place like Olathe or Shawnee, the numbers are nearly identical. Topeka and Wichita might offer similar salaries, but the volume of commercial and infrastructure work in the Lenexa/Kansas City metro is significantly higher, translating to more job opportunities and bonus potential.

Insider Tip: In our market, a Construction Manager's total compensation often includes a project completion bonus or a percentage of profit. For a senior manager, this can add $10,000 to $25,000 annually to the base salary. Always clarify the bonus structure during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A salary of $106,034/year is a great number on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Lenexa? Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a single person, factoring in the excellent cost of living.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $106,034 / 12 = $8,836
• Estimated Net (after taxes & deductions): ~$6,600 (This is a conservative estimate; use a KS-specific paycheck calculator for your exact situation).

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent (1BR Average): $839
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Household: $500
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $400 (Lenexa is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $400
• Retirement (401k Match, e.g., 6%): $530
• Discretionary (Eating Out, Entertainment, Personal): $1,681
• Monthly Savings/Debt: $1,000

Total: ~$6,600

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Lenexa is one of the more affordable suburbs in the metro. The median home price is around $350,000 - $400,000. With the above budget, you could comfortably afford a $2,000/month mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance). This puts a nice 3-4 bedroom home in a good neighborhood well within reach for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. This is a key reason many professionals in the trades settle here long-term.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A salary of $106,034/year is a great number on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Lenexa? Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a single person, factoring in the excellent cost of living.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $106,034 / 12 = $8,836
• Estimated Net (after taxes & deductions): ~$6,600 (This is a conservative estimate; use a KS-specific paycheck calculator for your exact situation).

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent (1BR Average): $839
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Household: $500
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $400 (Lenexa is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $400
• Retirement (401k Match, e.g., 6%): $530
• Discretionary (Eating Out, Entertainment, Personal): $1,681
• Monthly Savings/Debt: $1,000

Total: ~$6,600

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Lenexa is one of the more affordable suburbs in the metro. The median home price is around $350,000 - $400,000. With the above budget, you could comfortably afford a $2,000/month mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance). This puts a nice 3-4 bedroom home in a good neighborhood well within reach for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. This is a key reason many professionals in the trades settle here long-term.

Where the Jobs Are: Lenexa's Major Employers

The job market for construction managers here is tied directly to the region's growth. With a metro population of 57,986 and steady development, local firms are consistently hiring. There are approximately 115 management-level jobs in the broader metro area at any given time. Here are the key players:

1. Burns & McDonnell: Headquartered in nearby Kansas City, MO, this employee-owned engineering and construction firm has a massive presence. They handle everything from aviation to water/wastewater projects. They hire Construction Managers for large, complex projects and offer excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Steady. They're often involved in the big infrastructure projects you see along I-435 and 87th Street.

2. The Weitz Company: A national firm with a strong regional office in Lenexa and the KC metro. They focus on commercial, industrial, and healthcare construction. Weitz is known for its collaborative culture and invests heavily in employee development. Hiring Trend: Strong. They are consistently building new schools, office buildings, and light industrial facilities in Johnson County.

3. McCownGordon Construction: Based in Kansas City, MO, they are a major player in commercial construction. They have a reputation for quality and safety and work on high-profile projects, including healthcare and corporate headquarters. Hiring Trend: Active. They are frequently bidding on projects in Lenexa's growing business parks.

4. HNTB Corporation: Primarily an engineering firm, HNTB has a large office in Lenexa and is deeply involved in transportation infrastructure. Construction Managers here often work on bridge, highway, and transit projects. Hiring Trend: Very strong. The continued expansion of the I-35/I-435 interchange and other road projects keeps them busy.

5. J.E. Dunn Construction Group: A national CM with a significant footprint in the Kansas City region. They handle large-scale commercial projects. Their Lenexa-area projects often include mixed-use developments and large corporate campuses. Hiring Trend: Steady. They are a go-to for complex, multi-phase projects.

6. Local Municipalities (City of Lenexa, Johnson County): Don't overlook the public sector. The City of Lenexa manages its own capital improvement projects, from new fire stations to park expansions. Johnson County has a robust facilities management department. Hiring Trend: Stable. Government jobs offer great benefits and job security.

Insider Tip: Many mid-sized commercial and residential builders (like Summit Custom Homes or The Breckenridge Group) also hire Construction Managers. They offer a more focused, sometimes faster-paced environment compared to the large national firms.

Getting Licensed in KS

While a specific state license for a Construction Manager is not required in Kansas, the employers we've listed will require you to have a state-issued contractor's license if you are performing the actual construction work. The most common route is the Kansas Registered Contractor license, which is administered by the Kansas Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Division.

• Requirements: For a business entity (which most CMs work for), you need to pass the Kansas Business and Law exam and provide proof of financial responsibility (bonding). The exam is based on the 2018 International Building Code and Kansas-specific statutes.
• Cost: Exam fee is $110 (as of 2024). The bond requirement varies but is typically $10,000 for a residential builder or $25,000 for a commercial contractor. Your employer will almost always hold this bond, not you individually.
• Timeline: Once you're employed by a licensed firm, the process is managed by the company. If you're starting your own venture, allow 4-6 weeks to study, apply, and get licensed.
• Key Certification: For career advancement, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is highly respected and often required for senior roles. It requires significant experience and passing a rigorous exam. This is a national credential, not state-specific.

Note: If you're moving from out of state, your experience will be transferable, but you may need to get your credentials recognized if you're applying for a CCM. Check with the licensing board for any reciprocity agreements.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Lenexa is a sprawling, family-oriented suburb. Your choice of neighborhood depends on your lifestyle—proximity to major job sites, access to amenities, and commute times. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Old Town Lenexa: The historic heart of the city. A walkable, charming area with local pubs, coffee shops, and community events (like the popular "Old Shawnee Days"). Commutes to major employers in western Lenexa or Shawnee are short.

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most local job sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR in an older, renovated building.
   • Best For: Those who want a small-town feel with city amenities.

2. Central Lenexa (around 87th & Renner): The commercial core. This is where you'll find the Lenexa City Center, major retail, and easy access to I-435 and I-35. It's the most convenient for commuting anywhere in the metro.

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to the airport, downtown KC, or other suburbs.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for modern 1BR/1.5BR apartments.
   • Best For: Professionals who value a short, predictable commute and modern conveniences.

3. Cedar Creek Area: A newer, master-planned community with parks, trails, and top-rated schools. It's more residential and family-focused, located in the southern part of Lenexa.

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most of Lenexa's business parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR in a newer complex. Single-family home rentals are common here.
   • Best For: Those looking to buy a home, start a family, or who want a quieter, suburban environment.

4. Sunflower Hills (south of I-435): One of the older, more established neighborhoods with spacious lots and mature trees. It's affordable and has a strong community feel.

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most central Lenexa locations.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR in an older garden-style apartment.
   • Best For: Someone looking for more space and character without the premium price tag of Old Town.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-435 and 87th Street can be congested during rush hour. If you work in the massive Lenexa Business Park, consider living in Central Lenexa or Sunflower Hills to minimize your commute. If your projects are in Olathe or south, Cedar Creek is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The construction market in Lenexa is mature, not exploding, but steady. The 10-year job growth for Construction Managers is projected at 8%, which is about as fast as the national average. This means opportunities will be there, but you need to be strategic to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: To exceed the median salary, specialize. In Lenexa, there's high demand for managers with experience in:

  • Healthcare Construction: With the University of Kansas Health System expanding, and numerous senior living facilities being built, this is a lucrative niche.
  • Industrial/Warehouse: The logistics boom near I-35/I-435 means constant demand for build-to-suit warehouse and light industrial projects.
  • Public Infrastructure: Working on municipal projects (schools, libraries, roads) through the city or county offers stability and a different, often slower-paced work rhythm.

• Advancement Paths: The typical climb is from Field Engineer/Superintendent to Project Manager, then to Senior PM or Director of Operations. To break into executive roles (VP, Regional Director), you'll need to demonstrate not just project success but also business development skills—bringing in new work. An MBA or a CCM credential becomes more valuable at this stage.

• 10-Year Outlook: The core drivers—population growth in Johnson County and infrastructure needs—will remain strong. However, the industry is also facing labor shortages and rising material costs. The most successful managers will be those who can navigate supply chain issues, manage tight labor markets, and leverage technology (BIM, project management software) to stay efficient. Your value will increasingly be based on your problem-solving and leadership skills, not just technical knowledge.

The Verdict: Is Lenexa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further. Homeownership is within reach.	Car-Dependent: You will need a car. Public transit is limited.
Steady Job Market: Strong demand from local employers and the broader KC metro.	Less "Glamorous" Projects: Fewer skyscrapers, more schools, warehouses, and strip malls.
Family-Friendly: Top-rated schools, safe communities, abundant parks and activities.	Midwest Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold winters. Construction schedules can be impacted.
Easy Commute: Compared to living in a major city, commutes are generally short and manageable.	Limited Nightlife: It's a suburb. For big concerts or diverse dining, you'll head into Kansas City, MO.
Growing City: Investment in infrastructure and amenities (like the new Lenexa City Center) is ongoing.	Industry Competition: Good talent is competitive; you'll need a strong resume and network.

Final Recommendation: Lenexa is an outstanding choice for a Construction Manager who prioritizes a stable career, affordability, and a high quality of life, especially if you have or plan to start a family. It's not the place to find cutting-edge architectural marvels, but it is a place to build a solid, rewarding career and a comfortable life. If you're looking for hustle and endless nightlife, look elsewhere. If you want to command a six-figure salary, afford a home, and be part of a growing community, Lenexa is a very smart bet.

FAQs

1. Can I find a job in Lenexa without being licensed in Kansas first?
Yes, absolutely. Most Construction Managers are hired by licensed contracting firms who hold the required state licenses. Your employment is contingent on the company's license. You only need to secure your own license if you plan to start your own contracting business.

2. How is the work-life balance for a Construction Manager here?
It's generally better than in larger coastal cities. Projects are typically local, so long-distance travel is rare. However, you're still in a field where deadlines are king, so early mornings and occasional weekend work are standard, especially during peak building seasons (spring-fall). The culture at firms like Weitz and Burns & McDonnell is known to be more structured and supportive than smaller, more aggressive