Career Guide for Construction Managers in Lynn, MA

Hey there. If you're a construction manager eyeing a move to Lynn, you're not just looking at a job. You're looking at a city in the midst of a massive transformation. I've been watching the Lynn job market for years, and the construction scene here is one of the most dynamic in New England. It's a working-class port city with a gritty edge, but it's also where some of the most ambitious development projects on the North Shore are unfolding. This guide is built on the hard data and the local know-how you need to decide if Lynn is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Lynn Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The data tells a clear story: construction managers in Lynn are paid well, and the cost of living, while high, is manageable for this role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Lynn, MA metro area is $111,975/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.83/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $108,210/year, giving Lynn a competitive edge for top talent.

The Lynn job market is specialized. There are approximately 202 jobs for construction managers in the metro area, reflecting a concentrated demand. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is stable and indicates steady opportunity, especially as major infrastructure and residential projects continue to develop.

To get a better sense of where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local market reporting and can vary by project type.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Lynn
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000	Often starts with larger firms like Gilbane or on public works projects. Focus is on learning scheduling, safety (OSHA 30 is a must), and managing small subcontractor teams.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$100,000 - $125,000	This is the sweet spot. You're managing larger projects independently, like multifamily builds along the waterfront or commercial renovations in downtown Lynn. You're likely pursuing your CMIT or have your license.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$125,000 - $150,000	You're running major projects—think the new Lynn High School, large-scale residential developments, or complex infrastructure work. You have deep subcontractor relationships and are involved in pre-construction.
Expert/Executive (20+ yrs)	$150,000+	This level involves overseeing entire project portfolios for a developer or running a local division. You're an industry leader, possibly involved with the North Shore Building Association, and command a premium for your network and problem-solving skills.

Insider Tip: The $111,975 median is a solid anchor. In Lynn, project type matters immensely. Managers on public school renovations or municipal projects often have stable, union-backed pay scales, while those in high-end residential or speculative development can see more variability, with bonuses tied to project completion and budget adherence.

How Lynn Compares to Other MA Cities

Lynn's salary is strong, but it's part of a broader ecosystem. Here’s how it stacks up against other Massachusetts hubs, considering the cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Construction Manager)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Lynn, MA	$111,975	111.6
Boston, MA Metro	$125,000	156.0
Worcester, MA	$103,000	107.0
Springfield, MA	$98,000	102.0
Providence, RI	$105,000	107.0

The Bottom Line: While Boston pays more, its cost of living is 40% higher than Lynn's. Worcester and Springfield offer lower salaries but also a lower cost of living. Lynn hits a "Goldilocks" zone—excellent pay for the region with a cost of living that, while above the national average, is significantly more manageable than Boston. You get the salary premium of being in the Greater Boston metro without the punishing housing costs of the city itself.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $111,975 salary seems great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Lynn? We'll break this down with a single filer using 2024 tax estimates (federal, state, FICA). Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax.

• Annual Salary: $111,975
• Estimated Annual Taxes (approx 28%): -$31,353
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $80,622
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,718

Now, let's layer in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lynn costs $2,064/month. This is for a decent, modern unit in a safe neighborhood; older walk-ups in areas like Lynn Commons can be cheaper, while luxury spots by the waterfront will be more.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Monthly Take-Home: $6,718
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$2,064
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $4,654

This leaves you with a healthy cushion. Utilities in Lynn (electric, gas, internet) might run $150-$250/month. A monthly T pass for commuting to Boston or the North Shore is $90. Groceries and dining for one person could be $600-$800. This still leaves over $3,000/month for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. A construction manager's salary in Lynn provides a comfortable lifestyle with room for financial goals.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is a key advantage of Lynn over Boston. The median home price in Lynn is around $450,000 - $500,000. With $4,654 in monthly disposable income (after rent), a mortgage payment on a $480,000 home (with a 20% down payment) would be roughly $2,400/month (including taxes and insurance). This is very feasible. Many construction managers in Lynn I've spoken with live in the city they work in, taking advantage of the lower entry point to homeownership compared to surrounding suburbs like Swampscott or Marblehead.

Where the Jobs Are: Lynn's Major Employers

Lynn's construction market is fueled by a mix of public projects, residential development, and institutional work. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. City of Lynn (Public Works & School Department): The largest employer. They manage a constant stream of projects: road repairs, sewer upgrades, and massive school renovations (Lynn High School is a billion-dollar project). Jobs are often posted on the city's official site and are union-affiliated. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on infrastructure resilience and modernizing school facilities.
2. Gilbane Building Company: The national giant has a major office in neighboring Woburn but is the dominant player in Lynn's institutional and commercial sector. They've been the GC on nearly every major public project in the last decade. Hiring Trend: They are constantly bidding on large-scale public and institutional work, requiring experienced PMs and Superintendents.
3. Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND): Focused on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. They manage significant renovation and new construction projects for low-income housing. Hiring Trend: Growth is tied to state and federal funding for affordable housing, a consistent priority in Massachusetts.
4. Private Developers (Residential & Mixed-Use): Look at the skyline. Companies like The Davis Companies and local outfits like Wood Partners are driving the waterfront and downtown residential boom. They hire construction managers for specific projects, often through GCs. Hiring Trend: High demand for managers with experience in multi-family residential, especially with knowledge of MA building codes and energy efficiency standards (like Stretch Code compliance).
5. North Shore Medical Center / Salem Hospital (Part of Mass General Brigham): While just over the line in Salem, this major health system is a constant source of renovation, expansion, and maintenance projects. Hiring Trend: Steady. Healthcare construction requires specialized knowledge (infection control, MEP systems), commanding a premium.
6. North Shore Building Association (NSBA): Not an employer, but the essential hub. Membership connects you to dozens of local GCs, subcontractors, and suppliers. The NSBA job board is a local insider's best resource. Hiring Trend: The best jobs are often filled through networking here before they hit major job boards.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs with major developers never get publicly listed. They go to CMs who have proven themselves on smaller projects with local GCs. Start by building relationships with mid-sized, Lynn-based general contractors. They are the gatekeepers to the biggest projects.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear, structured path to licensure. It's not optional if you want to advance beyond mid-career.

1. The Designation: You will become a Construction Supervisor (CS). The license is issued by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS).
2. Requirements: You must demonstrate experience. The board requires proof of 3 years of full-time experience as a Construction Supervisor or equivalent. "Equivalent" is key—they accept experience as a foreman, superintendent, or project manager. You'll need to document this with employment verification letters.
3. The Exam: You must pass the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS) Exam. It's a 2.5-hour, 40-question multiple-choice test covering MA-specific building codes, energy conservation, and business law. It's not trivial; you need to study the code books.
4. Costs:
   • Exam Fee: $200
   • Licensure Fee (Initial): $100
   • Study Materials/Courses: $300 - $800 (Worth it. Many local trade schools and the NSBA offer prep courses).
   • Total Estimated Upfront Cost: $600 - $1,100
5. Timeline: From starting your application to getting the license in hand, plan for 4-6 months. This includes gathering experience documentation, scheduling the exam (wait times can be a few weeks), and processing.

Insider Tip: Even if your current role doesn't require it, get your CS license before you actively job hunting in Lynn. It signals you're serious about the MA market and understand local regulations. The exam is heavily weighted on MA amendments to the International Building Code (IBC). Don't walk in cold.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Lynn impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social network. Here’s a local's breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Lynn	Urban, walkable, in transformation. 20-min commuter rail to Boston.	$1,800 - $2,200	The young professional who wants to be in the heart of the action, close to restaurants and the new development projects.
Lynn Commons	Historic, residential, quiet. Close to the High School and parks. Easy access to route 107/1A.	$1,700 - $1,950	The CM who wants a classic, stable neighborhood and a short drive to job sites in central Lynn.
East Lynn (Padock Park)	Family-oriented, more suburban feel. Great public schools. Slightly further from downtown.	$1,900 - $2,100	The established manager with a family, looking for space and a community feel.
Waterfront (Pearl St. Area)	Up-and-coming, modern apartments with views. Walkable to the MBTA bus and upcoming Green Line extension (future).	$2,200 - $2,600+	The manager on a high-end residential or commercial project who wants to be near the water and the buzz of new construction.

Commute Reality: Most construction managers in Lynn drive. The job sites are scattered. A 15-20 minute commute to the North Shore, Saugus, or Revere is standard. Living in Lynn means you're central. Driving into Boston can be 30-45 minutes via Route 1A or I-93, but the commuter rail (Lynn Station) is a fantastic, stress-free alternative for meetings downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A construction manager's career in Lynn isn't linear. Growth comes from specialization and project scale.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with deep expertise in renovation of historic structures (Lynn is full of them) or sustainable construction (LEED, Passive House) can command 10-15% above the median. Healthcare and lab construction experience is also a high-value specialty due to work at North Shore Medical and nearby biotech hubs.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. GC Track: Move from PM to Senior PM to Regional Director for a major firm like Gilbane or Suffolk.
  2. Owner's Rep/Developer: Use your GC experience to work directly for a developer (e.g., The Davis Companies), managing their portfolio. This often comes with more predictable hours and a direct stake in project success.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Start your own small GC firm. The local network is tight, and if you build a reputation for quality and reliability, you can carve out a niche in residential renovations or small commercial jobs. This is a high-risk, high-reward path.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The drivers are clear: Lynn's ongoing waterfront transformation, the need to modernize its aging infrastructure (sewers, roads, schools), and its role as a more affordable alternative to Boston for housing. The upcoming Green Line extension to Lynn (while delayed) will be a long-term catalyst. A manager who is licensed, tech-savvy (using Procore, BIM), and has strong local relationships will be exceptionally well-positioned.

The Verdict: Is Lynn Right for You?

Making a move is a big decision. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary vs. Cost of Living: The $111,975 median goes much further here than in Boston.	Competitive, Gritty Market: The "good ol' boy" network is real. You need to prove yourself and build trust.
High Volume of Diverse Projects: From schools to skyscrapers to historic renovations. You won't get bored.	Traffic & Commute: While Lynn itself is manageable, getting to the South Shore or western suburbs can be a haul.
Path to Homeownership: The dream is still achievable on a CM's salary.	Urban Challenges: Lynn is a city with ongoing issues (poverty, some crime in pockets). It's not a manicured suburb.
Insider Network Potential: A tight-knit community where relationships matter most.	Weather: New England winters can idle outdoor projects, affecting cash flow for some.
Stable Public Sector Work: The city and state provide a reliable stream of projects.	Limited High-End Luxury Market: Compared to Boston or the Cape, there's less work in the ultra-luxury residential sector.

Final Recommendation: Lynn is an excellent fit for a construction manager who is hands-on, values a strong community, and is looking to build a stable career with clear financial upside. It's not for the manager seeking only white-glove, luxury condo projects. It's for the professional who wants to be in the thick of meaningful, transformative work in a city that's on the rise. If you're willing to engage with the community and navigate a slightly rougher urban landscape, the career and financial rewards are substantial.

FAQs

Q: I'm not licensed in MA. Can I get a job here first and then get licensed?
A: Yes, but it's a suboptimal path. Many employers, especially on public projects, require a MA CS license or proof of application. It's better to start the process before you move. You can work under the direct supervision of a licensed CS, but this limits your autonomy and salary potential.

Q: How important is union membership?
A: For city, state, or federal projects, it's often essential. For private residential and commercial work, it's less critical but can still be a benefit. Many non-union GCs in Lynn rely on skilled labor from the North Shore area. Having a union partner can be a plus, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for new construction managers in Lynn?
A: Understanding the local subcontractor landscape. The same plumbers, electricians, and concrete crews work the North Shore. You need to quickly learn who is reliable and who to avoid. Your first 6 months should be focused on building these relationships.

Q: Is the Green Line extension really happening?
A: It's been delayed, but the project is back on track with a new plan. While not imminent, its eventual arrival will be a game-changer for Lynn's connectivity and property values. Seeing it as a long-term bet is wise.

**Q: How do I start networking if