Construction Manager in Madison, MS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Madison, Mississippi.

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A Career Guide for Construction Managers in Madison, Mississippi

As a career analyst who has watched the Mississippi job market for years, I can tell you that Madison offers a unique proposition. It’s a small city that punches above its weight, nestled between the state capital of Jackson and the affluent suburbs of Rankin County. For a Construction Manager, it’s a market defined by specific opportunities, a distinct cost of living, and a community-driven professional network. This guide cuts through the noise and provides the data-driven insights you need to make an informed move.

The Salary Picture: Where Madison Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The salary for a Construction Manager in Madison is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and regional market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Madison, MS metro area is $105,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.57. This figure is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but that gap closes significantly when you consider Madison’s affordability.

The job market here is niche but steady. The metro area, which includes Madison and surrounding communities, has approximately 55 jobs for Construction Managers. While the number seems small, the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, indicating a stable, albeit slow-growing, demand. This isn’t a boomtown; it’s a reliable market for seasoned professionals.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Madison, MS)	Key Responsibilities in the Local Market
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Coordination, Subcontractor Management, Cost Tracking
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Full Project Oversight, Budget Management, Client Relations
Senior-Level (10-20 years)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Multi-Project Leadership, Business Development, Strategic Planning
Expert/Executive (20+ years)	$150,000 - $180,000+	Regional Management, Executive Leadership, Major Project Procurement

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities
How does Madison stack up against its neighbors? It’s a strong performer within the state.

• Jackson: The state capital and larger metro area has a higher volume of jobs but a slightly lower median salary (approx. $102,000/year) and a higher cost of living in certain areas. Madison offers a better commute and a more family-centric environment for a similar salary.
• Gulfport-Biloxi: The coastal market is driven by tourism and hurricane recovery, leading to more volatile, project-based work. Salaries can be higher during boom cycles ($110,000+) but are less stable year-round.
• Hattiesburg: Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, the market is smaller and salaries trend lower ($98,000 median). Madison’s proximity to Jackson gives it an edge in project diversity and scale.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $105,190 is meaningless without context. Let’s break down the real monthly take-home for a Construction Manager in Madison.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$8,765	Based on $105,190/year
Taxes (Approx. 25%)	-$2,191	Includes federal, state (4%), FICA. Varies by deductions.
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,574	Your actual paycheck
Rent (1BR Average)	-$997	$997/month, slightly below national average
Utilities	-$250	Electricity, water, internet (varies by season)
Groceries	-$400	For a single professional
Transportation	-$550	Car payment, insurance, gas (Madison is car-dependent)
Health Insurance/Retirement	-$400	Employer-sponsored plan contribution
Discretionary/Other	-$1,977	Savings, entertainment, dining, etc.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Madison?
Yes, absolutely. With a net take-home of over $6,500 and a median home price in Madison around $300,000 - $350,000, a Construction Manager is in a strong position to buy. A 20% down payment ($60k-$70k) is a significant upfront cost, but the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or slightly higher than the average rent of $997, but for a larger property with equity. The Cost of Living Index of 90.7 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches further here, making homeownership a realistic goal within 2-3 years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Madison's Major Employers

The Madison job market isn’t built on massive corporate headquarters but on a mix of healthcare, education, and regional contractors. Here are the specific players shaping the construction scene:

1. Madison County School District: Consistently one of the largest public employers in the area. They manage a steady stream of school construction, renovations, and facility maintenance projects. They often hire or contract with Construction Managers for capital improvement projects.
2. St. Dominic Hospital / Catholic Health Initiatives: As part of the larger Catholic health system, St. Dominic is a major anchor in Jackson with a significant footprint in Madison County. They undertake regular facility expansions, clinic builds, and modernization projects, requiring skilled project managers.
3. Trustmark Bank (Headquarters in Jackson, major presence in Madison): While their main HQ is in Jackson, Trustmark has a strong commercial lending arm that frequently finances local development. They often work alongside Construction Managers for commercial projects and sometimes have internal roles for managing their own real estate portfolio.
4. The City of Madison: The municipal government is a steady source of public works projects. This includes road improvements, park developments, and city building maintenance. Public sector projects offer stability and good benefits.
5. Local General Contractors: The true backbone of the market. Firms like Madison Construction, LLC (a local name, though you should verify specific companies) and regional players like Brasfield & Gorrie (based in Birmingham but with a major Jackson/Madison presence) are the primary hirers. They manage everything from custom homes in Madison’s affluent neighborhoods to commercial strip centers.
6. Mississippi State University (Starkville, but significant influence): While 30 miles away, MSU has a massive construction footprint. Some Madison-based managers commute or work on university projects, especially in agriculture, research, and athletic facilities.
7. Madison County Economic Development Authority: Not a direct employer, but a key hub for networking. They track all new commercial and industrial projects in the county, giving you a pipeline of who is building what and when.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. The market most needs managers with experience in commercial fit-outs, healthcare construction, and high-end residential. The days of generalist residential builders are fading; niche expertise commands a premium. Networking through the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter is essential, as most high-level jobs are filled through referrals, not job boards.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has clear requirements for Construction Managers, primarily regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

• Licensing: You do not need a specific "Construction Manager" license, but you must hold a valid Contractor’s License to legally manage and contract work. The most common for residential and commercial projects is the Commercial Contractor or Residential Contractor license. You can also obtain a Home Builder license if focusing on residential.
• Requirements: For a Commercial Contractor license, you must demonstrate financial responsibility (net worth statement), provide proof of experience (typically 4-5 years as a foreman or supervisor), and pass an exam. You also need to designate a Qualifying Party (usually yourself) who must pass the required exams.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $100-$150 per attempt. License application fees are around $200-$300, plus a $25,000 surety bond requirement (cost varies based on credit, but can be $500-$1,500/year).
• Timeline: If you have your experience and documentation in order, the process can take 4-8 weeks. If you need to schedule and pass the exam, add another month. Start the process before you move if you’re serious about a transfer.
• Insider Tip: The exam is heavily based on Mississippi building codes and state law. Study materials from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors website are essential. Don’t rely on generic national prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Madison is compact, but neighborhoods vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average Rent (1BR)	Insider Tip
Downtown Madison	Walkable, historic, charming. Close to city offices and local contractors.	$1,000 - $1,200	You can walk to local government meetings. Parking is tight for work trucks.
Natchez Trace Parkway Area	Affluent, suburban, established. Great for families. Commute to Jackson is easy.	$1,100 - $1,400	This is where many successful contractors live. Networking happens at the local parks.
Madison County (near Canton)	More rural, larger lots, lower cost. Commute to Madison is 10-15 mins.	$800 - $950	Ideal if you need space for a home office or workshop. Closer to some industrial projects.
Gluckstadt (North of Madison)	Fast-growing, new construction, family-oriented.	$950 - $1,100	New schools and retail. Commute to Madison is easy, but traffic on Hwy 51 can be a factor.
Jackson (Fondren/Belhaven)	Urban, eclectic, younger professional scene. 15-20 min commute to Madison.	$900 - $1,100	More nightlife and culture. You’ll be in the mix of Jackson-based commercial work.

Recommendation: If you’re single and value a social scene, look at Jackson’s Fondren area. If you’re prioritizing family and commute efficiency, Natchez Trace Parkway or Gluckstadt are excellent choices.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Madison, growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about expanding your scope and network.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with hospital project experience can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary.
  • Multi-Family/Mixed-Use: With Madison’s growth, developers are building apartment complexes and live-work spaces. This is a growing niche.
  • Disaster Recovery: Mississippi is prone to severe weather. Managers with experience in FEMA-funded repairs and rapid reconstruction are in high demand after major storms.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Manager to Senior PM at a regional firm.
  2. Senior PM to Business Development/Estimating Director (focusing on winning larger bids).
  3. Owner/Principal of your own small firm. This is the most common path to breaking the $150,000 ceiling. The local market supports small, specialized firms that can bid on selective projects.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth is steady. The key driver will be the continued expansion of Madison and Rankin County suburbs, coupled with the need to modernize aging infrastructure in Jackson. The manager who pairs deep local knowledge with a specialty (e.g., sustainable building, historic renovation) will be the most resilient. The national trend toward modular construction will slowly reach this market, creating a new skill set to acquire.

The Verdict: Is Madison Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: A salary of $105,190 goes much further here than in the national average.	Limited Job Volume: The market has only 55 positions. You can’t job-hop frequently.
Stable, Predictable Market: Not subject to the dramatic booms and busts of larger cities.	Slower Career Pace: Advancement is linked to tenure and relationships, not just performance.
Strong Professional Network: The small market means everyone knows everyone, which can be a huge advantage.	Dependence on Jackson: Many large commercial projects are in Jackson, requiring a commute.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime (in Madison), and a family-friendly atmosphere.	Limited Cultural Scene: If you’re used to major city amenities, Madison will feel quiet.
Proximity to Diverse Projects: You can work on a school, a hospital, and a luxury home within the same week.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is virtually non-existent.

Final Recommendation: Madison is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-paced urban intensity. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (4-15 years of experience) looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a deep, respected reputation within a tight-knit community. If you’re an early-career professional seeking rapid experience and job-hopping, Jackson or a larger metro might be better. If you’re a high-achiever seeking the absolute maximum salary and are willing to hustle in a competitive coastal market, you might look to Gulfport. For the balanced professional, Madison, MS, is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market in Madison for an out-of-state candidate?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Most large projects are awarded to firms with established local credibility. Your best strategy is to target the mid-sized regional contractors (like those in Jackson) and highlight your experience with projects that resonate locally (e.g., public schools, healthcare). Networking before you move is critical; reach out to the local ABC chapter.

Q: What’s the commute like from Jackson to Madison?
A: It’s straightforward but can be congested. The main artery is Highway 51 (Lakeland Drive), a 15-25 minute drive depending on traffic. Morning and evening rush hour can add 10-15 minutes. Living in Madison itself eliminates this commute entirely.

Q: Do I need a car in Madison?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is designed for cars. Public transportation is minimal. You’ll need a vehicle to get to job sites, suppliers, and networking events. A reliable truck or SUV is standard for the trade.

Q: What is the local culture like for construction professionals?
A: It’s a "good ol' boy" network built on handshake deals and long-term relationships. Integrity and reliability are valued above all. Showing up consistently and delivering quality work will get you further than a flashy resume. Attend local industry events and be patient; trust is built over time.

Q: How does the weather impact construction work in Madison?
A: The climate has four distinct seasons. The biggest challenges are summer heat/humidity (June-August) and rain. Winters are mild but can have occasional freezes. Project timelines must account for weather delays, especially for concrete and exterior work. This is a year-round market, unlike the northern states with long winter shutdowns.