Manhattan, KS Construction Manager Career Guide

As someone who’s walked the streets of Manhattan from the Aggieville bars to the new developments near K-State, I can tell you this city moves to a different rhythm than the coastal construction hubs. It’s a tight-knit market where your reputation travels fast, and the cost of living lets you build a solid life without the crushing debt. This guide is for the Construction Manager—experienced, licensed, and looking to anchor their career in the Flint Hills. We’re going to skip the fluff and get straight to the data, the neighborhoods, and the real cost of building a life here.

The Salary Picture: Where Manhattan Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Manhattan is $105,061/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.51/hour. This number is pulled from local market data and sits slightly below the national average of $108,210/year. It’s not a dramatic gap, but it’s enough to understand that you’re trading a small percentage of top-end salary for a significant reduction in living expenses.

The job market here is niche but steady. The Metro area only has about 107 Construction Manager positions, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s stable. In Manhattan, you’re not competing with thousands of PMs from a major metro; you’re part of a smaller, experienced pool. That means local firms know who you are, and your track record carries more weight.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown
While the median is $105,061, where you fall on that curve depends heavily on your portfolio and licensure.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Manhattan, KS)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-3 years, licensed)	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starts as an Assistant PM on large K-State or commercial projects. Focus on learning local subcontractors.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	This is the core of the market. You’re managing full projects, likely 1-2 at a time. The median $105,061 sits here.
Senior (10-20 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	You’re overseeing multiple projects or a specific division (e.g., healthcare, higher ed). Your network is everything.
Expert/Principal (20+ years)	$135,000 - $160,000+	This is the top tier, often partners at local firms or VPs of operations. Salary is heavily tied to firm performance and bonuses.

How Manhattan Compares to Other Kansas Cities
Manhattan’s cost of living is a major draw, but how does the pay stack up?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Real Wage Advantage?
Manhattan	$105,061	90.3	High. Lower COL means your dollar goes further.
Wichita	~$102,500	86.8	Similar pay, slightly lower COL. More industrial projects.
Kansas City	~$115,000	91.5	Higher pay, but similar COL. More competition, bigger projects.
Topeka	~$98,000	86.2	Lower pay, lower COL. More public/government work.

Insider Tip: Manhattan’s proximity to Fort Riley means there’s consistent, if not always public, demand for renovation and new construction on military-adjacent housing and facilities. This is a steady, reliable revenue stream for many local firms that isn’t always reflected in broad job postings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $105,061 looks different after Kansas takes its share and you pay for a roof over your head. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,755 ($105,061 / 12)
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State ~28%): ~$2,451
• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,304/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $817/month (Manhattan average, but varies by neighborhood).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Construction Manager
This is a practical model for a mid-career manager.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,304	After taxes.
Housing (1BR Apt or Starter Home)	$900 - $1,400	Could be a nice 1BR in Aggieville or a entry-level 2BR house in a western neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Kansas winters can be cold; heating costs are a factor.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Kansas has low insurance rates, but you’ll need a reliable truck or SUV for sites.
Food & Groceries	$400	Manhattan has competitive grocery options (Dillon’s, Aldi, Wal-Mart).
Student Loans/Debt	$400	Varies widely, but a common burden for degreed managers.
Retirement & Savings	$1,000	At 12% of gross, this is a solid contribution.
Discretionary / Fun	$754	Covers dining out in Aggieville, K-State games, weekend trips.
Total Expenses	$4,304 - $4,804
Leftover / Buffer	$1,500 - $2,000	Healthy margin for savings, travel, or investing.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, yes. This is the single biggest advantage for construction professionals in Manhattan. The median home price in the Manhattan metro hovers around $225,000 - $250,000. With your income and the $1,500-$2,000 monthly buffer, a 20% down payment ($45,000-$50,000) is achievable within a few years of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage on a $240,000 home with 20% down would be roughly $1,200/month (including taxes and insurance). This is well within the realm of affordability on a $105,061 salary, allowing you to build equity in a stable market.

Where the Jobs Are: Manhattan's Major Employers

You won’t find a Google or a massive corporate headquarters, but you’ll find a handful of stable, project-rich employers that form the backbone of the local construction scene.

1. The Manhattan Companies (Cannon & Associates, Manhattan Construction Group): These are the legacy firms. They handle a significant portion of the large-scale commercial, institutional, and municipal work. Hiring is steady, but they value local experience and long-term commitment. They are often the prime contractors on K-State projects.
2. Kansas State University: K-State is the city’s economic engine. The university maintains a massive, constant pipeline of projects—new dormitories, lab renovations, athletic facility upgrades, and infrastructure work. While some projects are bid to outside firms, many are managed by an in-house team. Their "Facilities Planning & Construction" department is a key employer.
3. City of Manhattan & Riley County: The city and county have robust public works departments managing roads, water treatment, and public facilities. They hire construction managers directly for public projects. The process is more bureaucratic but offers exceptional job security and benefits. Watch for postings on their official websites.
4. Private Healthcare Providers (Mercy Regional, Via Christi Hospital): Healthcare construction is a specialty. These systems regularly upgrade facilities, build clinics, and add new wings. Firms with healthcare experience are in demand. Managers with a background in medical facility build-outs (clean rooms, HVAC for labs) have a significant edge.
5. Military Contractors (Fort Riley Adjacent): While not always advertised publicly, the Fort Riley military base, located just west of Manhattan, drives a steady stream of renovation, housing, and facility work. General contractors who can navigate the federal bidding process and security clearances find consistent work through contracts managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
6. Local & Regional Developers: Firms like Crown Development or Turner-Fairbank (regional) are active in multi-family and retail developments. They often act as owner’s reps or developers and hire construction managers to oversee their projects from the ground up.

Hiring Trend: The market is favoring managers with technology proficiency (Procore, Bluebeam, BIM 360) and specialized experience in sustainability (LEED), healthcare, or higher education. The 8% growth is tied to these niches.

Getting Licensed in Kansas

Kansas does not have a state-level licensing requirement for Construction Managers specifically. However, the profession is heavily regulated through related licenses and certifications that are essential for credibility and employment.

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License: This is the gold standard. While not legally required for all CM roles, a PE license is often a prerequisite for senior positions, especially those involving structural, mechanical, or civil engineering decisions. To get a PE in Kansas, you need:

   • An ABET-accredited engineering degree.
   • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
   • 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE.
   • Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Cost: ~$500 for exams and application fees.
   • Timeline: Minimum of 5 years post-college.

2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), this is the premier certification for CMs. It validates your experience and knowledge. Kansas employers recognize it highly.

   • Requirements: 8 years of construction management experience (4 of which must be in a responsible management role).
   • Cost: Exam fee is ~$495 for members, $695 for non-members. Annual maintenance fee ~$195.
   • Timeline: You can study for and take the exam once you meet experience requirements.

3. OSHA 30-Hour Certification: This is non-negotiable. While not a license, it’s a minimum requirement on almost every job site. Most firms will pay for this.

Insider Tip: Start with your FE exam early in your career. In Manhattan, a PE attached to your name can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your earning potential and opens doors to leadership roles at firms like The Manhattan Companies or the city's public works department.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Manhattan is a commuter-friendly city, but your quality of life can vary significantly by neighborhood. Here’s a breakdown for a professional with a $105,061 salary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It Works for a CM
Aggieville	The heart of the city, walkable to bars, restaurants, and K-State campus. High energy, older housing stock. Commute to most sites is <10 mins.	$850 - $1,100	Perfect if you want to be in the social mix. Older buildings mean you’ll see renovation work firsthand.
Midtown / Downtown	Quieter, more residential, with a mix of historic homes and new townhomes. Easy access to the downtown core and I-70.	$800 - $1,000	Great balance of quiet living and urban access. A good place to buy a starter home.
West Side / Seth Child	Family-oriented, great schools, newer subdivisions. Commutes are longer (15-20 mins), but the drive is easy.	$900 - $1,200	Ideal for managers with families or those looking to buy. You’re close to the new commercial developments popping up.
North / South of I-70	More affordable, less character. Straight-shot commutes. You’ll find more new-build apartment complexes here.	$700 - $850	Best for maximizing savings. You’re trading walkability for a lower rent bill, which can accelerate your home-buying timeline.

Personal Insight: If you’re single or a couple, Aggieville or Midtown offer the best lifestyle. The short commute means more time for yourself. If you’re looking to buy a home and settle down, the West Side has the best value for your money and a strong community feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Manhattan isn’t a place for rapid, vertical jumps to a national VP role. It’s a place for building a deep, respected career with a strong work-life balance.

• Specialty Premiums: In Manhattan, you can command a 10-15% salary premium over the median ($115,567 - $120,820) if you have expertise in:

  • Healthcare Construction: Navigating the complex codes and infection control risk assessment (ICRA) protocols.
  • Higher Ed Renovation: Working within an active, occupied campus like K-State without disrupting classes.
  • Municipal/Infrastructure: Managing public works projects and all the associated paperwork and public meetings.

• Advancement Paths: The path is typically:

  1. Project Engineer/Assistant PM at a local firm (2-4 years).
  2. Project Manager running your own projects (5-10 years). This is where you’ll hit the $105,061 median.
  3. Senior PM / Project Executive overseeing multiple projects or a regional office (10+ years).
  4. Partner / Principal at a firm or starting your own boutique consultancy.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. Manhattan’s economy is tethered to K-State and Fort Riley, both stable institutions. The biggest changes will come from technological adoption (drones for surveying, advanced project management software) and a growing emphasis on green building. A CM who stays ahead of these trends will be insulated from market dips.

Insider Tip: Your career growth in Manhattan is less about jumping firms and more about deepening your relationships within the local ecosystem. Join the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas and attend every city planning meeting. This is where deals are made and reputations are built.

The Verdict: Is Manhattan Right for You?

Manhattan offers a compelling package for a Construction Manager who values stability, affordability, and a genuine community over the frantic pace and high salaries of a major coastal city.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $105,061 salary goes much further, allowing for home ownership and savings.	Limited Project Scale: You won’t be managing a 50-story skyscraper. Projects are meaningful but smaller in scope.
Stable Market: Anchored by K-State and Fort Riley, the job market is recession-resistant.	Limited Networking Pool: The same 100+ managers are in every room. It’s friendly but can feel insular.
Strong Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, less traffic, and a "leave work at work" culture.	Cultural & Dining Scene: It’s good for a city of its size, but it’s not a major metro. Your big-city amenities are a 2-hour drive to KC.
High Sense of Community: You’re not a face in the crowd. Your expertise is recognized.	Weather: Kansas winters can be harsh, and spring brings tornadoes. This directly impacts construction schedules.

Final Recommendation: Manhattan is an excellent choice for a mid-career Construction Manager (5-15 years of experience) who is ready to buy a home, start a family, and build a lasting local reputation. It’s less ideal for a 25-year-old seeking the fast-paced, project-hopping lifestyle of a boomtown, or for an expert aiming to break into the national C-suite of a major firm. For the right person, it’s a place to build a career and a life.

FAQs

1. What is the average salary for a Construction Manager in Manhattan, KS?
The median salary is $105,061/year, with an hourly rate of $50.51. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but the lower cost of living (Index: 90.3) creates a significant financial advantage.

2. Do I need a PE license to work as a Construction Manager in Manhattan?
Not legally, but it is highly recommended for career advancement. A PE license can increase your salary potential by $10,000-$15,000 and is often required for senior roles, especially at firms managing public or institutional projects.

3. How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers?
The market is stable but not large, with only about 107 positions in the metro. Competition is moderate. Having local experience, a PE license, or a C