Construction Manager in Montgomery, AL

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the construction landscape across the South, I can tell you that Montgomery operates on a different rhythm than the boomtowns of Texas or Florida. It’s a city of steady, government-anchored work with a cost of living that lets you build a real life. This guide is built on that reality. We’ll cut through the noise and look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the actual day-to-day of managing projects in Alabama’s capital.

The Salary Picture: Where Montgomery Stands

First, let’s talk brass tacks. In Montgomery, the median salary for a Construction Manager is $105,223 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.59. That’s the middle of the road—half of all managers make more, half make less. But context is everything. The national average sits at $108,210/year, so Montgomery is only about 2.7% below the U.S. average. Given the city’s cost of living index of 90.8 (where the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck actually stretches further here than in many places that pay a little more on paper.

Experience is the biggest lever on your salary. Here’s how it typically breaks down locally, based on regional data and my conversations with contractors in Pike Road and Midtown:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Montgomery, AL)
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$65,000 - $82,000
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$85,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level	10-19 years	$115,000 - $145,000
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$145,000+ (often with bonuses/equity)

Now, let’s compare Montgomery to other Alabama cities. The data shows the metro area has 390 jobs for Construction Managers, with a 10-year job growth of 8%. That’s modest, stable growth—not the frenzy of Huntsville’s aerospace or Birmingham’s healthcare expansion.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries
Montgomery	$105,223	90.8	Government, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Birmingham	$109,500	90.2	Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing
Huntsville	$112,000	91.5	Aerospace, Defense, Tech
Mobile	$103,500	89.0	Shipping, Port Operations, Aerospace

Insider Tip: Don’t chase the highest salary number alone. Birmingham and Huntsville may edge out Montgomery by a few thousand, but their housing costs (especially in desirable areas) can erase that difference. Montgomery’s “sweet spot” is for managers who want a professional role without the intense competition or cost of living pressure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-career manager earning the median salary of $105,223. This is a practical look at what you actually live on.

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard deductions, Alabama state tax (5%), and FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.

• Gross Annual Salary: $105,223
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Fed + State + FICA): ~$24,000
• Estimated Net Annual Take-Home: ~$81,223
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,768

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Montgomery rents for $913/month. A more realistic 2-bedroom (for a growing family or home office) runs about $1,100-$1,250 in a decent area.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (2-Bedroom Apartment Scenario):

• Net Monthly Take-Home: $6,768
• Rent ($1,200): - $1,200
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): - $300
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance (Essential in Montgomery): - $600
• Groceries & Household: - $600
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): - $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): - $875
• Discretionary/Entertainment: - $800
• Remaining Buffer: $1,093

This is a healthy buffer. It allows for savings beyond retirement, travel, or dining out. The key takeaway: $105,223 in Montgomery provides a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle with room for savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Montgomery is around $180,000-$220,000. With a $105,223 salary and a 20% down payment ($40k on a $200k home), you’re well within the recommended 28% housing cost guideline. Your monthly mortgage (PITI) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400—almost identical to the higher-end apartment rent. This is a major advantage. In cities where the median salary is the same but home prices are double, you’re priced out. Here, homeownership is a realistic goal within your first few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Montgomery's Major Employers

Montgomery’s job market is dominated by government, healthcare, and manufacturing. The construction work is steady, often tied to public projects, expansions, and industrial maintenance. Here are the key players:

1. The City of Montgomery & State of Alabama: The largest consistent source of public works projects—roadways, municipal buildings, parks, and infrastructure upgrades. They often hire through the Central Alabama Regional Purchasing Association (CARPA) or direct city/county portals. Hiring is steady, but the process can be slow.
2. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base: A massive economic engine. Construction managers are needed for renovations, new housing projects, and facility maintenance. Contractors here often need security clearances. Companies like Brasfield & Gorrie and Robins & Morton are frequently active on base.
3. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA): Located in Montgomery, this is a major source of industrial construction. Work involves plant expansion, tooling, and facility maintenance. The demand is for managers with experience in large-scale, fast-paced industrial projects. The Hyundai Supplier Park also creates secondary construction opportunities.
4. Baptist Health & Ascension Alabama: Both hospital systems are in perpetual growth mode. Projects range from new patient towers (like Baptist’s recent expansions) to outpatient clinics and medical office buildings. These are complex, high-budget projects requiring managers skilled in healthcare construction (ICRA, MEP systems).
5. Alabama State University & Auburn University at Montgomery: University capital projects are a steady stream—new dorms, academic buildings, athletic facilities, and parking structures. These are often publicly bid contracts and offer long-term project timelines.
6. Major Contractors: To work for these employers, you’ll likely be employed by or subcontracted through top-tier firms. Brasfield & Gorrie (headquartered in Birmingham but very active in Montgomery), Robins & Morton, Hardy Corporation, and Rives Construction are key names to know. They handle most of the large-scale commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects.

Hiring Trend Insight: The 8% job growth is real but not explosive. The best opportunities are for managers with a niche—healthcare construction, industrial project management, or public works. Generalists will find work, but specialists command higher salaries and more stable employment.

Getting Licensed in AL

Alabama does not have a state-level license for construction managers. However, you must be licensed as a General Contractor for commercial projects over $50,000 and residential projects over $75,000. This is the critical credential.

• License Required: Alabama General Contractor’s License (Commercial or Residential).
• Issuing Body: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC).
• Requirements:
  • Experience: You must prove 4 years of qualified experience in the construction industry.
  • Exam: Pass the required exam (Commercial or Residential). The exam is administered by PSI Exams.
  • Financials: Submit a financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000 (for projects under $500k) or a surety bond.
  • Insurance: Proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
• Costs:
  • Exam Fee: ~$150-$250 (per section)
  • Application Fee: ~$150
  • License Fee: ~$300 (annual)
  • Surety Bond/Insurance: Varies significantly based on your credit and project size. Budget $1,500-$3,000+ annually for this.
• Timeline: The process can take 3-6 months from application to licensure, assuming you have your experience documentation and financials in order.

Insider Tip: Many Construction Managers work under a company’s license. If you’re moving to Montgomery for a job with a firm like Brasfield & Gorrie, they will cover the licensing. If you plan to be an independent owner-operator, start the application process before you move, as gathering documentation from previous employers can take time.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Montgomery’s geography dictates commute and lifestyle. Traffic isn’t a nightmare, but crossing the river can add 15-20 minutes. Here’s where managers tend to land:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 2BR Rent	Best For
East Montgomery / Dalraida	Quiet, suburban, established. Easy access to Maxwell AFB & HMMA. 15-20 min to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,300	Families, those working at the base or auto plant.
Midtown / Garden District	Historic, walkable, character. Close to downtown offices & restaurants. Older homes, some apartments.	$950 - $1,250	Singles/couples who want a “neighborhood” feel, short commute to downtown.
Pike Road	Fast-growing suburb, new developments, top schools. 20-25 min to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,400	Families prioritizing schools and newer housing stock.
The Cloverleaf / Eastern Blvd	Affordable, convenient to I-85 & I-65. Mix of older apartments and single-family homes.	$900 - $1,150	Budget-conscious managers, easy commute to all major areas.
Prattville (just north)	Separate city but part of the metro. More suburban, big-box shopping, great schools. 20 min to downtown.	$1,150 - $1,350	Families wanting more space and a distinct suburban community.

Commuter Insight: If you work at Hyundai or in the industrial corridor, East Montgomery or Dalraida is ideal. If your office is downtown or you’re bouncing between public works sites, Midtown offers a central base. For managers at Maxwell AFB, the areas east of the base (like Dalraida or parts of Eastern Boulevard) cut the commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Montgomery, career growth is less about dramatic title jumps and more about specialization and reputation. The 10-year outlook is stable, not meteoric.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) expertise for hospitals can command a 10-15% salary premium. Hospitals like Baptist and Ascension will pay for this.
  • Industrial/Manufacturing: Project managers for automotive or aerospace (nearby) plants need to understand lean manufacturing, safety protocols (OSHA 30, etc.), and fast-track schedules. This can add a 10% premium.
  • Public Works/Government: While the base is steady, bonuses are rare. The “premium” is job security and excellent benefits (pension). Getting a PE (Professional Engineer) license alongside your construction management experience is a massive career boost here, opening doors to higher-level public works management.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager: The standard path. You’ll manage larger budgets ($5M+) and more complex teams.
  2. Senior PM → Project Executive: You oversee multiple projects, handle client relationships, and have significant P&L responsibility.
  3. Specialist → Director of Construction: For those who stick with a sector (e.g., Healthcare), moving into a corporate role for a hospital system or a large contractor.
  4. The Entrepreneurial Route: Montgomery has room for niche firms. A manager with a strong track record in a specialty (e.g., boutique commercial fits, historical renovations) can start a successful small firm serving the local market.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth indicates a market that is expanding at a manageable pace. The demand will come from:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Public works projects to replace bridges, roads, and water systems.
  • Healthcare Expansion: Continued growth of regional medical hubs.
  • Industrial Maintenance: Ongoing work at HMMA and supplier park facilities.
  • Residential Subdivision: Growth in Pike Road, Prattville, and East Montgomery.

The key to long-term growth is building a network within the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Alabama. Reputation is everything in a mid-sized market like Montgomery.

The Verdict: Is Montgomery Right for You?

Pros and Cons at a Glance:

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: $105,223 goes much further than in most metro areas.	Slower Growth: Job market and salary increases are steady, not explosive.
Affordable Homeownership: Market is accessible on a manager's salary.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: Compared to Birmingham or Nashville.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Government, military, healthcare, and industry provide resilience.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Manageable Scale: Less competition for jobs than in larger markets.	Political & Bureaucracy: State capital means more red tape for public jobs.
Central Location: Easy drive to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf Coast.	Heat & Humidity: Summers are long and intense.

Final Recommendation:

Montgomery is a prime destination for a career-focused Construction Manager seeking stability, affordability, and a balanced quality of life. It’s not the place for someone chasing the highest possible salary or the most glamorous projects. It is the place for a manager who wants to own a home, build a family, and have a career with a clear, reliable trajectory.

If you value predictable projects, a strong sense of community, and the ability to stretch your income, Montgomery offers a compelling value proposition. The $105,223 median salary, combined with a 90.8 cost of living index, creates a financial runway that’s hard to find in other markets. For the right professional, it’s not a stepping stone—it’s a destination.

FAQs

Q: Is the construction market in Montgomery heavily influenced by the state legislature session?
A: Yes, indirectly. Public works projects can see delays or accelerations based on state budget allocations during the legislative session (Jan-May). Private sector work is less affected, but the overall market sentiment can be tied to state funding.

Q: How important is it to have a PE (Professional Engineer) license?
A: For a pure Construction Manager role, a PE is not required. However, if you aim to move into higher-level public works, design-build, or senior executive roles, a PE is a significant differentiator and often a requirement for top-tier positions.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
A: Use LinkedIn to search for job titles and filter by “Montgomery, AL.” Also, check the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and City of Montgomery job boards directly. For private sector roles, the websites of Brasfield & Gorrie, Robins & Morton, and Hardy Corporation are essential.

Q: Are there union opportunities?
A: Union presence is not as strong in Montgomery as in some northern cities, but it exists. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have locals here, primarily on large commercial and industrial projects. Most residential and many commercial projects are open-shop.

Q: What’s the one thing I should do the first month I arrive?
A: Attend a Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce event or a local AGC of Alabama meeting. The construction community here is tight-knit. Getting your face in front of project managers and owners from the major firms is the fastest way to understand the local market and uncover unlisted opportunities.