Construction Manager in Norfolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're weighing a move. As a Construction Manager in Norfolk, you're looking at a median salary of $107,365/year. That translates to a solid hourly rate of $51.62/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $108,210/year, but the context here is everything. When you factor in Norfolk's cost of living, which sits at a 97.4 index (just 2.6% below the national average), your paycheck stretches further than it would in many other cities.

The job market here is stable and has room for growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows there are approximately 461 Construction Manager jobs in the Norfolk metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent, driven by port expansion, military infrastructure needs, and steady residential and commercial development.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Norfolk Annual Salary Range	Key Local Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, managing subcontractors on single-family or small commercial jobs.
Mid-Career	4-9	$95,000 - $120,000	Running multiple projects, extensive subcontractor management, budget oversight, client relations on mid-size commercial builds.
Senior	10-15	$120,000 - $145,000+	Project Executive, managing large-scale projects (e.g., military facilities, hospital expansions), strategic planning, high-stakes client management.
Expert/Executive	15+	$145,000 - $175,000+	Regional Director, VP of Operations. Often tied to a specialized firm or working on major public-private partnerships, like the ongoing Naval Station Norfolk expansions.

Insider Tip: While the national average is slightly higher, the real value in Norfolk comes from the combination of a decent salary and a lower cost of living. A senior manager earning $130,000 here has a similar, if not better, quality of life than a peer earning $145,000 in a city like Richmond or, especially, a major coastal hub. The competition for top talent is fierce, but the payoff is a lifestyle that's hard to beat.

How Norfolk Compares to Other Virginia Cities:

• Richmond: Higher salaries (median around $112,500), but a higher cost of living (index ~102). Similar job growth.
• Northern Virginia (NoVA): Salaries are significantly higher (can exceed $135,000), but the cost of living is drastically higher (index ~130+). The pace is faster, and competition is intense.
• Virginia Beach: Nearly identical median salary and cost of living. The job market is more tourism and resort-hospitality focused. Commute between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is easy (20-30 mins), so many managers live in one and work in the other.

For a Construction Manager, Norfolk offers a "sweet spot"—a professional salary without the crushing financial pressure of the larger metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Your gross salary is $107,365. After federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, your estimated monthly take-home pay is roughly $6,700 to $7,000. This is a critical number.

Now, let's build a monthly budget. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Norfolk is $1,287/month. This can be higher in trendy areas or lower in others. For a comfortable lifestyle, we'll use a more realistic $1,400/month for a decent 1BR.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	Notes for a Norfolk CM
Take-Home Pay	$6,850	This is an estimate after taxes for a single filer.
Rent (1BR)	$1,400	You can find places for $1,200, but $1,400 gets you in a safer, more convenient area.
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, internet. Coastal humidity can affect AC costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	A must. Public transit is limited for construction sites.
Groceries & Household	$500
Eating Out/Entertainment	$400	Plenty of great local spots in Ghent and the Waterfront.
Savings/Retirement	$1,000	Strongly recommended, especially if your employer offers a match.
Miscellaneous	$300	Phone, subscriptions, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$2,500	This is your flexibility for debt, vacations, or saving for a home.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Norfolk metro area is around $310,000. With a $107,365 salary, a 20% down payment ($62,000) is a significant but achievable savings goal. Your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance on a $310,000 home would likely be around $2,100 - $2,300. Given your take-home pay and the buffer in your budget, this is very feasible, especially with a partner contributing to household income. Many managers choose to live in nearby suburbs like Chesapeake or Virginia Beach for more space and lower property taxes.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook the first-time homebuyer programs in Virginia. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers down payment assistance and low-interest loans that can make homeownership more accessible, even on a manager's salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key sectors. You're not just finding a job; you're finding a niche.

1. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) & Military Contractors: This is the biggest player. Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base. The constant need for new facilities, renovation, and maintenance creates a steady stream of high-value projects. Major contractors like Hensel Phelps, Clark Construction, and Balfour Beatty have a major presence here. Hiring is often tied to federal contract cycles, but the work is long-term and stable.

2. Sentara Healthcare: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a major Level I trauma center and a hub for medical research. They are perpetually expanding, renovating, and building new outpatient centers. This requires CMs with experience in healthcare construction, which is a highly specialized and lucrative field.

3. Old Dominion University (ODU) & Virginia Tech (Virginia Beach Campus): Both universities have ongoing capital projects, from new dormitories and research facilities to athletic complexes. Public university work offers good benefits and predictable schedules.

4. The Port of Virginia (Hampton Roads Port Authority): The port is a massive economic engine. Ongoing projects include dredging, terminal expansions, and infrastructure improvements. These are large-scale civil and industrial projects that require experienced CMs familiar with heavy civil work and logistics.

5. Local & Regional General Contractors: Firms like W.M. Jordan Company (headquartered in Newport News but a major regional player), Allan Myers, and KBS are the backbone of local commercial and residential construction. These firms handle everything from mid-rise apartments in Ghent to commercial retail spaces in Kemps River.

Hiring Trends: There's a notable shift towards firms with expertise in sustainable building (LEED certification) and disaster resilience, critical for a coastal city. Also, look for firms involved in public-private partnerships (P3s), which are becoming more common for large infrastructure projects.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia's licensing is handled by the Virginia Board for Contractors (VBC). It's a straightforward process but requires documentation.

• Requirement: To work as a Construction Manager in Virginia, you typically need a Class A or Class B Contractor's License, especially if you're performing work over $10,000. A Class A license has no monetary limit, while Class B is for projects up to $120,000. For pure construction management (no physical labor), a Class B is often sufficient.
• Exam: You must pass the required exams. For a Class B license, this is the Business and Law exam and a Trade exam (e.g., General Building Contractor). The exam fee is $100 per exam.
• Application & Bonding: The application fee is $250. You'll also need a $5,000 surety bond for a Class B license (or $10,000 for Class A). The cost of the bond varies based on your credit but can be as low as $100-$200 annually.
• Proof of Experience: You must document 5 years of experience in the construction field. This can be a combination of education and work experience.
• Timeline: The process can take 3 to 6 months from start to finish. Start gathering your experience documentation and study for the exams well before you move. You can take the exam in Virginia, or in some cases, through a proctored online service.

Insider Tip: The VBC website is your best friend. It's dense but has all the forms and checklists. Consider joining the local Hampton Roads Associated General Contractors (HRAGC) chapter. They often provide exam prep courses and networking opportunities that are invaluable for getting licensed and finding your first local job.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top picks for a Construction Manager.

1. Ghent: The historic, walkable heart of Norfolk. Full of Victorian homes, parks, and a vibrant dining scene. It's where you go after a hard day on the site to unwind. Commute to most job sites is 15-20 minutes. The vibe is urban, professional, and active. Rent for a 1BR: $1,400 - $1,800.
2. Colonial Place / Riverview: Just north of Ghent along the Elizabeth River. Offers a mix of historic charm and more modern apartments. The commute is similar to Ghent, but with slightly easier parking. It's popular with young professionals and has a quieter, more residential feel. Rent for a 1BR: $1,250 - $1,550.
3. Kemps River / General Booth Blvd (Virginia Beach): This is a popular choice for managers who want suburban comfort with easy access to Norfolk job sites. It's a 25-30 minute commute straight up I-264. You'll find newer apartment complexes, great schools, and proximity to the Oceanfront for weekend recreation. Rent for a 1BR: $1,300 - $1,500.
4. Downtown Norfolk / Waterside: For those who want a true urban core. High-rise apartments with river views, walkable to the Scope, Harbor Park, and restaurants. The commute to job sites on the base or in industrial areas may be 10-15 minutes, but you're in the heart of action. Rent for a 1BR: $1,600 - $2,200+ (premium for views).
5. Chesapeake (Greenbrier / Edinburgh): A 20-25 minute commute from downtown Norfolk, offering more space for the money. This is a family-friendly area with excellent schools, shopping, and newer housing developments. If you're looking to buy a home in the near future, this is a top contender. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Norfolk is a fantastic place to build a long-term career, especially if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest earners are those with niche expertise. Healthcare construction (Sentara projects) and military/industrial (NAVFAC/Port projects) command a 10-15% salary premium. Certifications like LEED AP or PMP are highly valued and can push you into the top tier.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from Assistant Superintendent to CM to Project Executive. However, a smart move in Norfolk is to transition to Public Works with the City of Norfolk or Facilities Management with a large employer like Sentara or ODU. These roles offer exceptional job security and benefits, though salaries may cap slightly lower than the top private firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The key drivers will be military modernization, port expansion, and climate resilience projects (e.g., flood mitigation). The biggest risk is an economic downturn affecting private commercial development, but the public sector (military, ports, universities) provides a reliable buffer. Networking through the HRAGC and local BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) chapters is critical for long-term advancement.

The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse employer base (Military, Port, Healthcare, Universities).	Hurricane season is a real business and personal risk. Flood zones can affect property and insurance costs.
Cost of living is favorable vs. salary. Homeownership is within reach.	Traffic can be challenging, especially tunnel crossings (HRBT, MMMBT). Planning your commute is key.
Excellent work-life balance. The pace is professional but not as frantic as larger metros.	Public schools are a mixed bag; research is crucial if you have a family.
Vibrant cultural scene (museums, festivals, live music) and unbeatable access to the Chesapeake Bay for recreation.	The "tunnel problem" can make cross-city commutes unpredictable during peak hours or after events.
Stable, long-term job market with a high floor for salaries.	Summers are hot and humid, which can be a factor if you spend a significant amount of time on active construction sites.

Final Recommendation: For a Construction Manager, Norfolk is an excellent choice. It offers a professional salary that provides a high quality of life, a stable and diverse job market, and a community feel. It's ideal for someone looking to build equity, enjoy a coastal lifestyle, and have a career that isn't constantly on the edge of a recession. If you're from a faster-paced city and value career mobility above all else, you might find it a bit slow. But if you're looking for a place to put down roots and build a career, Norfolk is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from out of state. What's the first thing I should do?
First, contact the Virginia Board for Contractors to understand your specific licensing pathway. Simultaneously, start applying to firms. Get your resume checked by a local recruiter. If possible, plan a visit to tour neighborhoods and meet with potential employers. The job market is competitive enough that having a local presence helps.

2. Is it necessary to have military construction experience?
While not absolutely necessary, it is a significant advantage. Many of the largest, most stable projects are military-related. Having any experience with federal contracting, Davis-Bacon wage requirements, or security clearances will make you a much more attractive candidate to the top firms.

3. How is the traffic for a daily commute?
It depends on your route. Crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) from Virginia Beach to Norfolk can add 20-45 minutes to your commute. However, living in Ghent and working at a site in Portsmouth or Chesapeake is typically a 15-25 minute drive. Use Google Maps during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) to get a realistic sense before choosing your home.

4. Are there opportunities for women in construction management in Norfolk?
Yes, and it's a growing focus. Organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) have an active Hampton Roads chapter. Many local firms, especially the large GCs and healthcare construction specialists, are actively working to improve diversity. Networking through NAWIC and HRAGC is a great way to connect with supportive peers and employers.

5. What's the typical project size I'd manage?
You'll find everything. Local firms manage single-family home builds, mid-size commercial retail (think grocery stores and strip malls), and multi-family apartments. The large national firms and military contractors manage projects in the $10 million to $100 million+ range, from new hospital wings to military barracks and port infrastructure. Your career trajectory will determine the scale you work on.