The Ogden Construction Manager: A Data-Driven Career Guide

As someone who’s watched Ogden’s skyline change from the deck of a downtown coffee shop, I can tell you this isn’t just another Utah city. It’s a place where the old industrial bones are being feverishly reassembled into something new, and construction managers are the architects of that transformation. If you’re considering a move here, you’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for a place to build a career and a life. Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data, the neighborhoods, and the real cost of calling Ogden home.

The Salary Picture: Where Ogden Stands

The first question is always about the money. For Construction Managers in the Ogden metro area, the numbers are solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary is $106,619/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.26. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but that gap closes quickly when you look at what it costs to live here.

The Ogden metro (which includes places like Clearfield and Layton) has 174 jobs for Construction Managers, with a 10-year job growth of 8%. That’s not explosive growth, but it’s steady, reflecting a mature market with consistent demand tied to military, healthcare, and commercial development.

Here’s how those salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Ogden Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$68,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	4-8 years	$90,000 - $120,000
Senior	9-15 years	$115,000 - $145,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$135,000 - $170,000+

How does Ogden stack up against other Utah cities? You’ll make more in Salt Lake City (median around $115,000), but the cost of living there is significantly higher. Provo is similar to SLC. Ogden’s sweet spot is a high salary relative to living costs. St. George, a growing market, has slightly lower salaries (~$102,000) but a different climate and job market. For the balance of pay and affordability, Ogden is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. What does a $106,619 salary feel like on the ground in Ogden?

First, the math. After an estimated 25% total tax rate (federal, state, FICA), your take-home pay is approximately $6,664 per month. Now, subtract rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Ogden rents for $1,108/month. This leaves you with $5,556 for all other expenses.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, and this is where Ogden shines. The median home price in the Ogden metro area is around $450,000. Using a conservative 20% down payment ($90,000) and a 7% mortgage rate, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,900. That’s about 44% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% but manageable for many, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many locals buy in the suburbs (like Roy or Washington Terrace) where prices are slightly lower.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Ogden CM ($106,619 Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Taxes (25%)	-$2,665	Federal, State, FICA
Take-Home Pay	$6,664	Monthly
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,108	Ogden Metro Average
Utilities (Avg)	-$250	Includes electricity, gas, internet
Groceries	-$450	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	State avg for a reliable used car
Fuel & Maintenance	-$200	Commute costs (Vary by neighborhood)
Health Insurance	-$400	Employer-sponsored plan
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,356	Eating out, hobbies, savings, etc.

Insider Tip: Many local construction managers live in nearby cities like Kaysville or Syracuse for newer housing stock and better school districts, accepting a 15-20 minute commute to Ogden job sites. The trade-off in housing cost is worth it for many families.

Where the Jobs Are: Ogden's Major Employers

The Ogden job market for Construction Managers is anchored by a few key sectors: military (Hill Air Force Base), healthcare, education, and commercial development. Here are the major players you should know:

1. Hill Air Force Base (HAFB): The 800-pound gorilla. HAFB employs thousands and has a continuous pipeline of facility construction, renovation, and maintenance projects. Contractors like S&K Aerospace and Northrop Grumman have major operations here, and they hire CMs directly or through the prime contractors. Trend: Steady demand, often requiring security clearance.
2. Weber School District & Ogden School District: Both are in a period of modernization. They oversee multi-million dollar bond projects for new schools, renovations, and facility upgrades. These are excellent public-sector jobs with great benefits and a typical 7:30-4:30 schedule.
3. Intermountain Healthcare: The new Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in North Ogden is a major employer. They have ongoing projects for expansions, outpatient centers, and medical office buildings. The work is specialized (healthcare construction) and often requires strict protocols.
4. Brigham Young University (BYU) & Weber State University (WSU): While BYU is in Provo, its influence is felt here. Weber State University, located in the heart of Ogden, has regular campus construction projects. WSU is growing its STEM and healthcare programs, driving new construction.
5. Local & Regional Contractors: Ogden has a strong ecosystem of mid-sized contractors. Companies like Eccles Construction, Big-D Construction (regional player with a strong Ogden presence), and Hunt Electric (with a large Ogden office) are consistently hiring. These firms handle everything from commercial retail to multi-family housing.
6. Ogden City Corporation: The city itself is a major employer for public works projects—roads, bridges, parks, and municipal buildings. Working for the city means stability and a pension.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is moving towards CMs who are tech-savvy (familiar with Procore, Autodesk Build) and have experience with sustainable building practices (LEED, Net Zero). Security clearance for HAFB work is a golden ticket.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah does not require a state-issued license to practice as a Construction Manager. However, the industry standard is to obtain a Licensed Contractors License if you are running a business or acting as a general contractor. This is critical for your career mobility.

• Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL): This is the governing body. You’ll need a Commercial or Residential Contractor License depending on your focus.
• Requirements: You must pass a trade exam and a business/law exam. You also need to prove financial responsibility (bonding) and provide proof of at least two years of journeyman-level experience or a relevant degree.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $150-200 per test. The application fee is around $200. A surety bond can cost $500 - $2,000 annually depending on your credit and business size. Total upfront cost: $1,000 - $2,500.
• Timeline: Study for the exam (1-3 months), apply and schedule (1-2 months), and receive your license (4-6 weeks after approval). Plan for a 4-6 month timeline from start to finish.

Insider Tip: Even if you don't get your full license immediately, working under a licensed contractor is essential. Many Ogden CMs start as a superintendent or project engineer and get their license once they're ready to start their own firm or take a PM role.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Ogden is geographically constrained by the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, creating distinct neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Ogden	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min to most job sites.	$1,150 - $1,400	Young professionals, those who want a low-car lifestyle.
East Central	Established, quiet, near parks. 10-15 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,200	Families, those seeking a classic Ogden residential feel.
North Ogden	Suburban, family-oriented, mountain views. 15-20 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,500	Families with kids, those wanting newer homes.
Roy / Washington Terrace	Affordable suburbs, great access to I-15. 15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,100	First-time homebuyers, practical commuters.
South Ogden	Mixed, more commercial, good access to shopping. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Those who want a balance of urban and suburban.

Insider Tip: If your job is at Hill AFB, living in Roy or Clearfield (just south of Ogden) puts you 10 minutes from the gate and offers more affordable housing. For a downtown Ogden project, living in the East Central neighborhood means you can bike to work in the summer.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% suggests a stable, not a boomtown, market. Your career growth will come from specialization and leadership, not just waiting for more jobs.

• Specialty Premiums: CMs with these skills command a 10-20% salary premium:

  • Healthcare & Life Sciences: Understanding hospital codes, clean rooms, and infection control.
  • Federal/Government Projects: Knowledge of USACE, DOD, and FedRAMP processes. A security clearance is a major asset.
  • BIM & VDC Expertise: Managing projects in a virtual environment is increasingly mandatory for large jobs.
  • Sustainability: LEED AP or WELL AP credentials are valued by institutional clients like universities and hospitals.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Director of Operations. In Ogden, many experienced CMs leave large firms to start their own boutique firms, focusing on local commercial or high-end residential work.

• 10-Year Outlook: The Ogden market will remain steady, driven by the Aging of Utah's Population (creating demand for new healthcare facilities) and Hill AFB's modernization. The downtown Ogden revitalization will continue to create commercial and mixed-use projects. The key will be adapting to new technologies and sustainable building practices.

The Verdict: Is Ogden Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: Your $106,619 goes further here than in Salt Lake City.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer ultra-luxury or skyscraper projects compared to SLC.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of federal, healthcare, education, and private projects.	Seasonal Air Quality: Inversions in winter can trap smog in the valley.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to the Wasatch Mountains for hiking, skiing, and biking.	Limited Transit: A car is a necessity; public transit is limited.
Growing but Manageable: The city has momentum without the overwhelming size of SLC.	Cultural Scene is Niche: Improving, but not as vibrant as a major metropolis.
Tight-Knit Industry: It's easy to build a reputation and network locally.	Winters Are Long and Gray: The season can be tough for those used to sun.

Final Recommendation: Ogden is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values work-life balance, affordability, and outdoor recreation. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and establish a stable career, or for senior managers who want to leverage their experience in a less competitive market. If you're chasing the largest, most complex mega-projects in the U.S., look to SLC or Denver. If you want to build a meaningful career and a solid life, Ogden deserves a serious look.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Ogden?
While not strictly necessary, networking is powerful in a smaller market. Join the Northern Utah Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Attend events at Ogden's Union Station or local business mixers. Many jobs here are filled through referrals.

2. Is the job market really as stable as the data suggests?
Yes, but with a caveat. The 8% growth is slow and steady, not explosive. The stability comes from the large institutional employers (HAFB, hospitals, schools). The volatility comes from the residential and commercial sectors, which can be interest-rate sensitive. Having a clearance or a healthcare specialty provides a buffer.

3. What’s the best way to find housing in Ogden?
Start on rent.com or apartments.com. For a more local feel, check Facebook Marketplace. For buying, use a realtor who specializes in the Ogden area (like Keller Williams or Realty Executives). The market moves quickly; pre-approval is a must.

4. How is the commute from Ogden to Salt Lake City?
It’s doable but not recommended for daily work. The commute via I-15 is about 35-45 minutes in good traffic. However, congestion can turn it into a 60-90 minute slog. Most people who work in SLC live closer, but some make the trade-off for Ogden's affordability.

5. What’s the single biggest mistake new construction managers make when moving to Ogden?
Underestimating the importance of local codes and relationships. Utah has its own building codes and inspection processes. The local inspectors and permit officials are a part of the community. Building a respectful, professional relationship with them from day one is crucial for project success. Don't try to impose "big city" methods without understanding the local context.