Construction Manager in Oklahoma City, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Oklahoma City Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're deciding where to build your career. As a Construction Manager in Oklahoma City, you're looking at a median salary of $105,288/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.62/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year—a gap you'll want to keep in mind. However, the local market is robust, with 1,405 jobs in the metro area and a healthy 10-year job growth of 8%.

Here’s how compensation typically breaks down by experience level in the OKC market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (OKC)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Project coordination, submittals, site visits under supervision.
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Managing full projects, budgeting, client relations, permitting.
Senior (9-15 years)	$120,000 - $145,000	Complex projects, team leadership, strategic planning, risk management.
Expert (15+ years)	$150,000+	Executive oversight, multiple high-value projects, business development.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, OKC leads in volume and opportunity. Tulsa, for example, has a median salary closer to $102,500, but with fewer total openings. Lawton and Norman are smaller markets, often paying $95,000 - $100,000 but with less growth potential. OKC’s 8% growth is the highest in the state, driven by continuous infrastructure projects and commercial expansion.

Insider Tip: The salary range is a guide, but your leverage comes from specializing. A Construction Manager with CM-BIM certification or experience with healthcare projects (like those for INTEGRIS or OU Health) can command $10,000 - $20,000 above the median. Union vs. non-union positions also vary; union foremen on large civil projects can see higher hourly rates, but the median salary is for the broader, non-unionized management roles.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

You need to know what that $105,288 feels like in your bank account. Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%), and federal taxes will take their share. For a single filer, your estimated take-home pay after taxes would be around $78,000 - $80,000 per year, or $6,500 - $6,667 per month.

The biggest cost in OKC is housing, and here's the good news: the average 1-bedroom rent is $884/month, and the overall Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US avg = 100). Let's break down a monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,600	After taxes and benefits.
Rent (1BR)	$884	Could be higher in prime areas.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	OKC summers can be hot, raising AC costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in OKC; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Dining	$700
Healthcare (Premium + Out-of-Pocket)	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Personal/Entertainment	$400
Savings & Investments	$3,566
Total	$6,600

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price of around $275,000 in the OKC metro (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $55,000. Given your savings potential of over $3,500/month, you could realistically save for a down payment in 16-18 months. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $220,000 loan would be approximately $1,400/month (PITI), which is manageable on your take-home pay, especially if you have a dual income household.

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Where the Jobs Are: Oklahoma City's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in OKC is anchored by a mix of large general contractors, institutional projects, and public works. Here are the key players and where to focus your applications:

1. Manhattan Construction: A powerhouse in commercial, healthcare, and institutional work. They handle major projects for the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, as well as local healthcare giants. Hiring Trend: Steady growth in healthcare and higher-ed projects.
2. Hennessey Construction: A dominant force in the retail and commercial sector, particularly with restaurant and store build-outs across the state. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on fast-track projects.
3. Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS): A major public sector employer managing a $1 billion bond program for school renovations and new constructions. Hiring Trend: High demand for PMs experienced in public works and public financing.
4. The City of Oklahoma City, Public Works Department: Manages infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, parks). Hiring Trend: Heavy on civil and municipal projects; requires familiarity with OKC's permitting and zoning codes.
5. INTEGRIS Health & OU Health: These large healthcare systems are in perpetual expansion and renovation mode. Hiring Trend: High demand for Construction Managers with healthcare-specific experience (OSHPD codes, infection control).
6. Dolese Bros. Ready Mix Concrete: While primarily a materials supplier, they have a significant heavy civil construction division working on DOT and infrastructure projects. Hiring Trend: Strong in the public sector and industrial markets.
7. Tulsa-based firms with OKC offices: Companies like Manhattan (mentioned above) and D.C. Beene have a significant presence, often competing for the largest projects.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative projects are often public-private partnerships (P3s), especially for the new terminal at Will Rogers World Airport and ongoing road expansions like the I-44 widening. Networking with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Oklahoma is essential; they host monthly luncheons in the Bricktown area.

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Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a state-level mandatory license for Construction Managers, but it does for General Contractors. The path most professionals take is to obtain a General Contractor License through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). This is often required to pull permits for commercial projects.

Key Requirements:

• Exam: You must pass the NASCLA Exam for General Contractors or the Oklahoma Business and Law Exam.
• Experience: Proof of 4 years of commercial construction experience.
• Bond: A surety bond of $10,000 is required.
• Insurance: General Liability and Workers' Compensation coverage.
• Costs: Exam fee ($300), license fee ($250), bond (~$200-500/year), and insurance premiums (varies).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Study (1-2 months): Purchase NASCLA exam prep materials.
2. Schedule Exam (2-3 weeks): Test centers are available in Oklahoma City.
3. Apply for License (1 month): Submit application, proof of experience, and bond.
4. Total Time: 3-4 months from start to holding your license.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a state with a reciprocal agreement (like Texas, with some conditions), the process can be streamlined. Always check the most current requirements on the CIB website (ok.gov/cib), as rules can change.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute and lifestyle matter. OKC is vast and sprawled, so location is key. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that offer a good balance for a Construction Manager:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
Midtown	Urban, walkable, trendy. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,300	Close to major employers (Hennessey, AGC), nightlife, and walkable to work.
The Village	Quiet, established suburb. 20-25 min to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Affordable, safe, great for families. Easy access to I-44 and I-235 for job sites.
Quail Creek/North OKC	Upscale, family-oriented. 25-30 min to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,500	Top schools, newer homes. Close to major contractors' offices in the northern corridor.
Bricktown/West Village	Downtown luxury, energetic. 5-10 min walk to many offices.	$1,400 - $1,800	Premium price for zero commute. Ideal for young professionals.
Norman (South OKC)	College town feel, quieter. 25-35 min to downtown OKC.	$850 - $1,000	Lower rent, home to OU projects. Good balance if you work south of the river.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-40 (the Hefner Parkway) and I-235 can be brutal during rush hour. If most of your projects are in the metro core, living in Midtown or Bricktown can save you 45+ minutes daily. For project sites in the suburbs (like Yukon or Edmond), The Village or Quail Creek offer easier access.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth is a solid indicator of a healthy future, but your trajectory depends on specialization. Here’s how to maximize your career in OKC:

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with OSHPD and infection control knowledge can earn 10-15% above median.
• Heavy Civil/Infrastructure: Experience with ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation) and public works projects commands a premium.
• BIM/VDC Expertise: Building Information Modeling is no longer optional for large projects. Certifications here are a major differentiator.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Engineer → Assistant PM → Project Manager → Senior PM → Regional Director. This is the standard path with large GCs.
2. Specialist to Executive: Move from a PM role into a Project Executive or Business Development Director role, focusing on client relationships and large-scale bidding.
3. Owner's Representative: Transition to the client side, managing construction for institutions like OU, OKCPS, or INTEGRIS. This role often pays a premium and offers better work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook:
The market is stable. The wild card is the continued growth of the Aerospace and Defense sector (Tinker AFB is a massive employer) and the potential for a new NBA arena for the Thunder. Both will drive demand for high-end construction management. The key is to build a portfolio of distinct project types—don't just do office buildings. Mix in healthcare, education, and civil to remain adaptable.

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The Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Stretch your salary further than in major coastal cities.	Car-Dependent City: You'll need a reliable vehicle for commuting.
Strong Job Market: 1,405 jobs and 8% growth provide stability.	Lower Median Salary: A bit below the national average, though the lower COL compensates.
Diverse Project Portfolio: From skyscrapers to schools to highways.	Limited Public Transit: Difficult to live without a car.
Growing Metro: 702,654 population means continuous development.	Summers are Hot: Triple-digit temps are common, affecting outdoor project work.
Relaxed Pace: Less cutthroat than NYC or LA, with a good work-life balance.	Political & Social Climate: May not align with everyone's values; research the state.

Final Recommendation:
Oklahoma City is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who value affordability, job stability, and a diverse range of projects. It's ideal for professionals in the mid-to-senior level looking to buy a home and build a long-term career without the pressure of a hyper-competitive coastal market. If your priority is maximum salary, you might look elsewhere, but if you want to optimize quality of life and financial freedom, OKC is a compelling, data-backed option.

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FAQs

1. Is the construction market in OKC really growing?
Yes. The 10-year job growth of 8% and 1,405 current jobs indicate steady expansion. Major drivers include ongoing infrastructure projects (I-44, I-235), the $1 billion OKCPS bond, and continued commercial and healthcare development.

2. Do I need a state license to work as a Construction Manager in OKC?
While the title "Construction Manager" isn't licensed, you will need a General Contractor License from the Oklahoma CIB to legally pull permits for most commercial projects. It's a standard requirement for the role.

3. How does the cost of living compare to national averages?
OKC is significantly more affordable. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (vs. 100 nationally) and a median 1BR rent of $884, your $105,288 salary will go much further than in cities like Dallas, Denver, or Austin.

4. What's the best way to find a job in OKC from out of state?
Use LinkedIn and Indeed, but be sure to filter by "Oklahoma City." The AGC of Oklahoma website has a job board. Also, target the major employers listed above (Manhattan, Hennessey, etc.) and apply directly. Mention your intent to relocate in your cover letter.

5. Are there networking opportunities for construction professionals?
Absolutely. The AGC of Oklahoma hosts monthly luncheons in the Bricktown area. The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce also has construction committees. Attending these is the fastest way to get connected with local hiring managers and learn about unlisted opportunities.