Construction Manager in Orlando, FL

As a career analyst who’s lived in Central Florida for two decades, I’ve watched Orlando transform from a tourist town into a major engine for construction and infrastructure. The city’s explosive growth—from the Convention Center district to the SunRail expansion—has created a sustained demand for skilled Construction Managers. If you're considering a move here, this guide will cut through the noise and give you the data-driven, on-the-ground reality of the profession in Orlando.

Let's start with the most important number.

The Salary Picture: Where Orlando Stands

In Orlando, the median salary for a Construction Manager is $108,567/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $52.2/hour. This figure is slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, which is a key advantage. While the difference seems small, in a field where every percentage point counts, Orlando’s local market offers competitive compensation relative to the rest of the country.

However, salary is not one-size-fits-all. Your experience, specialization, and the specific firm you work for will create significant variance. Here’s a more nuanced breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Orlando market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Orlando Salary Range	Notes for the Orlando Market
Entry-Level / Assistant PM	0-3	$65,000 - $85,000	Often starts in project engineering or field superintendent roles. Larger firms like Barton Malow or Brasfield & Gorrie offer structured training.
Mid-Career / Project Manager	4-9	$90,000 - $130,000	This is where you'll find the median salary. You'll be managing projects from conception to closeout, often in commercial, healthcare, or hospitality.
Senior / Senior PM	10-15	$130,000 - $170,000	Oversees complex, multi-million dollar projects (e.g., a new hospital wing or a high-rise). Strong local network and proven track record are essential.
Expert / Director / VP	15+	$170,000 - $220,000+	Manages regional portfolios, business development, and executive client relationships. Often found with national firms like Turner or local giants like Robins & Morton.

How does this stack up against other Florida cities?

• Miami: Salaries can be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living is significantly more, especially housing.
• Tampa: Very comparable to Orlando, with a slightly tighter job market (~580 jobs vs. Orlando's 641).
• Jacksonville: Salaries are often lower by 5-10%, but the cost of living is also lower. The market is more industrial and military-base focused.
• Orlando's Niche: Orlando's strength is in a diverse mix of sectors—hospitality, healthcare, institutional (universities), and mixed-use development. This diversity provides more stability than markets reliant on a single industry.

Insider Tip: The 8% 10-year job growth for the metro area is a strong signal. This isn't just replacement hiring; it's growth. The expansion of the SunRail commuter line, the new Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal C, and continuous hotel/resort renovations in the I-Drive corridor are driving this demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $108,567 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Orlando?

First, the deductions. For a single filer with no dependents, federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare will take roughly 22-25% off the top. Let's use a conservative 25% for our calculation.

• Gross Annual Salary: $108,567
• Estimated Annual Taxes (25%): $27,142
• Estimated Net Annual Income: $81,425
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,785

Now, factor in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Orlando is $1,638/month. The Cost of Living Index is 101.1, meaning Orlando is about 1.1% more expensive than the national average. This is driven almost entirely by housing and utilities.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,785	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR, avg.)	$1,638	This can range from $1,400 in suburbs to over $2,000 in trendy areas.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$220	Florida's heat makes AC a major cost, especially in older apartments.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Orlando is a car-dependent city. Insurance rates are high.
Gas / Commute	$180	Depends on distance. I-4 is notoriously congested.
Groceries	$400
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Discretionary / Entertainment	$1,500	Dining out, hobbies, travel. This is a key Orlando perk.
Savings & Retirement (10-15%)	$947	Crucial for long-term wealth.
Total Expenses	$5,785
Monthly Surplus	$1,000	A healthy buffer for unexpected costs or extra savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in the Orlando metro area is currently around $380,000. With a 20% down payment ($76,000), you'd be looking at a mortgage of $304,000. At current interest rates (~7%), your principal and interest alone would be around $2,025/month, not including property taxes (approx. $6,000/year or $500/month) and insurance (can be $200+/month in Florida).

This puts the total monthly housing cost at over $2,700, which is a significant portion of the take-home pay. While possible on a dual-income household, it's a stretch for a single earner at the median salary. A common strategy is to start with a condo or townhome in the $250k-$300k range, which is more attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Orlando's Major Employers

The Orlando construction scene is a mix of national heavyweights and powerful regional players. Here’s who is consistently hiring and what they build:

1. Barton Malow: A massive player in Central Florida, they lead the construction of major projects like the new Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal C and the Exploria Stadium (Orlando City SC). They have a strong reputation and offer career stability.
2. Brasfield & Gorrie: Headquartered in Birmingham but with a major Orlando office, they are a top builder for healthcare (AdventHealth, Orlando Health) and commercial projects. They are known for their employee-centric culture.
3. Turner Construction: The national giant. Their Orlando office handles complex, high-profile projects like the CNL Tower renovation and large-scale hospitality work for Disney. It's a fast-paced, high-expectation environment that looks great on a resume.
4. Robins & Morton: A national firm with a huge presence in Florida, headquartered in Birmingham. They are a dominant force in healthcare, hospitality, and institutional construction across the state. Their Orlando portfolio is extensive.
5. Balfour Beatty: Known for complex projects in the federal, aviation, and healthcare sectors. They are a key player in building and renovating facilities for the military and VA hospitals throughout Central Florida.
6. Anheuser-Busch (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay): While based in Tampa, their projects span the I-4 corridor. They frequently hire for construction management roles for park expansions, rides, and infrastructure.
7. Local & Mid-Size Firms: Don't overlook firms like Collier Development, The DAVE Group, or SDC. They often handle high-end residential, boutique commercial, and local government projects, offering a more intimate work environment.

Hiring Trends: The market is hungry for managers with healthcare construction experience (due to the expansion of AdventHealth and Orlando Health) and hospitality/entertainment expertise. Proficiency in VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) and sustainability (LEED, WELL) is increasingly in demand.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has a clear but strict licensing path. You cannot call yourself a "Construction Contractor" without a license.

1. Experience: You need at least four years of experience to sit for the exam. This can be a combination of college (a 4-year degree in a related field can count for up to 3 years) and practical work experience.
2. Examination: You must pass the Florida Construction Contractor Examination. It's a two-part exam: Business & Finance and the trade part (General Contractor). Most candidates spend 2-3 months studying.
3. Financials & Insurance: You must prove financial stability (a net worth of at least $10,000 or a surety bond) and carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees).
4. Application & Fees: Submit an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fees include application ($245), examination ($135), and initial licensure ($245). Total initial cost is roughly $625, not including study materials or insurance.

Timeline: From deciding to get licensed to holding the certificate, expect a 6 to 12-month process.

Insider Tip: Many construction managers in Orlando are employed by a licensed contractor and work under their license. You don't always need your own to be a "Construction Manager," but having a Certified General Contractor (CG) license is a massive career accelerator and salary booster.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will define your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top options:

1. Lake Nona (South Orlando): The epicenter of new medical and tech construction. You could literally live 10 minutes from work at the Lake Nona Medical City or Orlando International Airport. It's master-planned, modern, and family-friendly. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $1,800.
2. Baldwin Park / Audubon Park (East Orlando): More established, with a charming, walkable feel. Close to downtown and major highways. Great for young professionals who want a neighborhood vibe but easy access to the city. Rent for a 1BR: $1,700 - $2,100.
3. Winter Park (North Orlando): Upscale, historic, and with top-rated schools. The commute to downtown or the airport is reasonable via I-4 or SR 408. A prestigious address but at a premium price. Rent for a 1BR: $1,900 - $2,400.
4. College Park (West of Downtown): A historic, walkable neighborhood with a strong community feel. Close to downtown, the airport, and the Florida Turnpike. More affordable than Winter Park but with a great personality. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $1,900.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic is real. I-4 is often called "I-4 Ultimate" for a reason. Living close to your job or near a SunRail station (like in Winter Park or Lake Nona) can save you hours per week.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over the next decade is your runway. But how do you climb above the median salary?

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can add 10-25% to your salary.
  • Healthcare Construction: High demand, complex regulations. Premium pay.
  • Heavy Civil / Infrastructure: SunRail and road projects. Requires different certifications (e.g., FDOT).
  • Sustainability (LEED AP): Increasingly required for institutional and corporate projects.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Technical Track: Superintendent -> Senior Superintendent -> Project Executive. This is the field leadership track.
  • Management Track: Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Director of Operations -> VP of Construction.
  • Business Development: Moving from PM to a client-facing, revenue-generating role.
• 10-Year Outlook: Orlando’s growth is not slowing. The continued expansion of the airport, the potential for a new downtown stadium, and the perpetual need for housing and healthcare infrastructure will keep demand high. The key will be adapting to new technologies like modular construction and advanced project management software.

The Verdict: Is Orlando Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries that outpace the national average.	High Cost of Living, primarily driven by housing and insurance.
Robust & Diverse Job Market with 641 openings and 8% growth.	Traffic & Commute. You will spend time in your car.
Thriving Industry in healthcare, hospitality, and infrastructure.	Hurricane Risk adds stress and cost (insurance, evacuation).
Vibrant Lifestyle with endless entertainment, dining, and outdoor activities.	Tourist Congestion can be frustrating for residents, especially near I-Drive.
No State Income Tax, which boosts your take-home pay.	Humid & Hot Climate for a large portion of the year.

Final Recommendation:
Orlando is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is mid-career or looking to specialize in high-growth sectors like healthcare or entertainment. The financials work if you are strategic about housing (considering roommates or a condo initially) and your commute. It's a city built on construction, and that momentum is unlikely to stop. If you thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and can handle the Florida climate, Orlando offers a compelling blend of career opportunity and quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own Florida contractor's license to be a Construction Manager?
A: No, not if you are employed by a licensed contractor and are working under their license. However, obtaining your own Certified General Contractor (CG) license is highly recommended for long-term career advancement and salary increases.

Q: How is the job market for someone with experience in residential construction?
A: The Orlando market is dominated by commercial, healthcare, and institutional work. If your background is strictly in residential, you may need to target custom home builders or large multi-family developers (like Lennar or Pulte, who have major operations here). The transition is possible but may require learning new codes and project scales.

Q: What's the real story on I-4 traffic?
A: It's as bad as they say, especially during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). The "I-4 Ultimate" project is largely complete, but congestion remains. Choosing a home near your job or using SunRail for part of your commute is a game-changer.

Q: Are there opportunities for women in construction management in Orlando?
A: Absolutely. The industry is making a concerted effort to be more inclusive. Organizations like the Central Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are very active and provide excellent networking and support.

Q: How do I network in the Orlando construction scene?
A: Join the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Florida Chapter or AGC of Central Florida. Attend their monthly mixers and educational events. The Orlando market is relationship-driven; a personal introduction can be worth its weight in gold.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Zillow Rental Market, U.S. Census Bureau, and local industry reports.