Construction Manager in Oshkosh, WI

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the Fox Valley’s skyline change, I can tell you that Oshkosh offers a unique blend of blue-collar grit and corporate stability. It’s a city where you can still afford a mortgage on a construction manager’s salary, and where the jobs are tied to both the legacy of Oshkosh Corporation and the steady demand for healthcare and education projects. This guide isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a data-driven look at what it really means to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

Construction managers in Oshkosh earn a median salary of $105,190/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.57/hour. It’s a solid number, but context is everything. This is below the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. However, the cost of living in Oshkosh is significantly lower, meaning your paycheck stretches further. The metro area includes about 132 jobs for this role, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%—a stable, if not explosive, growth rate.

To understand the earning curve, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local project types (commercial, industrial, and residential):

Experience Level	Typical Oshkosh Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Project Types
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM on smaller residential builds, subcontractor coordination, basic estimating. Often starts with a local home builder like Miron or Boldt's smaller commercial division.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Managing full projects for healthcare (Mercy, Aurora) or education (OSD, UWO). Handles budgets $1M-$5M, direct client interaction, and on-site safety.
Senior (10-15 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Oversaw multiple large-scale projects. Deep ties with local subs. Often moves into operations or business development. Could be a Project Executive for a firm like C.D. Smith.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$135,000+	C-suite roles at a regional firm, ownership stake in a specialty contracting business, or senior director at a major owner like Oshkosh Corp.

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Oshkosh sits in a sweet spot. It’s more affordable than Madison or Milwaukee, where salaries might be higher but are erased by housing costs. In Green Bay, salaries are comparable, but Oshkosh’s proximity to the larger Fox Cities metro (Appleton, Neenah) offers a broader network of industrial and institutional clients.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $105,190/year in Oshkosh goes a long way. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single person, assuming a standard tax burden (federal, state, FICA) and using the city’s average 1-bedroom rent of $779/month.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $105,190 / 12 = $8,766
• Estimated Taxes (22-28% effective rate): ~$2,200 - $2,450
• Take-Home Pay (Estimate): $6,316 - $6,566

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1-Bedroom Avg): $779
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet): $220
• Groceries: $450
• Car Payment/Insurance (Oshkosh is car-dependent): $600
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $400
• Retirement Savings (10%): $875
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, Travel): $1,500+
• Remaining Buffer: $500+

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Oshkosh is around $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of approximately $1,160—well within the take-home budget. This is a stark contrast to markets like Madison or Milwaukee, where the median price is double or more. For a construction manager, owning a home here isn't a distant dream; it's a standard part of the career trajectory.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

The job market for construction managers is anchored by a few key sectors: heavy industry, healthcare, education, and institutional work. Here are the major players you need to know:

1. Oshkosh Corporation: The city's largest employer. They are constantly expanding their manufacturing facilities (e.g., for fire trucks, military vehicles). Construction management roles here are industrial-focused, dealing with highly specialized builds, clean-room standards, and massive capital projects. Hiring is cyclical but steady.

2. Boldt Construction: A national firm headquartered in Appleton but with a massive footprint in Oshkosh. They are the go-to for healthcare (Mercy, Aurora), higher education (UW Oshkosh), and large-scale commercial projects. They have a strong pipeline and are a premier employer for people looking to work on complex, high-value builds.

3. Miron Construction: Another major regional builder based in Neenah. They specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction. Their portfolio includes schools, churches, and manufacturing expansions throughout the Fox Valley. They have a reputation for a strong company culture and long-term employee retention.

4. C.D. Smith Construction: Based in Fond du Lac with a significant presence in Oshkosh. They handle a wide range of projects, from public sector work to industrial and healthcare. Their involvement in the massive expansion of the Oshkosh North High School is a recent local landmark project.

5. Mercy Health & Aurora Health Care: While these are healthcare providers, they are also perpetual builders. They manage their own facilities teams and hire construction managers or work directly with firms like Boldt for expansions, renovations, and new clinic builds. These are stable, long-term projects.

6. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO): As one of the largest universities in the state, UWO has a constant need for facility management and capital project oversight. They often hire construction managers for their internal facilities department or contract with firms for major projects like new dorms or academic buildings.

Hiring Trends: The pipeline is strong. The industrial sector, driven by Oshkosh Corp and its suppliers, is active. Healthcare is a perennial growth area. The biggest challenge is the skilled labor shortage, which puts experienced construction managers in high demand. Networking through the local Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin - Fox Valley Chapter is essential.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not require a state-specific license to practice as a construction manager. However, the professional credibility and career advancement come from certifications and the required licenses for the work you oversee.

• Key Requirement: If your projects involve structural work, electrical, or plumbing, you will need to ensure your subcontractors hold the appropriate Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) licenses. As a manager, you are responsible for verifying this.
• Essential Certifications: The industry standard is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from the Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI). While not state-mandated, most top firms (Boldt, Miron, C.D. Smith) strongly prefer or require it for senior roles. The exam fee is around $495.
• OSHA: An OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification is non-negotiable. Many companies provide this during onboarding, but having it already makes you a more attractive candidate. The course costs $150-$200 online.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can begin applying for jobs immediately with your experience. If you need to pursue a CCM, the process typically takes 6-12 months of study and scheduling the exam. For someone moving from out-of-state, the biggest hurdle is building a local network, not bureaucratic licensing.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Oshkosh is a commuter-friendly city, but where you live can affect your daily life and proximity to major project sites.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Key Employers Nearby	1-Bedroom Rent Estimate
Downtown	Walkable, historic, vibrant nightlife. 5-10 min drive to most job sites.	City Hall, UWO, small commercial firms.	$800 - $1,100
Northside	Residential, family-oriented, close to schools. 10-15 min commute.	Oshkosh Corp (North Plant), industrial parks.	$700 - $900
Southside	Close to the river, mix of older homes and new developments. 10-15 min commute.	Mercy Hospital, retail corridors.	$750 - $950
Westside	More suburban, newer subdivisions, quiet. 15-20 min commute to downtown/industrial.	Miron/Boldt offices, UWO campus.	$700 - $850

Insider Tip: If you work on industrial projects for Oshkosh Corp, the Northside or Westside offers a shorter commute to the large manufacturing plants. For healthcare or downtown commercial work, Downtown or the Southside puts you closer to those sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your earning potential doesn’t stop at the median. Specialization is the key to premium pay.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with expertise in industrial construction (clean rooms, specialized manufacturing) or healthcare (ICUs, surgical suites) can command a 10-15% premium over the median. Those who can handle complex public-private partnerships (P3) or BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordination are even more valuable.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Project Executive/Operations Manager. Another route is to move to the owner's side (e.g., into Oshkosh Corp's facilities department) for better work-life balance, though sometimes with a slight pay cap.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid, driven by the need to replace an aging workforce and ongoing industrial investment in the Fox Valley. The rise of sustainable building and energy-efficient retrofits (a major focus for UWO and the city) will create new niches. Your value will increase not just with experience, but with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget in this tight labor market.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power. The median salary of $105,190 goes much further here than in major metros.	Limited high-end dining/entertainment. It’s a city that shuts down early; you’ll travel to Appleton or Milwaukee for big-city amenities.
Stable, diverse job market. Anchored by industry, healthcare, and education.	Winters are long and harsh. Snow can delay projects and impact commutes from November to April.
Short, manageable commutes. You’re rarely more than 20 minutes from any job site.	Smaller professional network. You must be proactive in joining AGC and other local groups to build connections.
Strong community feel. Easy to get involved and be recognized for your work.	Growth is steady, not explosive. If you’re seeking rapid career advancement in a booming tech-style market, this isn’t it.

Final Recommendation: Oshkosh is an excellent choice for a construction manager who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a sense of community. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and build equity, and for those who enjoy hands-on, tangible projects in a supportive environment. It’s less suited for someone seeking the fast pace and anonymity of a massive coastal city.

FAQs

1. I’m relocating from a big coastal city. Will my experience translate?
Absolutely. The fundamentals of project management are the same. The main adjustment will be the scale of projects and the local subcontractor network. Be prepared to learn the local players and build relationships quickly. Your big-city experience is a plus on your resume.

2. How important is it to know someone to get hired at a firm like Boldt or Miron?
It’s critical. While they post jobs online, the internal referral system is powerful. Attend AGC Fox Valley events, connect with project managers on LinkedIn, and consider a contract-to-hire role through a local agency to get your foot in the door.

3. Is the 8% job growth enough for long-term stability?
Yes. For a metro of 66,184 people, 132 jobs with 8% growth is healthy. It indicates consistent demand without the volatility of a boom-bust cycle. You’ll have job security, but you may need to be flexible in your project type.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new construction managers in Oshkosh?
The labor shortage. Finding skilled carpenters, electricians, and plumbers is the top issue for every firm. Your ability to foster strong, respectful relationships with subs will make you a star. Patience and proactive planning are key.

5. How’s the commute in winter?
Manageable if you’re prepared. Most major roads are cleared quickly. A vehicle with all-wheel drive or good snow tires is a wise investment. A 15-minute commute can become 25-30 in a heavy snowfall, so plan accordingly.

Sources: All salary and job data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Local cost of living and rent data are aggregated from public real estate and economic development sources for the Oshkosh metro area. Licensing information is from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).