Construction Manager in Owensboro, KY

The Salary Picture: Where Owensboro Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the construction boom in Owensboro for the better part of a decade. If you’re a Construction Manager looking at this city, you’re likely weighing a lower cost of living against solid earning potential. Let’s get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Owensboro, KY metropolitan area is $104,963 per year, or about $50.46 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year, but that gap is almost entirely swallowed by Owensboro’s cost of living, which sits at 90.0 (US average is 100). In real terms, your paycheck goes further here than in most of the country.

The job market isn’t massive, but it’s stable. The metro area has approximately 120 jobs for Construction Managers, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth like you'd see in a major metro, but it's consistent, driven by steady local infrastructure projects, commercial development, and residential expansion in the suburbs.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a typical salary progression based on regional data and local hiring trends:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Owensboro)	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $88,000	Assistant PM, field supervisor, cost tracking on smaller projects.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	Full project management, subcontractor coordination, budget oversight.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Managing multiple projects, complex sites (like hospitals), client liaison.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$140,000+	Executive management, business development, large-scale public works.

How does Owensboro compare to other Kentucky cities?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Driver
Owensboro, KY	$104,963	90.0	Healthcare, manufacturing, riverfront development.
Louisville, KY	$109,280	93.5	Major construction hub, diverse projects.
Lexington, KY	$107,550	95.1	University-driven growth, horse industry.
Bowling Green, KY	$101,875	88.0	Automotive manufacturing (Corvette plant).

Owensboro holds its own. It doesn’t command Louisville’s top-end salaries, but its lower living costs and strong community network can offer a better overall quality of life for managers who value stability over high-risk, high-reward projects.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers on a $104,963 salary. This is a critical step to see if the move makes financial sense. We’ll use Kentucky’s 2024 tax brackets (approx. 5% state income tax) and standard federal deductions for a single filer.

• Gross Annual Salary: $104,963
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal + State): ~$26,240 (approx. 25% effective rate)
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: $78,723 (~$6,560/month)

Now, let’s factor in the average 1-bedroom apartment rent of $830/month. This is a major advantage. In a city like Louisville, you’d be looking at $1,200+ for a similar space.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Owensboro Construction Manager:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Tax)	$6,560	Based on regional averages.
Rent (1BR Average)	$830	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150	Includes high summer AC costs.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages.
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$350	Car is essential; insurance is moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$200	Varies by employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$656	Critical for long-term security.
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Adjust based on personal situation.
Remaining (Discretionary)	$2,674	This is your buffer for savings, travel, hobbies, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in the Owensboro metro around $200,000, a 20% down payment is $40,000. Given the strong discretionary income in the budget above, saving for a down payment is feasible within 2-3 years with disciplined savings. A mortgage on a $160,000 loan (at ~6.5% interest) would be roughly $1,010 per month, including taxes and insurance—still very manageable on this salary.

Insider Tip: Many local builders in the Hillcrest or Sorgho areas offer builder financing with lower down payments. It’s worth asking about when you’re ready to buy.

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Where the Jobs Are: Owensboro's Major Employers

The construction market in Owensboro is anchored by a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and public projects. Here’s where the management jobs are:

1. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital: This is a massive driver. The main hospital and associated clinics (like the Healthpark) are in a near-constant state of expansion or renovation. Their construction projects are complex, requiring managers with healthcare-specific experience (HIPAA, infection control). They often hire directly for facility management roles.

2. The Kentucky Transpark: This 2,200-acre industrial park is a hub for manufacturers like Honeywell and Atlas Roofing. Ongoing expansions and new facility construction mean steady contracts for large firms like Brasfield & Gorrie (a major regional contractor with a local office). Hiring trends here favor managers with industrial and safety (OSHA 30) expertise.

3. Daviess County Public Schools & Owensboro Public Schools: School construction and renovation are a consistent public funding stream. Projects like the new Owensboro High School (opened 2021) and ongoing upgrades to elementary schools create opportunities for PMs who can navigate public bidding processes and work with multiple subcontractors.

4. Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU): As the city’s energy and water provider, OMU manages critical infrastructure projects, from substation upgrades to water main replacements. These are long-term, stable contracts. They often partner with local firms like Rogers Group (for aggregates) and Harding Construction.

5. The Riverfront Development: The continuous revitalization of the Owens riverfront (e.g., The Owensboro Convention Center, Smothers Park) is a public-private partnership. The lead contractor on many of these is Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC), a civil engineering and construction firm. This is a specialty niche for managers with public works and community project experience.

6. Local & Regional Firms: Don’t overlook Owensboro-based companies. Sexton Construction (commercial), Moss Construction (residential/commercial), and The Allen Company (asphalt/concrete) are always looking for seasoned PMs to oversee their growing project portfolios.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward managers who can handle green building practices (LEED certification is becoming a plus for public projects) and advanced project management software (Procore, Bluebeam). The local market is competitive but not cutthroat; reputation and relationships are everything.

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Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky has clear requirements for Construction Managers, though it’s not a “must-have” license in the same way as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect. However, for major projects, certification is a de facto requirement.

• Primary Requirement: The Kentucky Professional Engineer (PE) License is often required for managers overseeing structural, mechanical, or electrical work. To get a PE:

  • Education: A bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  • Experience: 4 years of progressive experience under a licensed PE.
  • Exams: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam after gaining experience.
  • Cost: ~$500 for exams, plus licensing fees. Total time: 5-6 years from starting your degree.

• Alternative Certifications (Highly Recommended):

  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the CMAA. Requires a combination of education and experience, plus passing an exam. This is the gold standard for CM roles and is widely respected by Owensboro employers.
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Certification: A non-negotiable for most field management roles. Many employers will pay for this.
  • First Aid/CPR: Often required for site supervisors.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re already licensed in another state: Kentucky is a member of the NCEES. The PE license transfer (comity) process is straightforward, typically taking 2-3 months and costing ~$200 in fees.
• If you’re new to the field: Start with OSHA 30 immediately. Work toward your FE exam if you have an engineering background. The CCM is a great goal for the 3-5 year mark.

Insider Tip: The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is your go-to resource. Their website has a clear checklist for out-of-state applicants.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

As someone who knows the layout, your commute and lifestyle in Owensboro are heavily influenced by where you live. Here are the top areas for a CM, balancing access to job sites, amenities, and safety.

| Neighborhood | Vibe & Commute | Avg. 1BR Rent | Proximity to Major Employers |
| :--- | :--- | $830 | $850 | $900 | $950 | $1,050 |
| Downtown / Historic District | Walkable, vibrant, near restaurants & events. Easy commute to riverfront/hospital projects. | $900 | High exposure to traffic during events. |
| Hillcrest | Established, quiet, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to most job sites (Transpark, hospitals). | $850 | Safe, good schools, older homes with character. |
| Sorgho / South Side | Newer developments, spacious lots. Growing rapidly with new construction. | $900 | Further from downtown but easy highway access. |
| Northwest Owensboro (Near the Mall) | Commercial hub, modern apartments, shopping/dining. | $950 | Central location, short drive to anywhere. |
| East Side / Pleasant Valley | Affordable, quiet, older neighborhood. | $800 | Best for budget-conscious buyers; longer commute to west side. |

Insider Tip: If you’re managing projects at the Transpark or east-side factories, living on the East Side or Pleasant Valley cuts your commute to under 15 minutes. For downtown/riverfront projects, Downtown or Hillcrest are unbeatable.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Owensboro, career growth isn’t always about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about specialization and reputation. Here’s the path:

• Specialty Premiums: Adding specific credentials can boost your salary by 10-20%.

  • Healthcare Construction (Owensboro Health projects): +15% premium. Requires knowledge of medical gas, infection control, and 24/7 occupied building management.
  • Industrial/Transpark Projects: +10% premium. Expertise in safety protocols (OSHA 30+), heavy equipment, and large-scale concrete/steel.
  • Public Works/School Projects: +10% premium. Mastery of government bidding, Davis-Bacon wage requirements, and community stakeholder management.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Superintendent → Project Manager: The most common path. Move from daily crew management to budget and contract oversight.
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM / Operations Manager: Oversee multiple projects or a specific division (e.g., healthcare, commercial).
  3. Senior PM → Company Owner / Partner: With deep local networks, many CMs in Owensboro eventually start their own small firm or partner with a local developer. This is where the highest earnings live (often $175k+).

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% job growth is solid. Owensboro’s focus on healthcare (Owensboro Health expansion), advanced manufacturing (Transpark), and riverfront tourism means demand for skilled managers will hold steady. The key will be adapting to modular construction and sustainable building trends. A manager who can LEED-certify a project or implement BIM (Building Information Modeling) will be ahead of the curve. The local market rewards experience and reliability over flashy innovation.

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The Verdict: Is Owensboro Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Limited High-End Projects: Fewer "marquee" skyscrapers or stadiums compared to Louisville.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and manufacturing, not boom/bust.	Smaller Professional Network: Fewer industry events and conferences locally.
Short Commutes: 10-20 minutes to most job sites.	Slower Pace: Less "hustle" culture; advancement can take longer.
Strong Community: Local contractors and suppliers know each other; reputation is key.	Limited Public Transit: Car is a necessity.
Quality of Life: Riverfront, parks, and a strong sense of community.	Lower Ceiling on Top Salaries: Harder to break $150k without owning your own firm.

Final Recommendation: Owensboro is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who value work-life balance, stable employment, and financial efficiency. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years) looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a strong local reputation. It’s less ideal for those seeking to climb the corporate ladder to a national firm’s headquarters or who thrive in the non-stop energy of a major metropolis. For the right person, it’s a career and a lifestyle upgrade.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a PE license to work as a Construction Manager in Owensboro?
Not for every job, but for any project involving significant design oversight or public funding, it’s a major advantage. Many senior PM roles list "PE or equivalent experience" as a requirement. If you don't have it, focus on earning your CCM (Certified Construction Manager) certification to compete.

2. How competitive is the job market given only ~120 jobs?
The number is small, but so is the qualified candidate pool. Owensboro struggles to attract and retain young talent, creating opportunities for experienced managers. The key is networking. Join the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers (KSPE) and attend local Associated General Contractors (AGC) Kentucky chapter meetings. Many jobs are filled through referral.

3. What’s the biggest surprise for someone moving from a larger city?
The pace of decision-making. In Owensboro, you’re often working with the same subcontractors, engineers, and city officials for years. Relationships matter immensely. A 30-second phone call can resolve an issue that might take a week of emails in a bigger city. Be prepared to be a people-person.

4. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
Limited. Construction management is inherently a field-based role in Owensboro. However, some tasks (pre-construction planning, some client meetings) can be done from home. Most employers expect you on-site, especially for safety and supervision.

5. What’s the best way to get my foot in the door?
Start with a local contractor. Even a 6-month contract role with a firm like Sexton or Harding can give you the local references you need. Also, look at the Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) careers page—they post construction management roles periodically. Finally, get your OSHA 30 card before you move; it shows initiative and gets you site-ready immediately.