A Career Guide for Construction Managers Moving to Parkersburg, WV

As a local career analyst who's watched Parkersburg's construction scene for over a decade, I can tell you this: it's a city that flies under the radar. Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg isn't a booming metropolis, but it offers a stable, affordable base for construction managers who value a lower cost of living, manageable commutes, and a community where you can actually get to know the players. This guide is for the practical-minded manager—someone who wants the real numbers, the local insights, and a clear picture of what life and work look like here.

We’re not here to sell you on a city. We’re here to give you the data. Parkersburg’s construction industry is driven by steady industrial maintenance, healthcare expansions, and infrastructure projects, not by the frantic pace of a big city. If you’re looking for a place where you can build a career without the burnout, read on.

The Salary Picture: Where Parkersburg Stands

Let’s get straight to the point. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Parkersburg is $104,379 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.18/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year, but the difference is modest. When you factor in Parkersburg’s lower cost of living, your dollar stretches much further here than in a coastal market.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic view of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. These are local estimates based on current job postings and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	What the Job Entails
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $82,000	Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent. Supporting senior staff, managing submittals, basic scheduling.
Mid-Career (4-8 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Project Manager, Site Superintendent. Running a project from bid to closeout, managing a crew, direct client contact.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Senior PM, Regional Superintendent. Overseeing multiple projects, high-level client relationships, complex issue resolution.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	Executive, Director of Operations. Business development, strategic planning, executive-level management.

Comparison to Other WV Cities

Parkersburg isn't the top-paying city in West Virginia for construction managers—that title often goes to the Charleston and Morgantown metros, associated with state government and university projects. However, Parkersburg’s salary is competitive when paired with its affordability.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Jobs in Metro	10-Year Job Growth
Parkersburg	$104,379	88.2	58	8%
Charleston	$109,500 (est.)	90.5	~120	5%
Morgantown	$107,800 (est.)	92.1	~90	10%
Huntington	$101,200 (est.)	86.5	~65	4%

The key takeaway: Parkersburg offers a solid middle-ground. You’ll earn a strong wage here, and the 8% projected job growth over the next decade suggests a stable, if not explosive, market. There are 58 active job openings in the metro area for construction managers and related roles as of this analysis, a healthy number for a city of this size.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $104,379 is a gross figure. To understand what it actually means for your life in Parkersburg, we need to look at taxes and the single biggest expense: rent.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Filing status: Single, claiming the standard deduction.
• West Virginia state income tax: Progressively taxed, averaging ~6.2% for this income level.
• Federal income tax (2024 brackets): ~16% effective rate for this bracket.
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65%.
• Total Estimated Tax Burden: ~30% (a conservative estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Construction Manager: $104,379/year)

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,698	($104,379 / 12)
Estimated Taxes (30%)	-$2,609	This is your "take-home" pay.
Take-Home Pay	$6,089
Rent (1BR Average)	-$792	The city-wide average. See neighborhoods below for specifics.
Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Internet)	-$250	Parkersburg's moderate climate helps keep bills reasonable.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Assuming a modest car payment and insurance. The city is car-dependent.
Groceries	-$400	A reasonable budget for one person.
Health Insurance (if not employer-covered)	-$400	A significant variable. Many large employers here offer solid plans.
Savings & Extras	$2,797	This is your discretionary and savings fund.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With $2,797 in discretionary income after essential expenses, a construction manager in Parkersburg is in an excellent position to buy a home. The median home price in Wood County (which includes Parkersburg) is approximately $175,000 - $200,000. A 20% down payment on a $190,000 home is $38,000, which could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $152,000 loan (after down payment) would be around $960/month—well within the budget outlined above. Homeownership is a very realistic and common goal for professionals in this income bracket in Parkersburg.

Where the Jobs Are: Parkersburg's Major Employers

The construction market here is not dominated by high-rise developers; it's driven by industrial maintenance, healthcare, education, and municipal projects. Here are the primary employers you should be researching.

1. West Virginia American Water: This utility company is a constant source of infrastructure projects—water main replacements, treatment plant upgrades, and system expansions. They have a major operations center in Parkersburg and are a stable, long-term employer for construction managers with civil or utility experience.
2. WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center: The largest hospital in the region is perpetually involved in expansions, renovations, and facility upgrades. The medical center in the Belpre area (just across the river) is a major hub. Projects range from new patient wings to specialized lab and imaging centers.
3. City of Parkersburg & Wood County: Municipal projects are steady work. This includes everything from road repaving and bridge repairs to public building renovations (fire stations, city hall) and park improvements. These are often publicly bid projects, so knowing the procurement process is key.
4. Major Industrial Plants: The area has a strong industrial base. While plants like the EQT drilling operations or the American Electric Power (AEP) power plants in the region may not always have direct-hire construction manager positions, they are the primary clients for the engineering and construction firms that support them. Firms like MSTS (a local contractor) often work on these sites.
5. Wood County Schools: The school board is a frequent client for construction and renovation projects, from new school buildings to HVAC and roofing upgrades on existing facilities. These projects are bound by strict public bidding and budgeting rules.
6. Local Engineering & Construction Firms: Don't overlook the local players. Companies like Carter Systems & Services (civil/survey), R.A. Smith (now part of Michael Baker International, with a local office), and MSTS (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) are the firms that land the contracts. Getting hired by one of these firms is often the best way to access the project pipeline.

Hiring Trends: We are seeing a slow but steady increase in demand for managers skilled in renovation and retrofit work, as existing infrastructure ages. There is also a growing need for managers familiar with public works and the associated prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon Act requirements. The market is not about flashy new construction; it's about maintaining and upgrading the built environment.

Getting Licensed in WV

West Virginia’s licensing is handled by the West Virginia Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Section. It’s a straightforward process, but it has specific requirements.

Requirements:

• Experience: You must document 4 years of experience in the construction trade, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. This experience must be verified by previous employers.
• Examination: You must pass the West Virginia State Contractor License Exam. This is a comprehensive test covering business and law, as well as your specific trade (e.g., General Building, Electrical, Plumbing).
• Bond & Insurance: You must provide proof of a surety bond (typically between $10,000 - $50,000 depending on the license type) and general liability insurance.
• Application: Submit a complete application to the Division of Labor with the required fees.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: Approximately $285 (covers both portions of the exam).
• Licensing Fee: Approximately $100 - $200 annually, depending on the license type.
• Bond & Insurance: Costs vary widely based on your credit and business history. This is your largest variable cost.
• Timeline: From start to finish, with studying and scheduling, allow 3-6 months to become fully licensed. You must have your experience verified before you can sit for the exam.

Insider Tip: Many construction managers in Parkersburg work under the license of a general contracting firm and don't pursue their own license until they are ready to start their own firm. It's common to gain a few years of local experience first.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will shape your daily life and commute. Parkersburg is compact, and traffic is rarely a problem. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for a construction manager.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
North Parkersburg / Emerson	Quiet, residential, close to I-77. Easy commute to the WVU Medicine Camden Clark campus (Belpre) and the industrial areas to the north.	$800 - $950	Perfect for a professional who wants a quiet home base with quick highway access. Established area with good amenities.
South Parkersburg / Washington Street	Historic, walkable, near downtown and the Smoot Theatre. Commute to municipal and downtown offices is a breeze.	$750 - $950	Ideal if you want to be in the heart of the city, enjoy historic architecture, and walk to local restaurants and shops.
Belpre (across the river)	A separate city with a small-town feel, but directly adjacent to Parkersburg. Home to WVU Medicine Camden Clark.	$700 - $850	A top choice if you land a job with the hospital system. Lower rents than Parkersburg proper, with a very short commute.
Vienna	A suburb just north of Parkersburg, offering more space and newer housing developments. Commute is an easy 10-15 minutes to downtown.	$850 - $1,000+	Great for managers with families who want more square footage and a quieter, suburban feel without a long commute.

Insider Tip: The rental market is competitive. Good units go fast. Use local management companies like Parkersburg Properties or Crawford Rentals; they often have listings before they hit the major national sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Parkersburg, career growth is less about rapid promotion and more about building a reputation and expanding your skill set. The 8% job growth over a decade is steady, but vertical moves require strategy.

• Specialty Premiums: While the base median is $104,379, specialized skills command a premium. Managers with deep experience in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, especially for healthcare or industrial clients, can see salaries push toward $120,000+. Similarly, expertise in public works and municipal projects is highly valued and can lead to stable, long-term roles with the city or county.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer to Project Manager, then to a Senior PM or Superintendent. The next step is often into an Executive Role (Director of Operations, VP of Construction) at a local firm, or making the leap to start your own small contracting business. Many successful local firms were started by managers who cut their teeth on local projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive but requires adaptation. The demand will be for managers who can handle renovation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability upgrades. The old industrial plants and aging municipal infrastructure will need ongoing work. Building a strong network with local engineers, suppliers, and the city’s building department is critical for long-term success. The national trends toward modular construction and advanced project management software are arriving here, but slowly. Being an early adopter of these technologies in the local market can set you apart.

The Verdict: Is Parkersburg Right for You?

Parkersburg isn't for the manager seeking the adrenaline rush of a mega-project in a major city. It's for the professional who values stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The $104,379 median salary goes very far in a market with a Cost of Living Index of 88.2.	Slower Career Pace: Promotions and large project opportunities are less frequent than in larger metros.
Stable Job Market: The 8% growth and key employers provide consistent opportunities, especially in maintenance and renovation.	Limited Social Scene: The city is small and quiet. Nightlife and cultural amenities are limited compared to larger cities.
Manageable Commute: You can live and work in different neighborhoods and still have a commute under 20 minutes.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Low Housing Stress: With 1BR rent at $792/month and home prices reasonable, housing is not a constant financial strain.	Networking is Local: Your professional network will be almost entirely within the region, which can be a pro or a con.

Final Recommendation:
Parkersburg is an excellent choice for a construction manager who is mid-career or later, looking to build equity and a stable life, or for someone early in their career who wants to gain broad, hands-on experience without being a small cog in a giant machine. It’s ideal for those who value community, affordability, and a work-life balance. If you’re motivated by high-stakes, high-reward projects and a fast-paced environment, you may find it limiting. But if you want to be a respected leader in a tight-knit professional community, Parkersburg deserves your serious consideration.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest challenge for a construction manager new to Parkersburg?
The biggest challenge is building a local network. The industry is relationship-driven. You need to get to know the other contractors, the suppliers (like Madison Lumber or Hartman & Hartman), and the officials in the city’s building and engineering departments. Attend local events from the Parkersburg Area Chamber of Commerce to get started.

2. How does the weather impact construction schedules?
Four distinct seasons. You lose about 6-8 weeks in the deep winter (January-February) for concrete work and exterior projects. Spring and fall are ideal. Summers can be hot and humid. A good local manager factors this into all project timelines.

3. Are there opportunities for women in construction management here?
Yes. The industry is still male-dominated, but women are increasingly visible in leadership roles. The WVU Medicine Camden Clark projects and municipal work often have diversity and inclusion goals. Organizations like the West Virginia Construction and Design Expo host networking events that are inclusive. It’s about finding the right firm culture.

4. Is it common to work for a firm based in Parkersburg or for a remote position?
Most Construction Managers in Parkersburg work for local or regional firms. While remote work has increased for design and planning roles, the on-site management of a construction project in Parkersburg requires a physical presence. It’s a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground market.

5. What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
Use Indeed and LinkedIn to filter for Parkersburg. But also, contact the firms directly (like MSTS, Carter Systems, etc.). Reach out to the hiring managers for the City of Parkersburg and Wood County Schools. Smaller firms