Construction Manager in Parma, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Parma Stands

As a local who’s watched Parma’s construction landscape evolve from post-war sprawl to the current wave of infill and renovation, I can tell you the numbers paint a clear picture. Construction Managers here earn a median salary of $106,164/year, or an hourly rate of $51.04/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. The key here is the cost of living—a major factor that makes Parma a financially savvy choice for many professionals.

The local market is stable but not booming. There are approximately 157 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't the explosive growth of a Sun Belt city, but it's consistent. It means opportunities are there, particularly for those who can navigate both new builds and the city’s vast inventory of older homes needing updates.

Here’s how Parma’s salary stacks up against other Ohio hubs for construction:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Parma	$106,164	93.7
Columbus	$112,500	98.5
Cincinnati	$109,800	97.5
Cleveland	$111,200	95.2

While Columbus and Cleveland offer marginally higher base salaries, Parma’s lower cost of living often results in more disposable income. It’s a trade-off: you sacrifice the big-city hustle for a more manageable, family-oriented environment with easier access to both the lake and the city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A salary of $106,164/year in Ohio, after federal and state taxes (roughly 22-25% effective rate), leaves you with approximately $6,200 - $6,500/month in net take-home pay. With Parma’s average 1-bedroom rent at $890/month, your financial picture is strong.

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

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,350	After taxes (approx. 24% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Avg)	$890	Can be lower in some neighborhoods
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Parma winters can be costly for heating
Groceries	$400	Standard for a single person
Transportation	$450	Includes car payment, insurance, gas (Parma is car-dependent)
Healthcare	$250	Employer-sponsored plan
Retirement (10%)	$885	Pre-tax 401(k) contribution
Discretionary/Savings	$2,295	For dining, entertainment, savings, or debt

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Parma is around $175,000 - $200,000. With a 20% down payment ($35k-$40k), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (approx. 7%) would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,300 - $1,500. This is well within the budget outlined above, even after accounting for increased utility costs for a home versus an apartment. Many local managers I know bought homes in their first five years on the job.

Where the Jobs Are: Parma's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Parma is driven by a mix of public infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and residential development. You’re not going to find mega-contractors like Turner here, but you will find stable, long-term employers. Here are the key players:

1. City of Parma Engineering Department: The biggest public sector employer. They manage everything from road repaving on Ridge Road to sewer line replacements in older neighborhoods like Old Town. They hire Construction Managers to oversee public works contracts. Hiring is steady, tied to the city’s budget cycle. Insider Tip: Knowing the city’s specific codes and approval processes is a huge advantage here.
2. Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works: Covers larger infrastructure projects in the greater area, including bridge work and major roadways that connect Parma to Cleveland and its suburbs. These are often larger, multi-year contracts.
3. University Hospitals Parma Medical Center: A major driver of local construction. They have ongoing projects for facility expansions, remodels, and medical office buildings. These projects require managers who understand healthcare-specific codes (infection control, specialized MEP systems).
4. Cleveland Clinic (Strongsville & Fairview Park): While not in Parma proper, these are massive employers within a 15-minute commute. The Clinic is in a perpetual state of growth and renovation, creating continuous demand for CMs with healthcare construction experience.
5. Residential Developers (Local/Regional): Companies like Millennium Homes or Larken Building Co. focus on single-family and townhome developments in the outer-ring suburbs. Projects are often in Brook Park or Seven Hills, on the Parma border. Hiring is project-based and can be cyclical.
6. Subcontracting Giants (Local Offices): Firms like Swinerton or D.A. Dodd (regional players) have a presence in the greater Cleveland area and often bid on commercial projects in Parma, such as the redevelopment of old retail corridors.
7. The Cleveland Foundation & Local Non-Profits: Overseeing renovations for community centers, churches, and affordable housing projects. These roles often value community connection as much as technical skill.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. Managers with experience in adaptive reuse (converting old warehouses or retail) and sustainable building (meeting energy codes) are in higher demand. The days of just managing stick-frame homes are fading; the market wants versatility.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio does not have a state-level license for Construction Managers, which is common. However, credentials are critical for advancement and credibility. Here’s the path:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture is standard. Local schools like Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) have solid programs focused on local building practices.
2. Experience: You’ll need 4+ years of field experience under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or a Certified Construction Manager (CCM). This is where you learn the local soil conditions (clay-heavy, requires special foundations) and the realities of winter construction.
3. Certifications (National, Not State):
   • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): The gold standard. Requires passing a rigorous exam and documenting experience. Cost: ~$1,200 for exam + $1,000 for prep course.
   • OSHA 30-Hour Construction: Mandatory. Cost: $180-$250 online.
   • LEED AP: For green building projects. Cost: ~$550 for the exam.
4. Timeline: From starting your education to getting your CCM, plan for 5-7 years. You can work as an Assistant PM or Field Engineer while pursuing certifications.

Insider Tip: Join the Cleveland Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Their training programs are top-notch and connect you directly to local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Parma is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile. As a manager, your choice depends on whether you prioritize a short drive to job sites or access to amenities.

1. Old Town Parma: The historic core. Quaint, walkable, with older homes (1920s-1950s) that are prime for renovation. A Construction Manager living here is embedded in the work. Rent Estimate: $950-$1,100/month for a 1BR in a vintage building. Commute: To most job sites in Parma, 5-10 mins.
2. Parma Heights: Adjacent to Parma, more suburban feel. Good mix of mid-century homes and newer developments. Close to the Pearl Road retail corridor. Rent Estimate: $850-$1,000/month. Commute: 10-15 mins to most Parma sites.
3. Seven Hills (Border): Technically a separate city but shares a border and many job sites. More upscale, with larger homes. Popular with senior managers. Rent Estimate: $1,100-$1,400/month for a 1BR. Commute: 10-20 mins.
4. Brook Park (Border): Home to the Ford Plant (now redeveloping) and the airport. More industrial feel, with lower rents. Ideal for those working on large-scale industrial or airport-related projects. Rent Estimate: $750-$950/month. Commute: 5-15 mins to industrial job sites.
5. Midtown (Cleveland): If you want city life but work in Parma, this is a 15-minute commute via I-71. Offers walkability, restaurants, and a younger vibe. Rent Estimate: $900-$1,200/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Construction Managers in Parma is positive but nuanced. The 8% job growth is real, but it will be fueled by specific trends:

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with civil/infrastructure expertise (water/sewer, roads) will see the most stable demand from public sector jobs. Those in healthcare construction (UH, Clinic) command a 10-15% salary premium. Residential developers offer high upside but are more vulnerable to economic downturns.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Project Executive: Overseeing a portfolio of projects for a developer or hospital system. Requires P&L responsibility.
  • Self-Employment/Consulting: Many experienced managers in Parma start their own small firms, specializing in residential renovations or small commercial projects. The low overhead is a key advantage here.
  • Public Sector Leadership: Moving into the Parma Engineering Department or Cuyahoga County Public Works as a Project Director or Director of Public Works. These are highly coveted, stable roles.
• 10-Year Outlook: The push for green retrofits of Parma’s aging housing stock and the continued expansion of healthcare facilities will create sustained demand. The key is to avoid being pigeonholed as a only residential manager; diversifying into commercial or public work is crucial for long-term career resilience.

The Verdict: Is Parma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $106,164 goes very far.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit; you will drive everywhere.
Stable Job Market: 157 jobs and 8% growth is reliable, not risky.	Slower Pace: If you crave a fast-paced, big-city construction scene, this isn’t it.
Central Location: Easy access to Cleveland, Akron, and the Lake.	Seasonal Work: Winters can slow outdoor projects (Nov-Mar).
Family-Friendly: Great schools, low crime, community feel.	Limited High-End Nightlife: Dining and entertainment are more casual.
Diverse Work: Mix of public, healthcare, and residential projects.	Smaller Network: Fewer large corporate firms than Columbus or Cincinnati.

Final Recommendation: Parma is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values financial stability, a manageable commute, and a strong sense of community over the prestige of working on skyscrapers. It’s ideal for those in mid-career looking to buy a home and establish roots, or for senior managers seeking a less stressful, more predictable work environment. If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, the low cost of living makes it a fantastic place to launch your own firm.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Parma?
A: Yes, absolutely. Parma is a classic car-dependent suburb. While there’s a bus line (RTA) on major roads like Pearl Road and State Road, it’s not practical for daily commutes to job sites, which are often in industrial parks or residential subdivisions without sidewalks. Budget for a reliable vehicle and insurance.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new Construction Managers?
A: Moderately competitive. With 157 jobs in the metro, it’s not a saturated market, but it’s not a hiring frenzy either. Having the CCM certification or OSHA 30 will separate you. Networking through local chapters of ABC or the AGC (Associated General Contractors) is more effective than cold-applying online. Many jobs are filled through referrals.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge of construction in Parma?
A: Two things: Winter weather (shorter building seasons require careful scheduling) and dealing with older infrastructure. Many projects in Parma involve working around or upgrading old sewer and water lines, which can be unpredictable and costly. A manager who knows how to navigate the City of Parma’s permit office and understands the local soil (which can be sandy or clay-heavy) will have a major edge.

Q: Can I live in Parma and work in Cleveland?
A: Easily. The commute to downtown Cleveland via I-71 or I-480 is typically 20-30 minutes without traffic. Many managers do this to access higher-paying jobs at larger downtown firms while enjoying Parma’s lower rent and taxes. It’s a very common pattern.

Q: Is there a housing shortage affecting the cost of living?
A: Not a severe one. The $890/month average rent is stable. There’s plenty of inventory in older homes, and new developments are ongoing in the outer rings. The market is more balanced than in major metros, which helps keep costs in check for both renters and buyers.