Construction Manager in Plantation, FL

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Plantation, Florida.

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The Salary Picture: Where Plantation Stands

As a local, let's get straight to the point: Plantation offers a solid salary for Construction Managers, especially when you factor in the local economic ecosystem. The median salary for a Construction Manager here is $112,040/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.87/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $108,210/year, giving you a competitive edge right from the start.

The job market isn't massive—the Broward County metro area, which includes Plantation, has about 193 positions for Construction Managers—but it's stable and growing. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is a healthy, sustainable pace. It signals consistent demand without the frantic, often volatile, boom-and-bust cycles you might see in other markets.

To give you a clearer idea of how your experience translates into dollars in this specific market, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Plantation, FL)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Assisting senior managers, project coordination, submittal processing, on-site observation.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $130,000	Managing full project lifecycles, budget oversight, client relations, team leadership.
Senior-Level (10-15+ years)	$130,000 - $165,000+	Overseeing multiple projects, strategic planning, business development, complex problem-solving.
Expert/Executive (15+ years, PE license, large-scale exp.)	$165,000 - $200,000+	Executive leadership, regional management, major client acquisition, high-value commercial/infrastructure.

How does Plantation compare to other Florida cities?
Plantation holds its own against other major Florida metros. It's generally on par with Tampa and Jacksonville for median pay but may slightly edge them out when considering the concentration of high-end residential and commercial projects in South Florida. Miami often has a higher top-end salary, but the cost of living and commute can be significantly more challenging. Plantation offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: strong pay with a slightly more manageable lifestyle than Miami-Dade County.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real about affordability. A $112,040 median salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? We need to account for taxes and the not-inexpensive cost of living in this part of South Florida.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager earning the median salary. (Note: This is an estimate; actual take-home pay varies based on benefits, 401k contributions, etc.)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Salary	$9,337	($112,040 / 12)
Estimated Take-Home (after taxes)	$7,000 - $7,400	After federal, state (FL has no income tax), FICA, and local deductions.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,621	This is the citywide average; varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $300	Florida's heat drives up electricity costs, especially in summer.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500 - $800	Essential in Plantation; insurance rates are high in South Florida.
Groceries & Food	$400 - $600
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300 - $500
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,000 - $1,500	Dining out, hobbies, travel.
Savings/Investments	$1,500 - $2,000	Recommended 15-20% of gross.
Remaining Buffer	$0 - $500	This can be tight, depending on lifestyle and debt.

Can you afford to buy a home?
It's challenging but possible, especially as a dual-income household. The median home price in Plantation is approximately $450,000 - $500,000. For a single earner at $112,040, a mortgage would be a significant portion of your income. Following the 28/36 rule (no more than 28% of gross on housing, 36% on total debt), your max monthly mortgage payment should be around $2,620. With a 20% down payment on a $475,000 home, you'd be looking at a monthly payment (PITI) in that ballpark. It's doable but requires careful budgeting and likely a larger down payment. Many local managers buy in adjacent, more affordable areas like Lauderhill or Sunrise.

The Where the Jobs Are: Plantation's Major Employers

Plantation's job market is a mix of corporate headquarters, healthcare, and local construction firms. The demand for Construction Managers isn't just from new builds; a significant portion comes from renovations, maintenance, and expansions of existing facilities.

Here are the key employers to target:

1. HCA Florida Plantation General Hospital: A major anchor employer. They are constantly engaged in facility upgrades, new wing construction, and specialized medical unit build-outs. Their projects require managers who understand healthcare codes (like FGI guidelines) and can work in an occupied, sensitive environment.
2. Memorial Healthcare System (Memorial Regional Hospital is nearby in Hollywood): While not in Plantation, this system's massive footprint in South Broward creates a constant demand for construction management. Projects range from new outpatient centers to infrastructure overhauls.
3. Large-Scale Residential Developers: Plantation's affluent neighborhoods like Plantation Acres and Sawgrass Isles see continuous high-end custom home construction. Firms like Lennar (national, but active here) and local custom builders like Cole Construction or Bromley Construction are always on the lookout for experienced site superintendents and project managers.
4. Commercial & Office Developers: With major thoroughfares like Sunrise Boulevard and Pine Island Road, there's steady work in retail, restaurant, and office build-outs. Firms like Stiles Corporation (Fort Lauderdale-based, active in Plantation) and Butters Construction & Development are key players.
5. Plantation City Government & School Board: The City of Plantation and the Broward County Public Schools district (which includes Plantation High School and several elementary/middle schools) manage ongoing capital improvement projects, from new school buildings to park renovations and city hall upgrades.
6. Corporate Campuses: Plantation is home to several corporate offices (e.g., AutoNation, Spirit Airlines HQ nearby). These companies often undergo interior fit-outs and facility expansions, managed by either internal teams or third-party construction firms.

Insider Tip: The construction scene here is relationship-driven. Attend local Broward County Building Industry Association (BCBIA) events. Many jobs, especially with mid-sized developers and custom home builders, are filled through networking before they're ever publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in FL

To legally work as a Construction Manager on projects over a certain value in Florida, you need a license. The primary license is the Certified General Contractor (CG) license, issued by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Key Requirements for the CG License:

• Experience: You must prove four years of experience as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor. This is documented and verified.
• Financial Stability: You'll need to show a net worth of at least $15,000 (verified by a CPA or surety company).
• Examination: Pass the state-approved examination, which includes a business and finance section as well as a project management section.
• Insurance & Bonding: You must secure a surety bond and provide proof of general liability insurance.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$295
• Examination Fee: ~$350
• Licensing Fee: ~$175
• Total Initial Cost: $800 - $1,200 (excluding preparation courses).
• Timeline: From start to finish, the process can take 3 to 6 months if you have all your experience documentation in order. If you need to study for the exam, add another 1-2 months.

Insider Tip: The exam is notoriously tough. Invest in a reputable prep course like that offered by Pinkerton Law or Contractors License Institute. It's worth the cost to avoid failing and having to retake it. Also, remember that if you're managing public projects (like schools or city buildings), you may need additional certifications like LEED or OSHA 30-Hour.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Plantation will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to the top neighborhoods for a Construction Manager.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
Plantation Acres	Suburban, spacious, family-oriented. Easy access to I-595 and downtown Fort Lauderdale (~20-25 min drive).	$1,700 - $2,100	Perfect for managers working on high-end residential projects in the area. More land, quieter streets.
Plantation Central (near Downtown)	Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the Plantation Historical Museum. Central to everything.	$1,500 - $1,800	Ideal for those who want a shorter commute to corporate offices and commercial job sites. Less driving.
Sawgrass Mills Area	Commercial hub, high-energy. Adjacent to the massive Sawgrass Mills mall and major hotels.	$1,600 - $1,900	Great for managers focused on retail and commercial construction. Proximity to major retail developers.
Lauderhill (adjacent)	More diverse, slightly more affordable. Home to the Central Broward Regional Park.	$1,400 - $1,650	A budget-friendly option with easy access to Plantation job sites. Good for early-career professionals.
Sunrise (adjacent)	A mix of residential and commercial, home to the FLA Live Arena. Good value on apartments.	$1,450 - $1,700	Strategic for managers working on projects in western Broward or near the Sawgrass Expressway.

Personal Insight: If you're single and want a social life, look for an apartment in Plantation Central or just east of I-95 in Fort Lauderdale. If you have a family and prioritize space and schools, Plantation Acres is unbeatable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Plantation, your career doesn't have to plateau. The 8% job growth over 10 years indicates upward mobility, but specialization is where you'll see the real salary premiums.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with a track record in hospitals or clinics can command a 10-15% premium due to the complexity of codes and infection control.
• High-Rise/Vertical Construction: While less common in Plantation itself, working on taller structures in nearby Fort Lauderdale or Miami can boost your pay significantly.
• Sustainable Building (LEED): As Florida focuses more on energy efficiency, a LEED AP credential can add 5-10% to your salary and open doors to public and corporate projects.
• Disaster Mitigation & Resilience: With Florida's hurricane risk, expertise in building for wind and water resistance is increasingly valuable, especially in coastal renovation projects.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Project Engineer to Assistant PM, to Construction Manager, and then to Senior Project Manager or Project Executive. From there, you can move into regional management, start your own boutique firm (a common path for seasoned locals), or transition into real estate development.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is positive. South Florida's population continues to grow, driving demand for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. The 10-year job growth of 8% is a reliable indicator. The key will be adapting to new technologies (like BIM and project management software) and continuing to specialize. The managers who will thrive are those who can manage complex, multi-million dollar projects on time and on budget, while navigating the unique logistical and regulatory challenges of building in South Florida.

The Verdict: Is Plantation Right for You?

Plantation offers a compelling package for Construction Managers, but it's not for everyone. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary ($112,040 median)	High Cost of Living (111.8 index; $1,621 avg rent)
Stable, Growing Job Market (8% growth)	Competitive Job Market (193 positions in metro)
Diverse Project Opportunities (residential, commercial, healthcare)	Traffic & Commutes (I-595 and I-95 can be congested)
Strong Local Networking (BCBIA, tight-knit industry)	Hurricane Season Risk (can delay projects and increase insurance)
No State Income Tax	Car Dependency (public transit is limited)
Proximity to Fort Lauderdale & Miami	High Home Prices (challenging for single income)

Final Recommendation:
Plantation is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Construction Managers (5+ years of experience) who specialize in residential, healthcare, or commercial projects. If you earn the median salary or more, you can afford a comfortable lifestyle, though saving for a home will require discipline. It's less ideal for entry-level professionals unless you have a strong financial buffer or a partner with a second income. The key to success here is embracing the local culture of networking and finding a niche that commands a premium.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed before moving to Plantation?
No, you can move without a license, but you cannot legally work as a Construction Manager on projects over $2,500 in labor and materials without one. It's highly recommended to start the licensing process (or transfer your existing license if you're from a reciprocal state) before you move to be job-ready.

2. How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers in Plantation?
It's moderately competitive. With only 193 jobs in the metro area, you won't see the volume of openings like in Texas or the Carolinas. However, the quality of jobs is good. Having a Florida CG license and local experience (or experience in a similar climate) will put you ahead of 90% of out-of-state applicants.

3. What's the biggest challenge for Construction Managers in South Florida?
Beyond the heat, it's logistics and timing. Hurricane season (June-November) can halt work for days. Material deliveries can be delayed due to port congestion in Miami. The biggest challenge is building a reliable network of subcontractors who can perform quality work on schedule. Your reputation is built on the team you assemble.

4. Is it worth it to live in Fort Lauderdale instead of Plantation?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale offers a more urban, beach-centric lifestyle but often at a higher rent and with a longer commute to western Plantation job sites. Plantation gives you more space for your money and is more centrally located for work in western and central Broward. If your jobs are concentrated in Plantation or Sunrise, living there will drastically cut your commute time.

5. What professional associations should I join?
The Broward County Building Industry Association (BCBIA) is the most critical local group. Join immediately. Also, consider the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America - Florida First Coast Chapter, and if you specialize, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) - South Florida. These are your pipelines for jobs and professional development.