Career Guide: Construction Manager in Quincy, MA

As a career analyst who’s lived in the South Shore for years, I can tell you Quincy offers a unique blend of urban access and suburban calm that’s perfect for construction managers. You’re not just working on job sites; you’re navigating a city where colonial history meets modern development, all while being 20 minutes from downtown Boston. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and local insights to help you decide if Quincy is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Quincy metro area is $111,975/year, which breaks down to $53.83/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $108,210/year, a testament to the strong construction market driven by both public infrastructure and private development in Greater Boston. The metro area, which includes Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, and Milton, supports 203 jobs for this role. Over the past decade, the region has seen a 8% job growth, a solid indicator of sustained demand, especially with ongoing projects at Logan Airport, the Seaport District, and the MBTA's capital improvements.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in construction management are highly experience-dependent. Here’s how the numbers typically break down locally:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Quincy Metro)
Entry-Level	0-4	$75,000 - $95,000
Mid-Career	5-9	$100,000 - $130,000
Senior	10-19	$130,000 - $160,000
Expert/Executive	20+	$160,000+ (often with bonuses)

Insider Tip: Bonuses and profit-sharing are common in this field, especially with larger firms. A senior manager at a firm doing major public projects (like a new school in Hingham or a hospital wing) can see bonuses that push total compensation well above the base median.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

To understand Quincy’s position, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other major Massachusetts hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Takeaway
Quincy Metro	$111,975	111.6	Best balance of salary and accessibility.
Boston Metro	$118,000+	~150+	Higher salary, but dramatically higher COL and commute.
Worcester Metro	$98,500	~107	Lower salary, but more affordable housing.
Springfield Metro	$92,000	~95	Lowest salary in the state, but most affordable.

Analysis: Quincy hits a sweet spot. You earn a competitive Boston-area salary without the extreme cost of living and chaos of the city core. Your commute to high-profile Boston projects is manageable, but you get to live in a more residential, community-focused environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $111,975 salary sounds great, but let’s be real about what it means for your monthly life in Quincy. With a rough estimate of state and federal taxes (assuming single filer, standard deductions), your take-home pay will be approximately $7,800/month.

• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after ~30% taxes): ~$7,800

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quincy is $2,377/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 11.6% more expensive than the national average, largely driven by housing.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Construction Manager

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single person living on the median salary in Quincy:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,377	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, internet.
Groceries	$450 - $600	Quincy has competitive grocery chains (Stop & Shop, Market Basket).
Transportation	$150 - $300	If you own a car (insurance, gas, maintenance). MBTA is an option.
Healthcare	$200 - $400	Employer-provided plans vary.
Entertainment/Dining	$300 - $500	Quincy has great food scenes (Wollaston Beach, North Quincy).
Savings/Debt	$1,000+	Highly variable, but crucial at this salary.
Miscellaneous	$200	Household items, personal care.
Total Estimated	$4,827 - $5,577	Leaves a buffer of ~$2,200+ per month.

Can they afford to buy a home? With substantial savings from the remaining ~$2,200/month, a down payment is achievable. However, the median home price in Quincy is around $650,000+. A 20% down payment would be $130,000. At your salary, a mortgage would be a significant portion of your income. It’s possible, but you’d need to be disciplined with savings for several years. Many professionals in this field partner up or wait until a senior-level salary to buy in Quincy proper.

Insider Tip: Look at the "Quincy Center" area for condos, which are often more affordable than single-family homes in neighborhoods like Houghs Neck or Germantown. The T-access in Quincy Center can also reduce your transportation costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s construction market is fueled by a mix of public institutions, healthcare, and private developer activity. Major employers aren't just in Quincy; they're in the immediate South Shore and Greater Boston area that you'd commute to from Quincy.

1. City of Quincy Department of Public Works (DPW): Manages all municipal construction—roads, schools, parks, and water/sewer projects. A stable, long-term employer. Hiring tends to be cyclical, tied to the city's annual budget and bond authorizations.
2. South Shore Health (formerly South Shore Hospital): Based in Weymouth, a 10-minute drive from Quincy. They have continuous facility expansions and renovations. Construction managers with healthcare project experience (infection control protocols, specialized MEP systems) are highly valued here.
3. The Walsh Group & Shawmut Design and Construction: While based in Boston, these top-tier national firms have a massive footprint in Quincy and the South Shore. They handle projects for clients like Boston College (Brighton campus) and major biotech firms in Cambridge. They hire for project executive roles based in Quincy to manage local projects.
4. Skanska USA: Another major national contractor with a significant New England presence. They are often involved in large-scale public works, including MBTA station improvements and infrastructure projects along the I-93 corridor that Quincy borders.
5. Quincy College & Local School Districts: Ongoing campus maintenance and capital improvement projects. These are often public bid projects that local construction firms compete for, creating demand for CMs who can navigate public procurement.
6. Private Developers (e.g., The Procaccianti Group, Related Beal): These firms are active in Quincy's waterfront and downtown revitalization projects (e.g., the former Hancock-Adams site). They look for CMs with experience in complex urban mixed-use developments.
7. Suburban/Regional Firms (e.g., BOND, Consigli): These construction managers are based in the broader region and frequently bid on projects in Quincy, from new schools to corporate interiors. They offer a pathway into the industry with strong local networks.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for managers with expertise in sustainable building (LEED, Passive House), life sciences lab fit-outs (due to the biotech boom in Cambridge/Boston), and public infrastructure. The push for MBTA accessibility improvements and climate resilience projects (like coastal flooding protection in Quincy Point) will drive future contracts.

Getting Licensed in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has specific requirements for Construction Managers, though the title "Construction Manager" itself isn't state-licensed. However, to lead construction projects legally, you typically need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for residential projects or a Hoisting Engineer License for certain equipment. For commercial work, the key credential is the LEED AP (for sustainability) or being a Project Manager Professional (PMP). The most critical state requirement is for the projects themselves to be overseen by a licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (PE), but the CM is the on-the-ground leader.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Construction Supervisor License (CSL): Required for any residential project over $25,000 or commercial over $50,000. You must pass an exam. Exam fee: ~$150. Course prep: $300-$600.
• Hoisting Engineer License: For operating cranes/equipment. Requires class time and exam. ~$200.
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification: Standard for supervisory roles. Required by almost all mid-to-large firms. Cost: ~$150-$250.
• LEED AP BD+C: The premier green building credential. Requires passing an exam ($550) and annual maintenance fees.

Timeline:

• Immediate (0-3 months): Get your OSHA 30 and start applying for jobs. Most firms will hire you based on experience and may sponsor you for your CSL.
• Short-Term (3-12 months): Obtain your CSL. This is the key license that makes you a qualified supervisor.
• Long-Term (1-3 years): Pursue specialized credentials like LEED AP or a PMP, which are essential for advancing to senior or executive roles.

Insider Tip: The Massachusetts State Board of Building Regulations and Standards is your go-to resource. For the CSL exam, local trade schools like Quincy College or Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology offer excellent prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Living in Quincy means choosing your vibe. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods for a construction manager’s lifestyle, considering commute, rent, and amenities.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Why It’s Good for a CM	1BR Rent Estimate
Quincy Center	Urban, walkable, T-central. Commute: 20 min to Boston via Red Line.	Best for reducing car costs. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the T. Ideal for those who value time and convenience.	$2,400 - $2,800
Wollaston Beach	Coastal, residential, family-friendly. Commute: 25 min to Boston (drive or T).	Offers a serene, scenic environment after a long day on a job site. Great for de-stressing. Close to the beach for weekend walks.	$2,200 - $2,600
North Quincy	Lively, diverse, transit hub. Commute: 18 min to Boston via Red Line.	The most vibrant food scene (especially Asian cuisine). Budget-friendly apartments. Excellent for young professionals.	$2,100 - $2,500
Houghs Neck	Quiet, coastal, village feel. Commute: 30-40 min (drive to T or job sites).	Very residential and peaceful. Strong sense of community. Best for managers who own a car and don’t mind a shorter commute to the South Shore.	$2,000 - $2,400
Quincy Point	Up-and-coming, industrial-adjacent. Commute: 25 min to Boston.	Close to major employers like South Shore Health. New development projects are happening here, which could be your future workplace.	$2,300 - $2,700

Insider Tip: If you’re a public transit user, prioritize North Quincy or Quincy Center. The Red Line is your lifeline to Boston, Cambridge, and the rest of the metro. If you drive, the Houghs Neck area offers more space and a quieter setting, but you’ll deal with traffic on the Furnace Brook Parkway.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Quincy, your career growth is tied to the region’s economic drivers. The 8% 10-year job growth is your baseline, but you can outpace it by specializing.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction: +10-15% salary premium due to complex regulations and high stakes.
  • Life Sciences/Lab Fit-Out: +15-20% premium. This is booming in Kendall Square, a direct commute from Quincy.
  • Sustainability (LEED, Passive House): +5-10% premium and higher demand on bids.
  • Public Works/Municipal: Steady, but with excellent benefits and pension (if with a city/town). Less volatile than private commercial.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Engineer → Assistant PM → Project Manager: The standard track. Gain experience on Boston-area projects.
  2. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Project Executive: Requires managing larger budgets ($50M+) and complex teams.
  • Owner’s Rep: Move to the client side (e.g., working for a hospital, university, or developer). This offers a better work-life balance and a strategic view.
  • Entrepreneur: Start your own small firm, focusing on a niche like historic renovations (Quincy has many) or residential projects.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to:

  1. MBTA and Infrastructure Upgrades: Continuous investment in public transit (Green Line extension, Red Line repairs).
  2. Housing Pressure: The need for new housing, especially transit-oriented development around T stations.
  3. Climate Resiliency: Projects to protect coastal communities like Quincy from flooding.
  4. Aging Buildings: Renovation and retrofit of the existing building stock.

Insider Tip: Join the Builders Association of Greater Boston (BAGB) or the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts. Their events in Boston are where you’ll meet the key players who hire and promote.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary ($111,975 median) vs. national average.	High Cost of Living, especially housing.
Unbeatable Access to Boston job market via Red Line.	Competitive Housing Market – buying a home is a significant challenge.
Diverse Job Market in public, private, and healthcare.	Traffic Congestion during peak hours (I-93, Route 128).
Vibrant, Diverse Community with great food and culture.	Winters can be harsh, and construction schedules can be disrupted.
Steady Long-Term Growth (8% over 10 years) in a stable region.	Budget Constraints for public projects can lead to bureaucratic hurdles.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for a mid-career construction manager who wants the best of both worlds. If you’re willing to manage a tight housing budget (either renting or saving diligently for a down payment) in exchange for unparalleled career opportunities and a balanced lifestyle, Quincy is hard to beat. It’s ideal for those who value proximity to a major job hub but prefer a community-oriented home base. If you’re early in your career, start here to build your network. If you’re a senior professional, Quincy offers a rewarding lifestyle without the isolation of the deep suburbs.

FAQs

1. How does Quincy compare to living in Boston proper for a construction manager?
You’ll save 30-40% on rent/housing in Quincy versus a similar apartment in Boston. Your commute to most Boston job sites is still under 30 minutes via the T or car, but you avoid the city’s premium costs and congestion. Quincy offers more space and a quieter home life.

2. Do I need a car in Quincy?
It depends. If you live in Quincy Center or North Quincy and work on projects accessible by the Red Line or within the city, you can manage with public transit and occasional rideshares. If your projects are spread across the South Shore or you live in a neighborhood like Houghs Neck, a car becomes a practical necessity.

3. What’s the best way to network in the local construction scene?
Start with the Builders Association of Greater Boston (BAGB) and the AGC of Massachusetts. Attend their monthly events and mixers. Also, frequent local lunch spots in Quincy Center or North Quincy that are popular with construction professionals—you’ll inevitably run into people.

4. Are there opportunities for women in construction management in Quincy?
Yes, absolutely. The industry is actively working to increase diversity. Organizations like Women in Construction (WIC) New England have a strong presence. Major employers like Skanska, Shawmut, and South Shore Health have active DEI initiatives. Quincy’s proximity to Boston provides access to a large, progressive professional network.

5. How volatile is the job market here?
While construction is cyclical, the Quincy metro area is