Construction Manager in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a local, I can tell you the first thing you’ll notice in Redmond is that the pay is good, but the cost of living bites back. Let’s cut straight to the data. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Redmond is $112,430/year. That’s $54.05/hour if you’re calculating on a standard 40-hour week. While this is solidly above the national average of $108,210/year, it’s crucial to understand the local context. Redmond isn’t just any city; it’s a tech hub surrounded by affluent suburbs, and that drives both construction demand and living costs.

When you break it down by experience, the progression looks like this. This table is based on aggregated local market data and industry reports for the Seattle metro area, with Redmond as a premium sub-market.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Redmond
Entry-Level	$85,000 - $95,000	Assistant Superintendent, Project Coordinator for smaller residential or light commercial projects.
Mid-Career	$105,000 - $130,000	Managing mid-sized projects (e.g., mixed-use, tech campus fit-outs), overseeing subcontractors.
Senior	$135,000 - $165,000	Senior PM for large-scale projects (data centers, major residential complexes), handling budgets over $10M.
Expert	$170,000+	Director-level, pre-construction planning, executive oversight for major developers and corporate clients.

Compared to other Washington cities, Redmond sits in the middle of the pack for salary but at the top for cost. Seattle proper pays slightly more (median around $115,000-$120,000), but the commute and urban density are a different beast. Bellevue, Redmond’s neighbor, is comparable in salary and cost. Tacoma and Spokane offer significantly lower living costs, but salaries for Construction Managers drop to the $95,000 - $105,000 range. In short: you get paid a premium in Redmond for the local market, but you’ll need every dollar to live here comfortably.

Insider Tip: The $112,430 median is your baseline. Specializing in high-demand sectors like data center construction (huge in Eastern King County) or sustainable building (a priority for the city of Redmond) can push you into the top 25% of earners.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A $112,430 salary sounds great, but after taxes and housing, the take-home pay shrinks. In Washington State, there’s no income tax, but federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare still apply. After an estimated 22-25% effective federal tax rate, your monthly take-home pay is approximately $7,000 - $7,300.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Redmond costs $1,864/month. That’s a substantial chunk of your take-home (25-27%). Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$7,200	After federal taxes (no WA state income tax).
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	A decent apartment in a safe, central location.
Utilities	$200 - $250	Includes power (Puget Sound Energy), internet (Comcast/Xfinity), and water.
Transportation	$400 - $600	Higher end if you have a car payment; lower if you use a public transit (ORCA card).
Groceries & Dining	$600 - $800	Groceries are pricey; dining out in Redmond adds up quickly.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies widely by employer plan.
Debt/Student Loans	$300 - $600	Highly variable.
Savings/Retirement	$500 - $1,000	Critical for long-term stability.
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$300 - $500
Remaining Buffer	$1,000 - $2,000	This is your flexibility for unexpected costs or savings goals.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s tight. The median home price in Redmond is over $1.2 million. With a $112,430 salary, even with a 20% down payment ($240,000), a mortgage on a $1M home would be roughly $4,500/month (including taxes and insurance), which is over 60% of your take-home pay—well beyond the recommended 28-30% rule. Most Construction Managers in Redmond either rent, buy in more affordable neighboring areas like Shoreline or Lynnwood, or have a dual-income household.

Personal Insight: The key to affording Redmond is to not live alone in a brand-new luxury apartment. Consider a roommate in a nice townhouse in the Overlake or Downtown Redmond areas, or look for older (but well-maintained) apartments, which can sometimes be found for $1,600-$1,700.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s construction market is driven by a unique mix of tech, corporate, and residential development. The jobs are there, but they’re often in specific niches. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Microsoft (Main Campus): The elephant in the room. Microsoft’s ongoing campus expansion and renovation projects are a constant source of work for Construction Managers. They hire both direct (as facilities managers) and through their network of general contractors. Hiring is steady but highly competitive; they value managers with experience in tech-sector fit-outs and complex MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination.

2. Swinerton (Bellevue Office): A top-tier national contractor with a massive local presence. They handle everything from high-rise offices to healthcare facilities. They’re a prime employer for mid-to-senior level CMs. Hiring trends: strong for managers with experience in multi-story commercial and mixed-use projects.

3. Hoffman Construction: Another Pacific Northwest powerhouse, Hoffman is known for complex projects, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters and Amazon HQ2 in Arlington. Their Bellevue/Seattle area office frequently needs CMs for high-profile, high-budget projects. They look for managers with impeccable safety records and budget management skills.

4. Porter Construction: A Redmond-based general contractor with deep local roots. They specialize in residential, light commercial, and public works projects. This is a fantastic entry or mid-career spot to learn the local market and build a network. They often hire from within and value long-term relationships.

5. The Benaroya Company: A major developer and builder in the Pacific Northwest, with a significant portfolio in the Eastside. They are involved in large-scale residential (apartments, condos) and mixed-use developments. Their projects offer experience in working with city permitting and community-focused construction.

6. Local Municipal & Public Works: The City of Redmond and King County have their own capital project divisions. These jobs are stable, offer great benefits, and are less susceptible to market swings. Look for openings for “Construction Manager” or “Public Works Project Manager” on their official websites. The work involves roads, parks, and public facilities.

7. Healthcare: While Overlake Medical Center (now part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health) is in Bellevue, it’s a major regional employer that contracts with local construction firms for expansions and renovations. Managers with healthcare construction experience (understanding strict codes and infection control) are highly valued.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs in Redmond’s construction scene aren’t advertised on big job boards. They’re filled through local networking. Join the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington and attend their monthly Eastside chapter meetings. The Puget Sound Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is another goldmine. Knowing someone at Swinerton or Hoffman gets your resume to the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State doesn’t have a state-specific “Construction Manager” license. However, the path to credibility and higher pay is through professional designations and, for some public projects, a state contractor’s license.

1. Professional Designations (Your Best Bet):

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the CMAA, this is the gold standard. It requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), 8 years of relevant experience, and passing a comprehensive exam. Cost: ~$600 for the exam, plus annual dues. This is a major resume booster for corporate and large-project roles.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): From the Project Management Institute. Highly respected across industries, including construction. Cost: ~$555 for the exam (members get a discount). It shows you understand universal PM principles.

2. Washington State Contractor’s License:
If you plan to start your own firm or are a project executive, you may need this. It’s not required for a Construction Manager acting as an employee.

• Process: You must pass a business and law exam and a trade exam (for a specific classification, like General Contractor). You’ll also need to prove financial responsibility.
• Cost: Application fees are around $200-$300, plus the cost of a surety bond (which can be thousands). The exam prep and study materials add another $500-$800.
• Timeline: With dedicated study, you can be ready for the exam in 2-3 months. The licensing process itself can take 4-6 weeks after passing exams.

3. Specialized Certifications:

• OSHA 30-Hour or 500-Hour: Often mandatory for site management. Employers usually cover this cost.
• LEED AP or WELL AP: For sustainable building, which is a huge market in the Seattle metro.

Getting Started: If you’re moving from another state, your experience is transferable. Start by applying for jobs. Once hired, your employer can guide you on the specific credentials they value. For private sector roles, the CCM or PMP is often more critical than a state license.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Redmond impacts your daily life, commute, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Redmond: The heart of the city. You’re walking distance to restaurants, parks, and the Redmond Town Center. Commute to Microsoft or other Eastside employers is minimal (10-15 minutes by car or bus). It’s walkable and has a community feel. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400 for a modern 1BR.

2. Overlake: More affordable and centrally located. It’s a mix of older apartments and newer townhouses. Close to the 405 and 522 freeways, making it a good hub for commuting to Bellevue, Kirkland, or even Seattle. The vibe is more suburban and practical. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR.

3. SE Redmond (Near the Marymoor Park): Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. Close to the park, trails, and the SR-520 corridor (direct access to Seattle). It’s a quieter, residential area with larger apartment complexes and condos. Commute to tech campuses is easy. Rent Estimate: $1,850 - $2,200 for a 1BR.

4. Bel-Red (Border of Bellevue & Redmond): This area is undergoing massive redevelopment. You’ll find new mixed-use buildings with retail on the ground floor. It’s a dynamic, urbanizing area with a slightly younger vibe. Commute is excellent to both downtown Bellevue and Redmond. Rent Estimate: $2,200 - $2,600 for a new 1BR.

5. Bridle Trails (North Redmond): A more upscale, wooded area with larger homes and luxury apartments. It’s quieter and feels more secluded. Commute times are a bit longer (15-20 minutes to central Redmond), but the lifestyle is calmer. Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,500 for a 1BR.

Personal Insight: If you’re new to the area, Downtown Redmond or Overlake offer the best balance of affordability, commute, and access to amenities. They also have a higher concentration of younger professionals and a more active social scene, which is great for networking.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection for Construction Managers in the Seattle metro is 8%, which is healthy and aligns with national trends. However, in a market like Redmond, growth isn’t just about more jobs—it’s about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Data Center Construction: This is a massive, growing field in Eastern Washington. CMs with experience here can command salaries 10-20% above the median. The work is technically complex and requires understanding of high-density power and cooling systems.
  • Sustainable/Green Building: With Washington’s strict energy codes and corporate ESG goals, a LEED or Living Building Challenge certification is a huge differentiator. Premium: 5-15%.
  • High-Rise & Complex Mixed-Use: Managing vertical construction with tight urban site logistics is a specialized skill. Premium: 10-25%.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Technical Path: Move from CM to Senior CM, then to Project Executive or Director of Construction. Focus on technical mastery and large-budget oversight.
  • Management Path: Transition into Pre-Construction Manager (estimating, planning) or Business Development. This path leverages your project experience to bring in new work.
  • Entrepreneurial Path: After 10-15 years, many CMs start their own boutique construction management or design-build firms, focusing on a specific niche like high-end residential or tenant improvements for tech companies.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to the constant churn in the tech sector (renovations, expansions) and housing density projects. However, the industry will face pressure from material costs and labor shortages. CMs who are tech-savvy (using Procore, BIM 360, and other software for remote collaboration) and adept at managing remote teams will have the most significant advantage.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Salary Potential: Median $112,430 is strong for the construction field.	Extremely High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are among the highest in the U.S.
Robust & Diverse Job Market: Stable work from tech giants, developers, and public works.	Traffic Congestion: Rush hour on SR-520 and I-405 is notoriously bad, even for short commutes.
Career Growth & Specialization: Opportunities to work on innovative, high-tech projects.	Competitive Market: You’ll be competing with top-tier talent from around the world.
Excellent Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, water sports) is unparalleled.	"Rain Gloom": The long, gray, drizzly winters from October to May can be mentally taxing for some.
No State Income Tax: More of your paycheck stays in your pocket.	Social Isolation (for some): The “Seattle Freeze” is real; it can be harder to make friends than in other cities.

Final Recommendation: Redmond is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Construction Managers who are financially prepared for the high cost of living and are looking to specialize in high-value, tech-adjacent construction. It’s not ideal for entry-level professionals unless they have a strong financial cushion or a partner with a dual income. The career upside is tremendous, but you must be strategic about your budget and housing. If you love the outdoors, value innovation, and can handle the rain, Redmond offers a career and lifestyle that few other places can match.

FAQs

1. Is it worth moving to Redmond for a Construction Manager job if I already have a job elsewhere?
It depends. If you have an offer at or above the $112,430 median, it’s a strong move for your resume and long-term earnings, especially if you specialize. However, run the numbers on the cost of living (rent, home prices) to ensure your quality of life doesn’t decline. It’s often a better move for those with 5+ years of experience.

2. What’s the best way to find a Construction Manager job in Redmond?
Network locally. Join the AGC and CMAA chapters. Use LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers at Swinerton, Hoffman, and other local firms. Many jobs are filled through referrals. Also, check the career pages of Microsoft, the City of Redmond, and the major developers listed above.

3. Do I need a car in Redmond?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. While there is public bus service (King County Metro) and the Link light rail in nearby Bellevue, Redmond is a suburban city designed around cars. Most construction sites are not easily accessible by public transit, and commuting between sites or to