Construction Manager in Roanoke, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Roanoke Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers, because as a Construction Manager, you know data drives the decision. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Roanoke, VA metro area is $105,255/year, with an hourly rate of $50.6/hour. This positions the role solidly in the upper-middle range for the region. While the national average for this role sits at $108,210/year, Roanoke's lower cost of living (more on that later) means your purchasing power here can be significantly higher.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 194 Construction Manager jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This indicates consistent demand driven by ongoing healthcare expansion, university projects, and residential development, rather than the volatile boom-and-bust cycles of larger metros.

To understand where you fit, here’s a typical experience-based breakdown. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends, as specific public data for each tier is limited.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, field supervision, project coordination, submittals.
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Full project management, budgeting, client relations, estimating.
Senior-Level (9-15 years)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Mega-project oversight, business development, multi-project portfolios, complex logistics (e.g., downtown infill, hospital expansions).
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$150,000+	Regional leadership, strategic planning, high-value public-private partnerships.

Insider Tip: Salaries in Roanoke are highly dependent on the project type. Managers overseeing commercial projects for major institutions like Carilion Clinic or Virginia Tech typically command a premium over those focused solely on residential tract housing. The 8% growth is in specialized sectors like healthcare and higher-ed construction, where local expertise is prized.

Compared to other Virginia cities, Roanoke offers a compelling balance. While Northern Virginia (NOVA) salaries can be 20-30% higher, the cost of living there can be 50% or more above the national average. Richmond’s market is more competitive with a similar cost profile. Roanoke provides a "sweet spot" for seasoned managers seeking a high quality of life without the intense pressure of a major urban core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $105,255 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single filer with standard deductions (using 2023 tax brackets for illustration). This is a pre-tax estimate.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,771
• Estimated Federal/State Taxes & Deductions (approx. 28%): -$2,456
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,315

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. The Roanoke metro's Cost of Living Index is 90.9, meaning it's about 9.1% more affordable than the national average (100). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $894/month.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Construction Manager in Roanoke:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$894	Average; can range from $750 in older areas to $1,200 in new downtown lofts.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Groceries & Food	$500	Slightly below national average.
Transportation	$450	Assumes a car payment, insurance, and gas. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$400	Varies widely by employer.
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$600	Includes dining out, hobbies, etc.
Taxes (Property/Sales)	$250	Estimated local taxes and sales tax on purchases.
Savings/Retirement (15%)	$950	Highly recommended.
Total Estimated Expenses	~$4,244
Remaining Disposable Income	~$2,071	For additional savings, student loans, or lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Roanoke metro is roughly $285,000. With the disposable income shown above, a Construction Manager earning the median salary could comfortably save for a down payment and afford a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,600 - $1,800 (including taxes and insurance) while maintaining a healthy budget. This is a significant advantage over markets like Richmond or NOVA, where home prices are substantially higher.

Where the Jobs Are: Roanoke's Major Employers

Roanoke's construction market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, government, and a growing craft brewery/manufacturing scene. Here are the primary employers you'll target:

1. Carilion Clinic: The region's largest employer and a constant source of major construction projects. From new patient towers and outpatient clinics to facility renovations, their capital projects team and general contractors working on their behalf are major hirers.
2. Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, but with a major Roanoke presence): While the main campus is in Blacksburg, VT's downtown Roanoke facilities (like the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute) and ongoing expansion in the region drive significant high-tech, academic construction.
3. The City of Roanoke & Roanoke County Government: Public works projects—schools, municipal buildings, infrastructure (roadways, bridges, water systems)—provide steady, long-term contracts. These jobs often require experience with public bidding processes.
4. Johnson & Johnson (Sterilization Services): A major life sciences employer in the region with ongoing facility expansion and maintenance needs.
5. General Contractors & Design-Build Firms: Local and regional firms are the primary vehicles for most projects. Key players include Allied Construction, Duke Homes, Birmingham Construction, and B.L. England. These firms are often the first to hire for project management roles.
6. The Craft Brewing & Cidery Scene: A unique local niche. Companies like Deschutes Brewery (which has a major facility in Roanoke) and Ballast Point require specialized construction and fit-out managers for their brewing and taproom spaces.

Hiring Trends: The market favors managers with experience in healthcare construction (due to Carilion's dominance) and adaptive reuse (converting old industrial buildings in the Old Southwest or Berglund Center area into modern spaces). There's also a noticeable demand for managers skilled in green building practices (LEED, etc.) as the city pushes for sustainable development.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia does not have a state-level license for Construction Managers specifically. However, licensing is required for the contractors they work for, and your personal credentials are critical for career advancement.

• Required Licenses: The key is the Class A, B, or C Contractor's License from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). As a Construction Manager, you are typically an employee of a licensed contractor. You will not need to obtain your own license unless you start your own firm.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended): To be competitive, you should pursue:
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This is the gold standard.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI.
  • LEED AP from the U.S. Green Building Council, especially for work on public or commercial projects.
• Cost & Timeline:
  • CCM Exam & Application: ~$600-$800 total (includes study materials, exam fee, and application). Requires 4+ years of experience.
  • PMP Exam: ~$555 for non-members. Requires 36 months of leading projects.
  • Timeline: You can begin studying and applying for certifications immediately. The CCM can take 3-6 months of preparation and processing. For the contractor's license (if you were to start your own company), the process takes 4-6 weeks after passing the exam, which requires 8 years of practical experience for a Class A license.

Insider Tip: In the Roanoke market, a CCM or PMP instantly puts you in the top tier of applicants, especially for public and institutional work. It's a worthwhile investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Roanoke affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Fits a CM
Downtown Roanoke	Urban, walkable, vibrant. 5-10 min commute to most offices.	$1,100 - $1,400	Close to Carilion, city offices, and major GC offices. Perfect for those who want to be in the action.
Old Southwest	Historic, charming, diverse. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	A mix of old and new construction. Close to downtown and major thoroughfares like 419.
Cave Spring (South)	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	Excellent schools, newer housing stock. Popular with managers who have families and work south of the city.
Bonsack (East)	Semi-rural, quiet. 15-25 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Lower rent, more space. Good for those who prefer a quieter home base and don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
Hollins (Northwest)	College-town feel (Hollins University). 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Affordable, with a mix of students and professionals. Easy access to I-81 for regional travel.

Personal Insight: If you're single or a couple without kids, Downtown or Old Southwest offer the best quality of life and networking opportunities. For those seeking space and value, Bonsack or Hollins are excellent choices.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Construction Managers in Roanoke is stable and positive, with that 8% growth tied to specific sectors.

• Specialty Premiums: To move above the median salary, specialize. The highest premiums are in:
  • Healthcare/High-Tech Construction: Due to the complexity and regulatory environment (e.g., working in an operating hospital).
  • Historic Renovation & Adaptive Reuse: A niche but growing field in Roanoke's older neighborhoods.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (P3): Involving large-scale projects like the proposed riverfront developments or regional transit.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Project Engineer → Assistant Project Manager → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Project Executive/Regional Manager. The leap to executive roles often requires moving to a larger regional office (e.g., Richmond or Charlotte) or taking on business development and client acquisition responsibilities.
• 10-Year Outlook: Roanoke's economy is diversifying beyond its traditional manufacturing base. Investments in healthcare, tech (thanks to VT), and quality-of-life amenities (trails, downtown revitalization) will drive steady demand for construction. Managers with deep local knowledge and strong relationships with key institutions (Carilion, VT, City) will have the most secure and lucrative careers.

The Verdict: Is Roanoke Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in most metros.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer major sports, arts, and dining options compared to Richmond or NOVA.
Stable, Growing Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and education.	Geographic Isolation: Surrounded by mountains; travel to other major cities can be time-consuming.
Manageable Commute: Most commutes are under 20 minutes.	Wage Ceiling: While comfortable, top-end salaries are lower than in major coastal cities.
High Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake), a revitalized downtown, and a strong community feel.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for most people.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: Easier to build relationships with key decision-makers.	Slower Pace of Change: Innovation in construction techniques and business practices can lag behind larger markets.

Final Recommendation:
Roanoke is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and a stable career over the high-stakes, high-reward environment of a major metropolis. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or slow down without sacrificing professional growth. It may be less suitable for those at the very beginning of their career seeking the fastest possible advancement or those who thrive on the constant energy of a dense urban core.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Construction Managers saturated in Roanoke?
No, not saturated. While there are only 194 jobs, the 8% growth and the steady pipeline from major employers like Carilion and Virginia Tech ensure consistent demand. The key is having specialized experience, particularly in healthcare or public projects.

2. How competitive are salaries compared to the cost of living?
Extremely competitive. With a median salary of $105,255 against a Cost of Living Index of 90.9, your purchasing power is high. You can afford a comfortable lifestyle, savings, and homeownership more easily than in most U.S. metros.

3. Do I need to be licensed as a Construction Manager in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not have a state license for Construction Managers specifically. However, the firms you work for must hold a contractor's license (Class A, B, or C). Your personal value is enhanced by certifications like the CCM or PMP.

4. What is the commute like in Roanoke?
Generally excellent. The metro area is compact. Most commutes are within 15-20 minutes, even during peak hours. The major arteries are I-581, US-460, and US-220. Traffic congestion is minimal compared to larger cities.

5. Are there opportunities for advancement beyond Project Manager?
Yes, but they often require business development skills or a willingness to specialize. The path to Senior PM or Project Executive is available locally. For executive leadership (VP, Regional Director), you may need to consider opportunities with larger regional or national firms, though some local GCs have significant regional reach.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Virginia Employment Commission, Roanoke City Planning Commission, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow Rent Data, Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research), Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).