Construction Manager in Salina, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a Construction Manager in Salina, you're looking at a median salary of $104,314/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.15/hour. This is solid for the region and the cost of living, but it's crucial to understand how experience impacts your earning potential. The construction market here is steady but not explosive; it's a town that builds and maintains, rather than experiences the boom-and-bust cycles of larger metros.

Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Salina's Market
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $85,000	You'll likely start as an Assistant PM or Field Engineer. Expect to work under a senior manager on commercial builds, road projects (like K-140 or I-70 expansions), or residential developments.
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$95,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot. You should be running your own projects, managing crews, and handling budgets. Your salary will be close to the median as you take on more responsibility.
Senior	10-15 years	$115,000 - $130,000	At this level, you're managing multiple projects or a specialized division (e.g., healthcare, industrial). Your value is in your network and problem-solving skills.
Expert	15+ years	$130,000+	These are the VPs of Operations or owners of local firms. They have deep ties to the community and handle the largest contracts, often with the City of Salina or major local employers.

How does Salina compare to other Kansas cities? The national average for Construction Managers is $108,210/year, meaning Salina's median is slightly below the national figure. This is typical for the Midwest. However, when you factor in the local cost of living, your dollar goes much further here than in Wichita or Kansas City. For instance, the Cost of Living Index is 88.0 (US average = 100), meaning you're getting about 12% more purchasing power for your salary. Topeka and Lawrence might have slightly higher salaries, but their rents and housing costs are also notably higher. In Salina, the 92 jobs in the metro area for this role indicate a stable, but not overly competitive, market. You won't be competing with thousands of applicants, but you also won't have a dozen companies fighting to hire you at once.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth is 8%. This isn't a skyrocketing number, but it's healthy and sustainable. It points to consistent demand driven by public infrastructure projects (think city water line upgrades, school renovations) and steady commercial development, not speculative bubbles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after the state takes its share and the roof over your head is paid for. Let's break down the monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $104,314/year.

We'll assume you're filing as single with no dependents for a conservative estimate. Kansas has a progressive state income tax ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%. After federal and state taxes (estimated at roughly 25-28% total effective rate), your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $6,200 - $6,400.

Now, let's allocate that take-home:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Housing (1BR Rent)	$792	This is the city-wide average. In a nice neighborhood like College Hill or West Salina, you might find a 1BR for $800-$850. A 2BR can be found for $1,000-$1,200.
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity (Evergy), natural gas (Kansas Gas Service), water, and trash. Winters can be cold; heating bills will spike.
Groceries & Household	$450	Salina has two main grocery chains (Dillons, Walmart) and a decent Hy-Vee. Prices are average for the Midwest.
Transportation	$400	This assumes a car payment and insurance. Salina has no public transit to speak of; a reliable vehicle is a necessity. Gas is typically 5-10% below the national average.
Health Insurance	$300	This is your employer's portion. If you're on a single plan, it's often lower. Family plans are significantly more.
Discretionary/Debt	$1,500	This covers eating out, entertainment, student loans, and savings. With low entertainment costs, this can be a comfortable amount.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,692

The Bottom Line: After all essential and discretionary spending, you're likely left with $2,500 - $2,700/month for savings, investments, or paying down debt. This is a very comfortable margin for Salina.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Salina is around $145,000. A 20% down payment is $29,000. With a 30-year mortgage at current rates, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $900 - $1,100. Given your take-home pay, this is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income. In fact, many Construction Managers in Salina own homes because it's more affordable than renting long-term. The key is to build up that down payment, which your healthy monthly surplus makes very achievable.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

The construction scene in Salina is driven by a mix of public institutions, agricultural giants, and a growing healthcare sector. You won't find the skyscraper projects of a major city, but you will find stable, well-paying work. Here’s who’s building Salina:

1. City of Salina - Public Works Department: This is a massive employer for construction managers. They handle everything from street and sewer projects to water treatment plant upgrades and park renovations. Hiring is steady and often through their website. They value managers with experience in civil and municipal projects.

2. Salina Public Schools (USD 305): School districts are constantly maintaining and upgrading their facilities. Projects range from new school construction (like the recent renovation of South Middle School) to HVAC and roofing updates. This work is often let out to local general contractors, who need experienced PMs to run the jobs.

3. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): As the regional medical hub, SRHC is always expanding. The recent construction of the new medical office building and expansions to the emergency department are prime examples. These projects require managers skilled in healthcare construction, which involves strict regulations and complex MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems.

4. Schwan's Company (now part of CJ Foods): While the corporate HQ moved, Schwan's has a massive production and logistics footprint in Salina. They regularly undertake facility expansions, warehouse upgrades, and process line installations. This is industrial construction at its finest, demanding managers who understand food-grade facility requirements.

5. McPherson Oil & Gas (and local energy companies): The region is part of the oil and gas industry. While not as active as in western Kansas, there are still well-site construction, pipeline maintenance, and related facility projects. These are often managed by specialized firms that hire locally.

6. Local General Contractors: Salina is home to several reputable mid-sized GCs like Midwest Contractors, Inc. and L & L Construction. These firms bid on a variety of public and private projects. Working for a GC gives you the most diverse experience, from commercial to light industrial.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is not frantic. It's driven by the fiscal year cycles of public entities (the city, schools, county) and the strategic expansion plans of private companies like SRHC. The best way to find jobs is through personal networking with local contractors and checking the City of Salina's procurement portal. Indeed and LinkedIn are useful, but a significant portion of mid-to-senior level roles are filled through word-of-mouth.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas does not have a state-specific license for the title "Construction Manager." However, the professional credential that holds the most weight is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), offered by the CMAA (Construction Management Association of America). Many employers in Salina, especially on public projects, prefer or require it.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs:

• General Contractor (GC) License: If you plan to own your own firm that pulls building permits, you'll need a GC license from the Kansas Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Division. This requires proof of insurance, a bond, and sometimes a qualifying party (a licensed supervisor).
• Professional Engineer (PE) License: If your role involves significant structural or MEP design, a PE license from the Kansas Board of Technical Professions is a major asset. It requires passing the FE and PE exams, four years of experience, and references.
• Costs: The CCM exam fee is $595 for CMAA members, $795 for non-members. Annual dues are around $300. A Kansas GC license application fee is $150 (plus bond/insurance costs).

Timeline to Get Started:

• For the CCM: If you already have the required 4 years of construction management experience, you can schedule the exam within 2-3 months of deciding to pursue it. Study time is typically 2-3 months.
• For a PE License: This is a multi-year process. If you already have your EIT/FE certification and the required experience, you can apply and sit for the PE exam within 6-12 months. It's a longer-term investment in your career.

Insider Tip: In Salina, a PE license is a golden ticket. It immediately sets you apart from other CMs, especially for public works and infrastructure projects where engineering oversight is critical. Many senior managers at the City of Public Works hold a PE.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your choice of neighborhood in Salina will define your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. College Hill / Downtown: This is the historic heart of Salina. You'll find older, charming homes and renovated apartments. It's walkable to local restaurants, coffee shops, and the Stiefel Theatre. Commute to most job sites is 5-10 minutes. Rent Estimate: A 1BR apartment: $800-$900. A 2BR house: $1,200-$1,500. Ideal for those who want a vibrant, small-town urban feel.

2. West Salina: More residential and family-oriented. This is where you find newer subdivisions, great schools (like Lakewood Middle School), and easy access to the I-70 corridor. Commute to industrial areas like the Schwan's campus is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $750-$850. 2BR: $1,000-$1,300. Perfect for managers who need space and value a quiet, suburban setting.

3. South Salina: Affordable and convenient. It's close to the Southtowne shopping center, grocery stores, and has easy access to Highway 81. Commute to downtown or public works projects is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $700-$800. 2BR: $900-$1,100. A practical choice for those prioritizing budget and accessibility.

4. North Salina (near the Salina Municipal Airport): This area is more industrial and commercial. It's less about neighborhood charm and more about being close to the airport, manufacturing businesses, and logistics centers. Commute to most job sites is 5-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $650-$750. 2BR: $850-$1,000. Best for someone who wants the shortest possible commute to specific industrial job sites and doesn't mind a less residential feel.

Insider Tip: The I-70 / I-135 interchange in South Salina is a major construction hub. Living nearby can mean a literal 5-minute commute for jobs on that corridor, which is a huge quality-of-life perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Salina, career growth is less about vertical climbs in a massive corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise and expanding your responsibilities. The 10-year job growth of 8% signals stability, not a gold rush.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. A Construction Manager with a PE license can command a 10-15% premium. Expertise in healthcare construction (for SRHC projects) or food-grade facilities (for Schwan's/CJ Foods) makes you a niche expert, less vulnerable to market fluctuations. LEED certification is still a plus, though less critical than in larger cities, as sustainability mandates grow.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Field Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Director of Operations. In Salina, the top level often means becoming a partner in a local firm or starting your own. Another path is moving from the private sector to a public role (e.g., City of Salina Public Works Director), which offers excellent job security and benefits, though the salary may cap lower than the private sector.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is steady. Salina's economy is anchored in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics—sectors that are resilient. The need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure (water lines from the 1970s, 80s-era school buildings) will drive demand. The key to long-term growth will be adapting to new technologies (like BIM and drones) and building a strong reputation within the tight-knit local construction community.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice depends on your career and lifestyle priorities.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living. Your $104,314 salary goes far. Housing is very affordable.	Limited Job Market. With only 92 jobs in the metro, openings can be infrequent. Patience is required.
Stable, Predictable Market. Driven by public institutions and agriculture, less prone to booms and busts.	Slower Pace & Fewer "Trophy" Projects. You won't be building skyscrapers. It's more about practical, necessary builds.
Strong Community & Networking. The construction community is small and interconnected. Reputation matters.	Limited Social/Cultural Scene. A far cry from a major city. Great for families, less so for young singles seeking a vibrant nightlife.
Short Commutes & Easy Living. You can live 10 minutes from anywhere you need to be. Traffic is non-existent.	Dependence on a Car. Public transit is virtually non-existent. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Path to Homeownership. Very achievable on a Construction Manager's salary.	Professional Growth Requires Initiative. You must actively seek out certifications and network to advance.

Final Recommendation: Salina is an outstanding choice for a Construction Manager who values quality of life, financial stability, and homeownership over the intensity and prestige of a major coastal metro. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to plant roots, raise a family, and build a respected career in a supportive community. It is less ideal for those in the early stages of their career seeking the widest variety of projects or for those who crave a bustling urban environment. If you're willing to build your career deliberately and embrace the local pace, Salina offers a compelling and sustainable path.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a Construction Manager in Salina?
It's not as simple as in a major city, but it's very doable with the right approach. The market has 92 jobs, but many are filled through networking. Your best strategy is to contact local GCs directly, connect with the City of Salina’s Public Works department, and monitor the SRHC careers page. Having your CCM or PE license will significantly improve your prospects.

2. How does the salary compare to the cost of living?
Very favorably. While the median salary of $104,314 is slightly below the national average of $108,210, Salina's Cost of Living Index of 88.0 means your disposable income is likely higher than in most other U.S. cities. An average 1BR rent of $792/month is a fraction of what you'd pay in Kansas City or Topeka.

3. What is the biggest challenge for Construction Managers new to Salina?
The biggest challenge is overcoming the initial lack of a local network. The construction community is tight-knit. It takes time to build trust and get referred for projects. Be proactive: attend local Chamber of Commerce events, join professional groups like the Builders Association of Salina, and don't be shy about introducing yourself to project owners and contractors.

**4. Is Salina a good place to raise a