Career Guide: Construction Management in Savannah, GA

Welcome to Savannah. If you’re a Construction Manager (CM) thinking about planting roots here, you’re considering one of the most active and historically rich construction markets in the Southeast. As a local who’s watched the skyline shift from the remnants of the old Central of Georgia Railway yard to the new towers rising in the Downtown and Midtown districts, I can tell you this city is a constant work in progress. This guide isn’t a real estate brochure; it’s a data-driven breakdown of what it actually takes to build a career here.

We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the real cost of living. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. Construction Managers in the Savannah metro area (which includes Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham counties) earn a strong median salary, but context is everything. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the financial picture looks like this:

• Median Salary: $106,781/year
• Hourly Rate: $51.34/hour
• National Average: $108,210/year
• Jobs in Metro: 295
• 10-Year Job Growth: 8%

Savannah’s median salary sits just slightly below the national average, which is typical for a mid-sized Southeastern city with a strong local cost-of-living advantage. The 8% job growth over the next decade is promising, outpacing the national average for many construction trades, driven by port expansion, military infrastructure needs, and steady residential and commercial development.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential scales with experience and project complexity. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Savannah market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Assistant CM	0-3 years	$65,000 - $85,000	Submittals, daily logs, assisting superintendents, basic scheduling.
Mid-Level CM	4-9 years	$90,000 - $120,000	Managing full projects ($1M-$10M), client communication, budget management, team leadership.
Senior CM / Project Executive	10-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000+	Overseeing multiple high-value projects ($10M+), business development, complex risk management.
Expert / Director Level	15+ years	$150,000 - $180,000+	Firm-wide operations, strategic planning, high-stakes client relations, specialized in sectors like marine or industrial.

Comparison to Other GA Cities

Savannah holds its own when compared to Georgia’s larger metros, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industry Drivers
Savannah	$106,781	95.6	Port, Tourism, Military, Historic Preservation
Atlanta	$112,450	104.5	Corporate HQs, Logistics, Film, Multi-family
Augusta	$98,500	88.0	Medical, Military (Fort Gordon), Manufacturing
Columbus	$95,200	84.0	Manufacturing, Military (Fort Benning)

While Atlanta’s salary is higher, its cost of living is significantly steeper. For a CM who values a slower pace, historic charm, and coastal access without the Atlanta price tag, Savannah’s $106,781 median provides a very comfortable lifestyle.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s make this tangible. A salary of $106,781 feels different after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. We’ll base this on a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and Georgia’s state income tax (which ranges from 1% to 5.75%).

Estimated Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Annual: $106,781
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Fed + State): ~$28,000
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,565

Monthly Budget Breakdown:
Now, let’s allocate that take-home pay. The average 1-bedroom rent in Savannah is $1,287/month, but we’ll use a more realistic estimate for a CM likely wanting a nicer area: $1,400/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR in a desirable area)	$1,400	Midtown, Downtown, or Victorian District.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Savannah’s humid summers can spike AC costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$500
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Retirement Savings (401k, 5%)	$445	Based on gross salary.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$1,220	This is your leftover.
TOTAL	$4,565	Leaves a healthy $2,000/month buffer.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Savannah metro is roughly $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of ~$1,440 (including taxes and insurance). This is comparable to renting a nicer apartment. A CM earning the median salary can comfortably afford a home, especially with the $2,000/month buffer shown in the budget. Many local lenders offer programs for professionals, and the construction industry’s stability is a plus for mortgage applications.

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Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah’s construction market is a mix of large national firms, strong regional players, and specialized local contractors. The job market of 295 positions is tight and competitive, but opportunities are constant. Here are the key players:

1. The Port of Savannah (Georgia Ports Authority): The economic engine of the region. The GPA is in a perpetual state of expansion (see the Mason Mega Rail Terminal). They employ a massive in-house team of engineers and CMs for capital projects, and they are a primary client for every major contractor in the region. Hiring is steady for in-house roles, especially for those with port or heavy civil experience.
2. HCA Healthcare (St. Joseph's/Candler): The healthcare sector is a consistent builder. HCA is constantly renovating, expanding, or building new outpatient centers. These projects require CMs skilled in medical facility standards (infection control, specialized MEP). Look for openings with their in-house facilities teams or with general contractors like Robins & Morton.
3. Gulfstream Aerospace: A major private employer and a massive construction client. Their facilities are high-tech, requiring CMs with experience in industrial, clean-room, or advanced manufacturing construction. They often work with top-tier GCs like Brasfield & Gorrie or McCarthy Building Companies.
4. The City of Savannah & Chatham County: Public projects are a staple. From park renovations to new municipal buildings and school expansions, the city and county government are steady employers for public works project managers. These roles offer excellent benefits and stability.
5. Major General Contractors (GCs):
   • Brasfield & Gorrie: A national powerhouse with a strong Savannah presence, heavily involved in healthcare, industrial, and institutional projects.
   • Robins & Morton: Another national leader, particularly strong in healthcare and higher education projects across the Southeast.
   • Savannah-based GCs (e.g., The Beck Group, local firms like Gaddis & Associates): These firms offer a more localized, relationship-driven career path and often handle the city's signature historic preservation and boutique commercial projects.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing demand for CMs with LEED AP or WELL Building certification, driven by Gulfstream, new university buildings, and sustainable port initiatives. Also, experience with IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) or BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a significant differentiator for top-tier firms.

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Getting Licensed in GA

In Georgia, licensure is handled by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. It’s critical to note: Georgia does not have a specific state license for "Construction Manager" as a standalone title. However, to act as a prime contractor or run your own firm, you need a license.

Requirements for a General Contractor’s License (Limited or Unlimited):

• Experience: Proof of 4 years of relevant experience in the last 10 years.
• Exam: Pass the required NASCLA exam (for Unlimited) or the Georgia Business and Law exam (for Limited).
• Financials: Proof of financial stability (net worth or bonding capacity).
• Insurance: General liability and workers' compensation are mandatory.

Costs:

• Exam Fee: ~$290
• Application Fee: ~$300
• Bonding/Insurance Costs: Vary widely, but a $10,000 bond might cost ~$100-$300 annually for a qualified applicant.
• Total Startup Cost: $1,000 - $3,000 (excluding insurance premiums).

Timeline to Get Started: If you have your experience documentation ready, the process can take 3-6 months from exam to license issuance. Start by contacting the Georgia State Licensing Board directly and consider joining the Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC GA) for guidance and networking.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Savannah’s layout is unique, with a tight historic core and sprawling suburbs. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1-2BR)	Best For...
Midtown	The sweet spot. Walkable to Forsyth Park, great restaurants, 10-15 min drive to Downtown or the Port.	$1,400 - $1,800	Balance of charm, convenience, and access to everything.
Victorian District	Just south of Downtown. Historic, beautiful, a bit grittier but with a strong community. Easy bike ride to work.	$1,300 - $1,600	Younger CMs who want character and proximity without the Downtown price.
Downtown / Historic District	The tourist epicenter. Walkable to everything, but noisy, expensive, and parking is a nightmare.	$1,800 - $2,500+	Those who prioritize walking to work and don't mind tourist crowds.
Pooler / Southside	Suburban, family-friendly, newer construction. 20-30 min commute to Downtown/Port. More space for the money.	$1,200 - $1,500	CMs with families or those who prefer a quieter, modern suburban lifestyle.
The Landings / Skidaway Island	Upscale, gated island community. Very exclusive, high cost of living. 20-25 min commute.	$2,200+	Senior-level CMs or executives seeking a resort-style, secure environment.

Insider Tip: If you work for a GC that does port or industrial work (like Brasfield & Gorrie), living in Midtown or the Victorian District gives you an easy, reverse-commute to the Port of Savannah, avoiding the worst of the tourist traffic in the Historic District.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Savannah’s 8% job growth is a solid foundation, but your personal trajectory depends on specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• Port/Marine Construction: This is a premium skill set. CMs with experience in dredging, dock construction, or container terminal expansion can command 10-15% above the median salary. The Port’s expansion is a decade-long project.
• Historic Preservation: Savannah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. Expertise in adaptive reuse, structural stabilization of historic buildings, and navigating local historic district regulations is a niche that pays well for boutique firms.
• Healthcare/Industrial: Specialized knowledge in infection control (ICRA) for hospitals or clean-room standards for manufacturing (Gulfstream) makes you highly valuable to the top national GCs.

Advancement Path:

1. Project Engineer/Assistant CM (0-3 yrs) -> Project Manager/CM (4-9 yrs) -> Senior Project Manager (10-15 yrs) -> Director of Operations/VP of Construction (15+ yrs).
2. Alternative Path: Move from a GC to an Owner’s Representative role with a major employer like the Port, HCA, or Gulfstream. This path often offers better work-life balance and benefits but slightly lower top-end salary than a top-tier GC.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is strong. The Port’s expansion will fuel industrial and logistics construction for the next decade. Tourism and hospitality will continue to drive hotel and entertainment projects. The only potential slowdown could be a national housing market correction, but Savannah’s diverse economy (port, military, healthcare) provides a buffer. CMs who adapt to green building and modular construction will have the best long-term prospects.

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The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse job market with major employers in port, healthcare, and aerospace.	Humid, subtropical climate can be brutal for outdoor work 6 months of the year.
Lower cost of living than national average and other major GA cities.	Tourist traffic can be a daily headache, especially in the Historic District.
Unique quality of life: Coastal access, incredible history, vibrant food scene.	Limited public transportation; a car is a necessity.
Manageable scale: You can know the key players and build a strong local network.	Salary ceiling is slightly below national average for top-tier roles.
Stable growth: 8% job growth indicates a healthy, non-boom-bust market.	Historic preservation rules can slow down and complicate projects in desirable areas.

Final Recommendation:
Savannah is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values quality of life over maximum salary potential. If you want to build a career where you can afford a home, enjoy evenings on a historic square or a weekend on the water, and work on a diverse portfolio of projects, this is your city. It’s not the place for someone chasing the absolute highest paycheck in the country, but for a balanced, rewarding career in a one-of-a-kind city, the numbers and the lifestyle align perfectly.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Savannah?
Yes, without question. The city is spread out, and public transit (CAT buses) is limited. A reliable car is essential for commuting to job sites, which can be anywhere from the Historic District to the Port to suburban Pooler.

2. How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With only 295 jobs listed, openings are prized. Having a PE license, LEED AP, or specific experience in port/medical projects will put you at the top of the pile. Networking through AGC GA events is crucial.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for new CMs in Savannah?
Learning the local regulatory landscape. The Historic District Commission (HDC) and strict zoning can add layers of complexity to even simple renovations. Building relationships with local inspectors and officials is part of the job.

4. Is Savannah’s construction industry seasonal?
Not significantly. While extreme weather (hurricanes, summer heat) can cause delays, the major employers (Port, hospitals, Gulfstream) have year-round projects. Residential work may slow slightly in winter, but commercial and industrial sectors are steady.

5. Where can I find local salary data beyond BLS?
Check the AGC of Georgia’s annual salary survey and Robert Half’s Construction Salary Guide. For very specific roles, talking to recruiters who specialize in construction in Savannah is your best bet.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Georgia State Licensing Board for Contractors, Zillow Rent Data, U.S. Census Bureau, AGC of Georgia, and local industry reports.