Construction Manager in Shreveport, LA

For Construction Managers evaluating a move to Shreveport, Louisiana, this guide provides a data-driven, local perspective on the job market, cost of living, and career trajectory. Shreveport, with its unique position at the crossroads of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, offers a distinct construction environment driven by healthcare, industrial projects, and flood mitigation work. This isn't a promotional piece; it's a practical analysis based on local market conditions and hard numbers.

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

The salary for a Construction Manager in Shreveport is competitive when adjusted for the city's low cost of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area is $104,022/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.01/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the lower costs in Shreveport mean that purchasing power can be significantly higher.

The metro area supports approximately 354 jobs for this profession, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. Over the last decade, the region has seen a 10% job growth in this sector, a figure that reflects steady infrastructure development and commercial projects.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The following table outlines typical salary progression based on local industry standards.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Shreveport
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Assisting senior managers, project documentation, sub-contractor coordination
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Leading mid-sized projects, budget management, client-facing communication
Senior	8-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000	Overseeing complex projects, strategic planning, risk management
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$135,000+	Portfolio management, business development, high-level subcontractor negotiations

Comparison to Other Louisiana Cities

Shreveport’s salary is in a middle ground compared to other major Louisiana cities. While it doesn't reach the peak salaries of New Orleans (driven by tourism and coastal construction), it offers a better balance than Baton Rouge (dominated by state government and petrochemical work) or Lafayette (oil and gas sector). The key differentiator is the cost of living.

City	Median Salary (CM)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Effective Purchasing Power
Shreveport	$104,022	87.1	High
New Orleans	~$112,500	102.4	Moderate
Baton Rouge	~$103,000	93.5	High
Lafayette	~$101,500	91.8	High

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial. Using the median salary of $104,022 and Shreveport's average 1BR rent of $927/month, we can create a realistic monthly budget. (Note: Taxes are estimated using 2024 federal tax brackets for a single filer, standard deduction, and rough state/local tax approximations of 4.5% for Louisiana.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,668	($104,022 / 12)
Federal & State Taxes	-$2,150	Approx. 24.8% effective rate
Social Security & Medicare	-$662	7.65%
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,856
Rent (1BR Average)	-$927	Can vary by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$220	Shreveport summers can be hot/humid
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Shreveport is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate
Groceries & Household	-$400
Health Insurance	-$350	(Employer-subsidized)
Retirement (e.g., 401k)	-$450	(Pre-tax, 5% contribution)
Discretionary/Savings	$2,059	Very strong buffer

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $5,800/month and a median home price in Shreveport of around $210,000 (Zillow, 2024), a Construction Manager is in an excellent position to buy. A 20% down payment on a median home is $42,000. With the strong discretionary income shown above, saving for this is feasible within 2-3 years for a disciplined professional. A typical mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $210k home would be approximately $1,400-$1,500/month, which is very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

The Shreveport construction market is not dominated by a single industry but by a mix of healthcare, industrial, and public works. Here are the key players to know:

1. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport: The ongoing expansion of this major medical center is a continuous source of high-value construction projects. They manage a multi-year master plan for new facilities and renovations. Hiring is often through large GCs like Brasfield & Gorrie or DPR Construction.
2. Bossier Parish Schools & Caddo Parish Schools: Both school boards run frequent bond-funded projects for new schools and renovations. These are stable, long-term projects that require consistent on-site management.
3. City of Shreveport & Caddo Parish Government: Public works projects, including the crucial flood control infrastructure (like the Red River Waterway), parks, and road repairs. Jobs here are often publicly bid and can be found on the respective government portals.
4. Industrial & Petrochemical: While not as dense as Baton Rouge, the Shreveport area has industrial plants (e.g., The Bistineau area for timber/pulp, some petrochemical). Companies like Carpenter Technology (in nearby Benton) and various contractors servicing the region offer opportunities.
5. Commercial Developers: Local firms like The Ark-La-Tex development group or Southern Trace (a large master-planned community in Shreveport) drive residential and commercial construction. Look for GCs like Goudeau & Associates or Parker Design Group.
6. Higher Education: Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) and Southern University at Shreveport periodically have campus improvement projects.
7. Hiring Trends: There is a growing demand for managers skilled in flood mitigation and resilient design due to Shreveport's geographic vulnerability. Experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects is a significant plus. Also, there's steady work in healthcare facility upgrades and industrial maintenance projects.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

Louisiana has a licensing system for construction managers through the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors (LLBC). While the state doesn't have a specific "Construction Manager" license, the relevant license is the Commercial Building License (Class A or B) for those who contract directly with owners.

• Requirements:
  • Experience: A minimum of four years of experience as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the commercial or industrial field. This is non-negotiable.
  • Exam: You must pass the NASCLA Accredited Commercial Building Exam or the Louisiana Business & Law exam. The commercial exam covers project management, safety (OSHA), and trade knowledge.
  • Bond: A $25,000 surety bond is required for a commercial license.
  • Insurance: General liability insurance (minimum $500,000/$1M) is mandatory.
• Costs:
  • Exam Fee: ~$75 per exam.
  • License Application Fee: ~$300-$500.
  • Surety Bond: Varies by credit, but expect an annual premium of 1-3% of the bond amount ($250-$750/year).
  • Insurance: A significant ongoing cost, often quoted individually based on experience and project type.
• Timeline: From start to finish, with exam preparation and paperwork, expect 4-6 months to be fully licensed and operational if you already have the required experience. The LLBC website is the primary resource.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Shreveport is a sprawling city, and your commute can vary significantly. These neighborhoods offer a good balance of lifestyle, commute time, and amenities.

1. South Shreveport (Preston Hollow, Southern Trace):

   • Vibe: Upscale, suburban, family-friendly. Home to the master-planned community of Southern Trace.
   • Commute: ~15-25 minutes to downtown or major industrial areas. Easy access to I-20.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,300 - $1,600/month.
   • Insider Tip: This area has the best public schools and newer housing stock, but it's the most expensive for rent.

2. Broadmoor & Broadmoor Mall Area:

   • Vibe: Established, mid-century neighborhoods with mature trees. Central location.
   • Commute: ~10-20 minutes to most job sites. Very walkable to shops and restaurants in the Broadmoor area.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $950 - $1,200/month.
   • Insider Tip: Offers a great balance of affordability and convenience. Look for complexes near the Broadmoor branch of the library for community feel.

3. Shreveport's Historic District (South Highlands, Highland):

   • Vibe: Historic charm, larger homes, strong neighborhood associations. Close to downtown and the riverfront.
   • Commute: ~10-15 minutes to downtown. Proximity to the Red River.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $850 - $1,100/month (for apartments/converted units).
   • Insider Tip: This area is prone to older infrastructure. If renting a historic home, ask about recent plumbing and electrical updates.

4. Bossier City (East of I-220):

   • Vibe: Rapidly growing, more modern subdivisions. Closer to the Barksdale Air Force Base and the entertainment district (Horseshoe Casino, etc.).
   • Commute: ~15-30 minutes to Shreveport job sites (crossing the river).
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $900 - $1,250/month.
   • Insider Tip: Property taxes are slightly lower in Bossier Parish, which is a significant factor for homeowners.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Shreveport's construction market is mature, meaning growth is more about specialization than explosive expansion.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in healthcare (ICRA, infection control) can command a 10-15% salary premium. This is a stable, growing niche.
  • Flood Mitigation/Resilient Design: Expertise in the Army Corps' projects or elevated construction is highly valued and can lead to consulting opportunities.
  • Industrial Maintenance: Experience with turnarounds or shutdowns in nearby plants offers high-paying, project-based work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager: This is the standard track, focusing on larger budgets and more complex scopes.
  2. Construction Manager → Project Executive: Moves from daily operations to oversight of multiple projects, client relations, and business development.
  3. Field to Office: Skilled field superintendents can transition to estimating or project management roles, offering better work-life balance.
  4. Entrepreneurial: Shreveport's market has room for niche contractors (e.g., historic restoration, specialized concrete work). Many successful local firms started as side projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth is solid. The drivers will be:
  • Aging Infrastructure: Continued need for road, water, and flood control projects.
  • Healthcare Expansion: As Ochsner LSU and other providers grow, the need for skilled CMs will persist.
  • Industrial Revitalization: Potential projects if the region attracts new manufacturing or energy investments.
  • Risk: The market is vulnerable to economic downturns and the petrochemical cycle. However, public works and healthcare provide a buffer.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent affordability relative to salary. Home ownership is highly feasible.	Limited high-end project diversity. Fewer skyscrapers or landmark cultural projects compared to New Orleans.
Strong, stable job market in healthcare and public works.	Car-dependent city. Public transit is not a viable option for commuting.
Low competition compared to larger metros. Networking is easier.	Slower pace of life. Could feel stagnant for those seeking a dynamic, fast-paced urban environment.
Friendly, interconnected professional community. "Who you know" matters in a smaller market.	Climate: Hot, humid summers and the occasional severe storm/flood risk.
Strategic location with easy access to Dallas (3-hour drive) and Little Rock.	Cultural amenities, while present, are not as extensive as in larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Shreveport is an excellent choice for Construction Managers at the mid-to-senior level who prioritize financial stability, home ownership, and a manageable pace of life. It's particularly well-suited for those with experience in healthcare, public works, or flood mitigation. For a young professional just starting, the market might feel a bit limited, but the low cost of living allows for aggressive savings. For a seasoned manager looking to build wealth and lead impactful community projects (like schools and hospitals), Shreveport offers a unique and rewarding environment.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as a Construction Manager in Shreveport without a Louisiana license?
You can work as an employee of a licensed general contractor without your own license. However, if you plan to be a project manager for a firm that holds contracts, you will need to be licensed or work under someone who is. To own your own construction company, the Commercial Building License is mandatory.

2. How does the Shreveport job market for CMs compare to Dallas?
Dallas has a much larger and more dynamic market with higher salaries, but the cost of living is vastly higher. Shreveport offers better purchasing power and less competition. It's a classic "big fish in a small pond" scenario versus being one of many in a large pond.

3. What is the best way to network in Shreveport's construction industry?
Join the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Louisiana, North Louisiana Chapter and attend their events. Also, connect with the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. The local ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) chapter is also active. The industry is small—reputation is everything.

4. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
While field work is inherently on-site, many project management tasks (scheduling, budgeting, client meetings) can be done remotely. Some firms offer hybrid schedules, especially for senior managers overseeing multiple sites. Be sure to discuss this during interviews, as it's not a given.

5. What unique local factor should I prepare for?
Flood risk. Shreveport's topography and climate mean flood mitigation is a constant topic. As a Construction Manager, even on non-flood projects, understanding drainage, elevation, and resilient materials is a key local competency. Familiarize yourself with the city's flood maps and drainage initiatives.