Construction Manager in Springfield, MO

The Salary Picture: Where Springfield Stands

As a local who’s watched this city grow from a quiet Ozark town to a regional construction hub, I can tell you the numbers are solid, but the context is everything. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Springfield is $104,736/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.35/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. While that might look like a dip, the cost of living here is a powerful equalizer. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches significantly further in Springfield than it would in a coastal metro.

The job market is stable, with approximately 340 positions in the metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which outpaces the national average for many construction trades. This isn't a boomtown fueled by speculative tech; it's steady, infrastructure-driven growth fueled by a growing population and ongoing healthcare and educational expansions.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Springfield, MO)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Project coordination, submittal review, on-site supervision under a senior manager.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Full project management, budgeting, client relations, safety compliance.
Senior (10-15 years)	$120,000 - $140,000	Large-scale project oversight, business development, team leadership, complex contract negotiation.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$140,000+	Regional management, strategic planning, high-level stakeholder engagement.

Compared to other Missouri cities, Springfield is a "sweet spot." St. Louis and Kansas City have higher median salaries (closer to the $108,210 national average), but their cost of living is also higher, and the commute can be brutal. Springfield offers a more manageable scale with strong earning potential, especially when you factor in the lower housing and transportation costs.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $104,736/year breaks down to roughly $8,728/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your net take-home pay is approximately $6,500/month (this is an estimate; your exact take-home depends on your deductions and filing status).

Now, let’s layer in Springfield’s housing costs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $723/month. That’s one of the most affordable markets in the country for a professional. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (Take-Home)	$6,500	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$723	Ample options for less.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season.
Groceries	$400	Springfield has competitive grocery chains.
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Ins.)	$550	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$870	Recommended.
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment, etc.)	$500
Total Expenses	$3,493
Remaining Discretionary Income	$3,007	For savings, travel, or home down payment.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Springfield is around $215,000. With a 20% down payment ($43,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (approx. 6.5%) would have a monthly payment of around $1,100, including taxes and insurance. This is well within the budget of a Construction Manager earning the median salary. The housing market is competitive but not cutthroat, and new subdivisions are constantly being built in areas like Republic and Ozark, offering opportunities to work with the builders you might be buying from.

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Where the Jobs Are: Springfield's Major Employers

Springfield’s construction scene is driven by a mix of national firms with local offices and strong, home-grown companies. The healthcare and education sectors are the biggest engines of growth. Here are the key players to know:

1. Bass Pro Shops (Corporate HQ): While known for retail, their corporate headquarters is a massive hub for commercial construction. They manage their own store builds and major corporate expansions. Hiring here is competitive and often seeks managers with experience in large-scale, aesthetic-driven commercial projects.
2. Mercy Springfield: The local health system is in a constant state of expansion. They frequently manage projects from new outpatient clinics to major hospital additions. These projects require managers adept at navigating complex healthcare codes and working within active hospital environments.
3. CoxHealth: The other major healthcare provider, CoxHealth has a significant footprint and ongoing capital projects. Like Mercy, they offer stable, long-term contracts for construction firms and value managers who understand the unique demands of medical facility construction.
4. Springfield Public Schools (SPS): With over 35,000 students, SPS is one of the largest employers in the region. Their bond-funded construction and renovation projects are a steady source of work for local general contractors. This is a great niche for those who enjoy public sector work and community-facing projects.
5. Prime Inc. (Trucking & Logistics): A national leader in trucking headquartered in Springfield, Prime has a large corporate campus and logistics facilities. They are a major client for commercial and industrial construction, especially projects involving warehousing and fleet maintenance.
6. Dake Wells Architecture & local GCs: Springfield has a strong community of architectural firms and general contractors like Dake Wells, The Lawrence Group (TLG), and Branco Enterprises. These firms are often the direct employers for Construction Managers, especially for mid-size commercial and institutional projects. Networking here is key.
7. City of Springfield & Greene County: Public works projects—roads, bridges, water treatment facilities—are a constant. These jobs are often managed by the city’s engineering department or contracted out. They offer a different pace and job security.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for managers with LEED accreditation and experience in sustainable building, driven by new hospital and university projects. Also, "design-build" project delivery is becoming more common, favoring managers who can coordinate architects and engineers from day one.

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Getting Licensed in Missouri

Missouri is a "reciprocity state," which is good news if you're already licensed elsewhere. However, you can't just show up and start managing major projects.

• License Requirement: To manage a construction project valued over $10,000, you must hold a Missouri General Contractor’s license. This is administered by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
• The Process: You must provide proof of financial responsibility (bonding), prove experience (typically 5+ years as a journeyman or project manager), and pass an exam. The exam covers business law, project management, and Missouri-specific statutes.
• Costs & Timeline: The license application fee is $200, and the exam fee is $250. If you need to take a prep course, it can cost several hundred dollars more. The entire process, from application to approval, typically takes 60 to 90 days if your documentation is in order.
• Insider Tip: If you hold a license in a state with a reciprocity agreement (like Illinois, Kansas, or Tennessee), the process can be faster. Always check the Missouri Division of Professional Registration website for the latest list. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Missouri Division of Professional Registration website directly.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Springfield is divided by I-44 and US-65. Your commute will depend on where you work, but traffic is generally mild. Here are the best areas for a professional in construction:

1. South Springfield (Near Battlefield Road & Campbell Avenue): This is the affluent, commercial corridor. Many corporate offices (including Bass Pro) and high-end retail are here. Commutes to major job sites are easy via Campbell or Glenstone. The lifestyle is suburban, with good schools and shopping.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
2. Central Springfield (Historic Districts & Downtown): For those who prefer walkability and a more urban vibe. You’re close to the city’s best restaurants and the downtown entertainment district. Commutes are short, but parking can be a challenge on job sites. A great spot for the young professional.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.
3. North Springfield (Near Missouri State University): The university area has a vibrant, youthful energy. It’s close to the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and is seeing a lot of redevelopment. It’s a short commute to downtown and the north-side industrial areas.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $900/month for a 1BR.
4. Ozark & Nixa (South of Springfield): These are rapidly growing suburbs. Many construction managers live here for the newer housing stock and excellent schools. The commute into Springfield is straightforward via US-65. You’ll find a strong sense of community here.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR (slightly higher than the city average due to demand).
5. Republic & Battlefield: To the west, these areas offer a more small-town feel with a quick commute to Springfield’s western commercial corridors (like the Battlefield Road corridor). It’s ideal for those wanting more space and a quieter lifestyle.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% is a solid indicator. In a market like Springfield, growth isn't about explosive numbers; it's about stability and advancement within established companies.

Specialty Premiums: To move beyond the median salary, specialization is key. Managers with expertise in healthcare construction (MEP-focused), higher education projects, or green building (LEED AP) can command a 10-15% premium. Experience with design-build contracts is also highly valued and can lead to project executive roles.

Advancement Paths: A typical path in Springfield is:

• Project Engineer/Coordinator (1-3 years) → Project Manager (3-8 years) → Senior Project Manager (8-12 years) → Project Executive/Regional Manager (12+ years).

The 10-Year Outlook: The construction industry in Springfield is resilient. With the continued expansion of Mercy and CoxHealth, MSU’s ongoing campus development, and the city’s own infrastructure needs, the pipeline of work is secure. The key to long-term growth will be building a strong local network. Attend Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Missouri events and get involved with the Springfield Business Journal. In this town, your reputation is your currency.

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The Verdict: Is Springfield Right for You?

This isn't a city for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-rise life of a major metropolis. It's for the professional who values balance, affordability, and a strong sense of community.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (Rent: $723, COL Index: 89.3)	Limited public transportation – a car is a must.
Strong job market in stable sectors (healthcare, education)	Fewer "iconic" landmark projects compared to big cities.
Manageable commute times (avg. 15-20 mins)	Social scene is quieter; fewer networking events.
High quality of life with outdoor access (Lake Springfield, Ozarks)	Limited diversity compared to larger metros.
Opportunity to afford a home on a median salary ($104,736)	Career growth may require moving to St. Louis/KC for top-tier roles.

Final Recommendation: If you are a mid-career Construction Manager looking to build equity, enjoy a good work-life balance, and be part of a growing community, Springfield is an exceptional choice. The financial math works, the jobs are there, and the lifestyle is hard to beat for the price. It’s a place to put down roots, not just clock in.

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FAQs

1. What is the most in-demand type of construction in Springfield right now?
Healthcare and educational projects are the most consistent. Mercy and CoxHealth expansions, along with Springfield Public Schools bond projects, keep a steady flow of work. There's also a growing market for industrial and logistics facilities, thanks to companies like Prime Inc.

2. Do I need a truck?
While not strictly required, having a truck (or at least an AWD vehicle) is highly practical. You’ll be visiting job sites across the city and into the surrounding counties, where roads can be less than pristine. It’s more of a tool of the trade here.

3. How is the work-life balance for Construction Managers in Springfield?
Generally good. Projects are rarely as frantic as in major metros. Standard hours are common, though deadlines and site emergencies will always require flexibility. The short commute is a huge factor in reclaiming personal time.

4. Is there a strong union presence?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and United Association (plumbers/pipefitters) have a presence, especially on public and large commercial projects. However, much of the residential and small commercial work is open shop. It’s important to understand the project delivery method and labor agreements before accepting a role.

5. What’s the best way to network here?
Join the AGC of Missouri and attend their local chapter meetings. Also, get a subscription to the Springfield Business Journal and attend their events. In a city of this size, personal relationships are everything. A well-timed coffee with a local general contractor can open more doors than a hundred online applications.