Construction Manager in Sunrise, FL

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Sunrise, Florida.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the construction scene in Sunrise is a direct reflection of its location. We're not an island. The salary you command here is intrinsically linked to the broader South Florida market, particularly the Fort Lauderdale and Miami metro areas. While your paycheck might say Sunrise, the economic drivers are regional.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Sunrise is $112,040/year, which breaks down to an impressive $53.87/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $108,210/year, a premium you earn for navigating Florida's unique building codes, hurricane-resistant construction requirements, and a competitive, high-stakes market. It's a strong number, but context is everything.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level you can expect in the Sunrise area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Sunrise, FL)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, field supervision, subcontractor coordination, safety compliance.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $130,000	Managing smaller commercial or residential projects, budget oversight, client relations, permitting, full project lifecycle management.
Senior-Level (10-15+ years)	$135,000 - $170,000+	Overseeing large-scale projects (e.g., multi-family, retail centers, medical facilities), complex budget management, team leadership, strategic planning.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$175,000+	Regional director, VP of Construction, major project development, high-level subcontractor negotiations, business development.

Compared to other Florida cities, Sunrise holds its own. It doesn't command the top-tier salaries of Miami-Dade County, where competition for luxury high-rises is fierce and cost of living is even more extreme. However, it significantly outpaces most of Central and North Florida. You're in a sweet spot: the pay is driven by the South Florida boom, but the cost of living, while high, is more manageable than in Miami proper or coastal Broward communities like Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In South Florida, a significant portion of senior-level compensation can be tied to project completion bonuses. A well-managed project that comes in on time and under budget can add 10-20% to your annual earnings. Always negotiate performance metrics.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be direct: a $112,040 salary in Sunrise is comfortable, but it requires smart budgeting. The cost of living index here is 111.8, meaning it's about 12% higher than the national average. Your biggest expense will be housing.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person, factoring in taxes and the local average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, which is $1,621/month.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$9,337	($112,040 / 12)
Taxes (Federal, FICA, State)	~$2,400	This is an estimate. Actual withholding depends on your W-4, filing status, and deductions.
Net Monthly Income	~$6,937	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,621	A decent apartment in a safe area. Newer builds will be higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Florida's AC costs are real, especially in summer.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Essential in Sunrise. Public transport (Broward County Transit) is limited.
Groceries & Household	$500
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$3,666	This is your healthy buffer for savings, investments, and lifestyle.
Total	$6,937

As you can see, after covering the essentials, you have a substantial amount of discretionary income. This is where living in Sunrise, versus a coastal city, pays off. You can save aggressively or enjoy the South Florida lifestyle without being house-poor.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $112,040 salary, you are well within the range to purchase a home, especially considering the median home price in Sunrise is more accessible than in neighboring Weston or Coral Springs. A mortgage on a $400,000 home (a common price point for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home in a good Sunrise neighborhood) with a 20% down payment would be roughly $2,300 - $2,500/month including taxes and insurance. This is manageable on your net income, leaving you with over $4,000 for other expenses and savings. The key is having a solid down payment saved, which your strong salary should facilitate.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise is a commercial hub, not just a bedroom community. Its strategic location—tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with major highways (I-595, I-75, the Sawgrass Expressway) intersecting—makes it a magnet for specific types of construction.

Here are the major local employers and sectors driving the demand for Construction Managers:

1. The Sawgrass Mills Mall & The Oasis: This isn't just a mall; it's a multi-billion dollar retail and entertainment complex. Ongoing expansions, tenant fit-outs, and infrastructure projects create a steady stream of work for CMs specializing in commercial retail. The owner, Simon Property Group, is a perpetual client.
2. Broward Health Medical Center: While the main campus is in Fort Lauderdale, the extensive Broward Health system has numerous outpatient facilities, clinics, and medical office buildings in and around Sunrise. Healthcare construction is a stable, long-term niche due to strict codes and specialized systems (HVAC, medical gas, etc.).
3. Major Corporate Distribution Centers: Sunrise's location near the intersection of I-75 and I-595 is prime logistics real estate. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and regional distributors have large fulfillment centers nearby. These massive, fast-track projects require managers skilled in tilt-up concrete and high-bay warehouse construction.
4. Residential Developers (Single-Family & Multi-Family): Developers are constantly building new subdivisions and apartment complexes to meet demand. Look for local and regional firms like Lennar, PulteGroup, and The Related Group (which has a major presence in South Florida) who are active in Sunrise and neighboring areas. They need CMs to oversee their tract home communities and mid-rise apartment buildings.
5. The City of Sunrise: Municipal projects are a reliable source of employment. From park renovations and community center upgrades to public safety facility construction, the city government itself is a direct employer. These jobs often offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. Sunrise Sports & Entertainment District: Home to the FLA Live Arena (formerly BB&T Center), which hosts the Florida Panthers and major concerts. This district is in a constant state of evolution, with new restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues being built, requiring CMs with experience in complex, mixed-use projects.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strong. The metro area has 193 active job listings for Construction Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. We are seeing a shift towards projects that require expertise in green building (LEED certification) and resilient construction to meet new Florida building codes post-Hurricane Ian. Managers who can navigate these specialized requirements will be in highest demand.

Getting Licensed in Florida

Florida has strict licensing requirements for Construction Managers, which protects the industry and ensures quality. It's not a weekend course; it's a serious professional credential.

The primary license is the Certified General Contractor (CG) license, which allows you to manage any size project. The process is managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Key Requirements:

• Experience: You must document four years of experience as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor. This must be verified by a licensed contractor.
• Examination: You must pass the state-approved Certified General Contractor exam. This is a two-part exam: a business and finance section and a project management section.
• Financial Stability: You must provide a financial statement showing a minimum net worth (typically $250,000 for a CG license) or obtain a surety bond.
• Insurance: You'll need to secure general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance before you can actively manage projects.

Timeline and Costs:

• Timeline: From start to finish, the process can take 6-12 months. This includes gathering experience documentation, studying for the exam (which most people spend 3-6 months preparing for), and the application processing time.
• Costs:
  • Exam Fee: ~$300
  • License Application Fee: ~$250
  • Background Check/Fingerprinting: ~$100
  • Surety Bond (if needed): Varies by financials, but can be several thousand dollars annually.
  • Study Materials/Courses: $500 - $2,500

Insider Tip: Start the experience documentation process early. The hardest part for many applicants is getting former employers to sign off on their experience forms, especially if they've moved or the company is no longer in business. Keep meticulous records of all your projects, responsibilities, and hours.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in Sunrise depends on your commute, family needs, and lifestyle. The city is bisected by major highways, which can define your daily drive.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's a Good Fit
Sawgrass / MM	The epicenter of commercial activity. Close to the mall, I-595, and the arena. A fast-paced, convenient commute.	$1,650 - $2,000	You can't beat the location for work. If your job is with a major commercial or retail developer, you might be able to bike to work.
Sunrise Lakes	Established, quiet residential area with a mix of single-family homes and condos. Central location.	$1,500 - $1,700	Great for a CM with a family. Tree-lined streets, community pools, and easy access to both I-595 and the Turnpike. A classic Florida suburban feel.
Long Lake Ranch	A newer, master-planned community on the western edge of Sunrise. More modern homes and amenities.	$1,600 - $1,850	Ideal for those who want newer construction and a community feel. Commute to the eastern commercial hubs is 15-20 minutes via the Sawgrass Expressway.
Bridges at Sunrise	An active 55+ community, but the surrounding area has a mix of newer condos and townhomes that appeal to a wider demographic.	$1,550 - $1,750	Offers a tranquil, resort-style lifestyle with excellent amenities. A short drive to the commercial core, but feels removed from the hustle.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway can be brutal during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). If you're working on a project site in Weston or Davie, living in western Sunrise (like Long Lake Ranch) will save you significant commute time versus living near the mall.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career as a Construction Manager in Sunrise isn't just about managing one project after another. It's about strategically moving up the value chain.

Specialty Premiums: You can significantly boost your earning potential by developing niche expertise:

• Multi-Family Construction: With the population boom, expertise in building apartments and condos is in high demand. This can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Healthcare Construction: This complex, regulated sector pays a premium. Managers who understand the unique demands of hospitals and clinics are highly sought after.
• LEED/ Green Building: As sustainability becomes more important, a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) credential can open doors to high-profile, environmentally conscious projects.
• Pre-Construction Services: Moving from field management to pre-construction involves estimating, value engineering, and feasibility studies. This is often a stepping stone to executive roles and comes with a higher base salary.

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% job growth is real, but the nature of the job will evolve. The "Superintendent with a clipboard" is becoming a relic. The modern Construction Manager in Sunrise must be tech-savvy, proficient with project management software (like Procore, Bluebeam), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and data analytics for budget tracking. The managers who embrace technology will lead the teams of the future. Expect continued growth in the residential and logistics sectors, with a potential slowdown in speculative commercial office space post-pandemic.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Sunrise offers a compelling value proposition for a skilled Construction Manager, but it's not for everyone. Here’s the bottom line:

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries ($112,040 median) that outpace the national average.	High Cost of Living, especially housing and auto insurance.
Diverse Job Market in retail, logistics, residential, and healthcare construction.	Traffic Congestion on major arteries is a daily reality.
Strategic Location in the heart of South Florida's economic engine.	Intense Competition from experienced CMs moving to the area.
Manageable Housing Costs compared to coastal Broward and Miami-Dade.	Hurricane Risk adds stress and complexity to every project.
No State Income Tax, which significantly boosts your take-home pay.	Summer Heat & Humidity can be grueling for field work.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is ambitious, adaptable, and wants to be at the center of a dynamic, growing market. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to level up their salary and project portfolio without being priced out of homeownership. If you thrive on fast-paced work, are skilled in managing complex logistics, and can handle the Florida heat (both literal and figurative), Sunrise will reward your expertise. If you prefer a slower pace and are averse to traffic, you might find the daily grind challenging.

FAQs

1. How does the Florida hurricane season impact a Construction Manager's workload?
It creates a frenzied cycle. The period from June to November is focused on securing sites, ensuring compliance with high-wind codes, and preparing for potential work stoppages. The post-storm period (if a storm hits) can bring a massive surge of repair and reconstruction work, often leading to overtime and high-pressure deadlines. It's not just a weather event; it's a major business cycle factor.

2. Is it necessary to know Spanish to work as a Construction Manager in Sunrise?
While not a formal requirement, it is a significant advantage. A large portion of the skilled trades and labor force in South Florida is Hispanic. Being able to communicate directly with subcontractors and crew members in Spanish can drastically improve safety, efficiency, and on-site relationships. It's a skill that will make you a more effective and desirable manager.

3. What's the typical career path after a Construction Manager role?
The most common paths are upward or entrepreneurial. You can move into a Senior Project Manager, Director of Construction, or Regional Vice President role with a large development firm. Many experienced CMs in Florida eventually start their own General Contracting or Construction Management firms, leveraging their network and expertise to build their own business.

4. How important is local network versus formal qualifications?
In the South Florida construction world, they are equally critical. Your license and experience get you in the door, but your local network gets you the best subcontractor bids, the inside scoop on upcoming projects, and the trust of clients. Join the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) or the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and attend industry events. It's a relationship-driven market.

5. What are the biggest red flags for a CM job in this area?
Be wary of any project that doesn't have its permits fully secured before you start. The Broward County permitting process can be slow; a developer rushing to start without them is a major liability risk. Also, scrutinize the financial health of the client. The 2008 crash was a harsh lesson here—stick with reputable, established developers and financial institutions to avoid getting stuck on a half-finished project.