Construction Manager in Tempe, AZ

The Salary Picture: Where Tempe Stands

As a local who's watched this city's skyline change from a quiet suburb to a booming tech and education hub, I can tell you that construction management here is a solid career path. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Tempe sits at $109,995/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.88/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, but the real story is in the local market's demand and the specific skills that command a premium.

The Phoenix metro area, which includes Tempe, has 379 jobs for Construction Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. That's a stable, consistent demand, largely fueled by ongoing residential projects, commercial development around Arizona State University (ASU), and infrastructure upgrades to support the growing population.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in the Tempe market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, reflecting the $109,995 median.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Tempe)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, sub-contractor liaison, safety compliance, basic scheduling.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project management, budget oversight, client relations, team leadership.
Senior (10-15 years)	$125,000 - $155,000	Portfolio management, complex multi-million dollar projects, strategic planning.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$155,000+	Director-level roles, business development, high-stakes negotiations, firm leadership.

Insider Tip: While the median is $109,995, your actual earning potential is heavily tied to project type. Managers specializing in high-end custom homes, large-scale commercial (like data centers or university buildings), or public infrastructure projects often command salaries in the top 25% of that range.

How Tempe Compares to Other Arizona Cities

Tempe's salary is competitive within the state. Here's a quick comparison to other major Arizona metros:

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living	Market Vibe
Tempe	$109,995	105.5	High-demand, tech/education-driven, fast-paced.
Phoenix	$111,000	103.0	Larger market, more diverse project types, higher competition.
Tucson	$98,500	98.0	Slower growth, university and military projects, lower pay.
Scottsdale	$115,000	112.0	High-end residential/commercial, luxury market premiums.
Chandler	$110,500	105.0	Strong tech/manufacturing sector, similar to Tempe but less dense.

While Phoenix and Scottsdale might edge out Tempe slightly in raw salary numbers, Tempe's unique position as the heart of the Phoenix metro, with its own thriving economy and walkable districts, makes it a compelling choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real. A six-figure salary sounds great, but what's left after the essentials? Using the median salary of $109,995, here's a monthly budget breakdown for a single person in Tempe. (Note: Taxes are estimated for a single filer with no dependents; actual amounts will vary.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $9,166
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,250
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,916
• Average 1BR Rent (Tempe): $1,424/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Pay: $6,916
• Rent (1BR): $1,424 (Leaves $5,492)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $250
• Car Payment & Insurance: $500 (Arizona has high car insurance rates)
• Groceries & Dining: $600
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300
• Retirement (401k, 10%): $917
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Savings): $500

Total Expenses: $4,491
Remaining Surplus: **$2,425**

This surplus is healthy. It allows for aggressive savings, a car paid off in cash, or significant student loan payments. The key question, however, is homeownership.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Tempe is approximately $450,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest, and estimating property taxes and insurance, your monthly payment would be around $2,900.

With a net monthly income of $6,916, a $2,900 mortgage payment is about 42% of your take-home pay. This is above the recommended 30% threshold, but it's not unmanageable, especially with the $2,425 monthly surplus. However, it requires discipline and building a significant down payment. Many managers in this salary range choose to buy in adjacent, slightly less expensive areas like Mesa or Guadalupe, or opt for a condo/townhome initially. Insider Tip: Look for new construction communities in South Tempe near the 101/202 freeways; they often have builder incentives that can help with closing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Tempe's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Tempe is robust, anchored by a few key sectors. Here are the major local employers you should be targeting:

1. Arizona State University (ASU): ASU's constant expansion is the single biggest driver of construction jobs. From new research facilities (like the Biodesign Institute) to student housing and stadium renovations, they hire both direct employees and, more commonly, managers from the general contractors they partner with like Sundt Construction and McCarthy Building Companies.
2. Sundt Construction: This national contractor has a major regional office in Phoenix and is a dominant player in the Tempe market, especially on public and institutional projects. They are known for their employee-owned culture and strong training programs.
3. McCarthy Building Companies: Another top-tier national GC with a significant Arizona presence. They specialize in complex projects, including healthcare (Banner Health facilities) and advanced technology projects (data centers for companies like Intel in nearby Chandler).
4. The Dinerstein Companies: A Houston-based developer with a massive footprint in Tempe, known for building high-rise luxury apartments around ASU. They are consistently hiring project managers and construction executives.
5. City of Tempe / Public Works: The city itself is a direct employer, managing municipal projects like road widening (Mill Avenue), water infrastructure, and public safety facilities. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. Layton Construction: A major GC with a strong Phoenix office, frequently working on commercial retail, office, and hospitality projects throughout the Valley.
7. Wespac Construction: A local favorite for high-end custom residential and small commercial projects. If your passion is in bespoke work, this is a key firm to know.

Hiring Trends: The biggest demand right now is for managers with experience in sustainable building (LEED certification), virtual design and construction (VDC/BIM), and multi-family residential construction. The tech influx means data center construction is also a booming niche.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona requires a Construction Manager to be licensed if they are acting as a "prime contractor" or managing a project over a certain value. The license is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

Requirements & Costs:

• License Type: For most CM's, this will be a General Contractor (GC) or Residential Contractor license. You can also work as a Construction Manager under a GC's license, but to lead projects independently, you need your own.
• Financial Statement: You must submit a financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000 for most licenses.
• Bonding: A surety bond is required. The amount varies by license classification but starts around $10,000 for a Residential license. A bond for a Commercial GC can be $50,000+. The cost of the bond is a small percentage of the total (e.g., 1-3% annually for those with good credit).
• Exam: You must pass the state exam for your specific license classification. Exam fees are around $120.
• Experience: You need to document at least four years of journey-level experience. This is the biggest hurdle for out-of-state applicants; you'll need notarized affidavits from past employers.
• Total Initial Cost (Est.): $2,000 - $5,000 (exam, application, bond, legal fees for paperwork).

Timeline:

1. Gather Experience Documentation: (1-3 months)
2. Study for the Exam: (1-2 months)
3. Submit Application & Pass Exam: (2-4 months)
4. Secure Bond & Finalize License: (1 month)

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a state with a reciprocal agreement (like California, under certain conditions), the process can be faster. Always check the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website for the most current application forms and exam outlines. It's a bureaucratic process, so consider hiring a licensing service to avoid delays.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your neighborhood choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for CM's
Downtown Tempe	Urban, walkable, nightlife. 10-15 min to most offices.	$1,600 - $2,000	Close to ASU, major GC offices, and vibrant scene. Ideal for younger pros.
South Tempe	Family-oriented, quiet, newer homes. 15-25 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,700	Near major freeways (101/202), new construction sites, and great schools.
Tempe Town Lake Area	Modern, scenic, active. 10-15 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,850	Proximity to corporate HQs and the lake for recreation. Very desirable.
Guadalupe	Culturally rich, tight-knit. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,350	Insider Tip: An affordable option, often with more square footage. Close to the 101 for easy access.
Mesa (adjacent)	Suburban, sprawling. 20-30 min commute to Tempe core.	$1,250 - $1,600	More space for your dollar, excellent highway access, and a booming rental market.

Insider Tip: For a Construction Manager, being near Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) or Loop 101 (Price Freeway) is key. These are your lifelines to job sites across the metro area. A commute of 15-20 minutes is standard; anything over 30 minutes can cut into your time for site visits.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% 10-year job growth is promising, but your personal growth depends on specialization. In Tempe, certain niches offer significant salary premiums:

• Data Center Construction: With the massive tech corridor in nearby Chandler (Intel, Microchip, etc.), managers with data center experience can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
• Sustainable Construction (LEED AP): ASU and corporate clients (like State Farm in nearby Chandler) demand green building. A LEED AP certification can add $10,000-$15,000 to your salary.
• Healthcare Construction: Building for Banner Health or Dignity Health requires specialized knowledge of medical gas systems, infection control, and strict regulations. It's a stable, high-demand market.
• VDC/BIM Manager: Moving from field management to a technology-focused role overseeing Building Information Modeling can lead to executive positions with salaries well over $150,000.

10-Year Outlook: The Valley's growth isn't slowing down. The upcoming semiconductor boom (thanks to new TSMC and Intel investments) will require massive industrial construction. Managers who adapt to high-tech manufacturing build-outs will be in the driver's seat. The path to senior leadership (Director, VP) at a major GC is clear and achievable within 10-12 years for a high performer.

The Verdict: Is Tempe Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: $109,995 median salary and 8% growth are solid.	Intense Summer Heat: From June to September, work schedules often shift to early mornings.
Strong Local Economy: Diverse employers from tech to education to government.	Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home requires a significant down payment and budget discipline.
Vibrant Culture: College-town energy, diverse food scene, and outdoor activities on the canals and lakes.	Traffic Congestion: The freeways (101, 202, 60) get very busy during peak hours.
Strategic Location: At the center of the Phoenix metro, easy access to everything.	Rising Cost of Living: Rent and home prices have increased significantly, though still below coastal cities.
No State Income Tax: Your take-home pay is higher than in many other states.	Water Scarcity Concerns: Long-term water issues in the Southwest could impact future growth and project types.

Final Recommendation:
Tempe is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles, and is looking for a stable career with clear growth paths. The salary of $109,995 provides a very comfortable living, especially if you manage housing costs wisely. If you're open to specialization in tech or sustainable building, your earning potential is even higher. It's a "buy" for the right candidate.

FAQs

1. How does the cost of living in Tempe affect a salary of $109,995?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (5.5% above the national average), your salary goes slightly less far than in a cheaper city. However, the absence of state income tax and the strong salary relative to the index mean you'll still have significant disposable income, especially if you're a renter.

2. Do I need a specific license to be a Construction Manager in Tempe?
Yes. While you can work under another company's license, to be the Construction Manager of record on a project, especially one valued over $50,000, you need your own Arizona contractor's license (e.g., General or Residential). The process involves exams, bonding, and proof of experience.

3. What's the job search process like for out-of-state applicants?
Be prepared for a longer timeline. Highlight your project experience (resumes should be project-based, not just job-based). Network through LinkedIn with local GCs like Sundt and McCarthy. Many companies hire for "Project Engineer" or "Project Superintendent" roles first, which can be a stepping stone to Construction Manager.

4. Is the market saturated with Construction Managers?
No. The 379 jobs in the metro and 8% growth indicate steady demand. However, competition is high for the best roles. Candidates with specialized skills (VDC, sustainable building, healthcare) or experience with the major local employers will stand out.

5. How important is a vehicle in Tempe?
Essential. While Downtown Tempe is walkable, construction job sites are scattered across the metro area. You'll need a reliable vehicle to get to sites, meetings, and inspections. A car is a non-negotiable part of the job.