Construction Manager in Tulsa, OK

A Practical Career Guide for Construction Managers in Tulsa, Oklahoma

As someone who’s watched Tulsa’s skyline change over the last two decades—from the rise of the Gathering Place to the ongoing revitalization of the Pearl District—I can tell you that the construction market here is uniquely resilient. Tulsa isn't just another Midwestern city; it’s a hub of energy, aerospace, and cultural revival. For construction managers, this means a steady pipeline of projects, a lower cost of living than the national average, and a community that values hands-on expertise. However, it’s not without its challenges—like navigating seasonal weather delays or the specific licensing hurdles of Oklahoma.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB), combined with on-the-ground insights. Whether you’re a mid-career professional looking for a lifestyle upgrade or a senior manager eyeing a leadership role, let’s break down what your career looks like in Tulsa.

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: the compensation for a construction manager in Tulsa is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the most recent BLS data, the median salary for Construction Managers in the Tulsa metropolitan area is $104,801 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.39. This is just slightly below the national average of $108,210 per year, a gap that’s easily bridged by Tulsa’s affordability.

It’s important to understand that "Tulsa" in BLS terms covers a metro area of about 410,915 people, which includes suburbs like Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Jenks. The job market is robust, with an estimated 821 jobs for construction managers in the metro, and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This growth is driven by a mix of new commercial developments, ongoing infrastructure repairs (especially for aging water and sewer lines), and the steady demand from the region’s energy sector.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts earnings, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local industry surveys and BLS percentiles:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Tulsa)	Common Project Types
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $88,000	Assistant PM on residential or small commercial jobs; field engineer.
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Managing mid-sized commercial, municipal, or multi-family projects independently.
Senior	10-19 years	$120,000 - $150,000	Leading large-scale projects (hospitals, corporate HQs, major infrastructure).
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$150,000+	Regional director, VP of operations, or principal at a large firm; often with profit-sharing.

How Tulsa Compares to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Slightly higher median salary ($110,500), but with more competition and a higher cost of living.
• Lawton: Lower median salary ($92,300), with a much smaller job market (fewer than 200 jobs).
• Stillwater: Similar to Tulsa but with a heavy focus on institutional and educational projects (OSU).

Insider Tip: The $104,801 median figure is your anchor. If you have a specialization (like healthcare construction or industrial safety), you can command a premium of 10-15% above this median. Don’t undervalue your niche.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Tulsa? Let’s run the numbers for a construction manager earning the median salary of $104,801. We’ll assume you’re single, filing as a single filer with no dependents, and taking the standard deduction for 2024. We’ll also factor in Oklahoma’s progressive state income tax (which ranges from 0% to 4.75%).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,733
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$2,450/month
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,283/month

Now, let’s layer in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tulsa is $900/month. This is a key advantage—your housing costs are likely to be less than 15% of your gross income, well below the recommended 30% threshold.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary Scenario):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Gross Income	Notes
Taxes	$2,450	28%	Includes federal, OK state tax (~3.5% avg), and FICA.
Housing (1BR Rent)	$900	10%	Well below the national affordability benchmark.
Utilities	$200	2%	Average for a 1BR; winter heating can spike this.
Transportation	$500	6%	Car payment, insurance, gas. Tulsa is car-dependent.
Groceries	$400	5%	In line with national averages.
Health Insurance	$300	3%	Employer-sponsored plan (employee contribution).
Savings/Retirement (15%)	$1,310	15%	401(k) match + personal savings.
Discretionary/Misc.	$1,223	14%	Dining, entertainment, hobbies, debt payments.
TOTAL	$6,283	~72% of take-home	Leaves a healthy cushion for goals.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Tulsa metro is around $220,000. With a $104,801 salary, you could comfortably afford a mortgage on a home in the $250,000-$280,000 range, especially with a 20% down payment. Your estimated monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400-$1,600, which is still under 25% of your gross income. This is a stark contrast to markets like Denver or Austin, where the same salary would barely cover a studio apartment.

Insider Tip: Many construction managers in Tulsa I know buy homes in the suburbs (Bixby, Jenks) for the space and schools, then rent out a room or use it as a base for a side business. The market is stable, not overheated, making it a good long-term investment.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s construction market is diverse, anchored by a mix of legacy energy companies, growing healthcare systems, and innovative tech firms. Here are the key players you should be targeting:

1. Manhattan Construction: A national firm with a massive Tulsa presence. They handle everything from the new Tulsa Tech campuses to corporate HQs for companies like QuikTrip. They’re known for complex projects and offer clear career ladders. Hiring is steady, often for mid-to-senior PMs.
2. Lyon Electric (a division of EMCOR): A leader in commercial electrical and low-voltage systems. They need PMs who understand MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination, a critical skill in Tulsa’s tight labor market. They often partner with general contractors, so networking here is key.
3. Saint Francis Health System: One of Tulsa’s largest employers. They have a continuous pipeline of hospital expansions, clinic builds, and facility upgrades. Their projects require a deep understanding of healthcare codes (like FGI standards) and infection control risk assessment (ICRA). A resume with healthcare construction experience is gold here.
4. QuikTrip (QT): This Tulsa-based retail giant is constantly building new convenience stores and distribution centers across the Midwest. Their projects are fast-paced, standardized, and require impeccable scheduling. It’s a great environment for managers who thrive on efficiency and repeatable processes.
5. City of Tulsa (Public Works & Capital Projects): The city manages millions in annual infrastructure projects—street resurfacing, water line replacements, and public facility improvements. These roles offer excellent job security and benefits but require navigating public bidding processes (like the low-bid system). Check the City’s online job portal regularly.
6. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) in Okmulgee: While not in Tulsa proper, it’s a major regional employer for industrial and technical projects. They often hire construction managers for campus facility projects and partnerships with industrial partners.
7. Kaiser-Francis Oil Company: A significant player in the energy sector, building and maintaining production facilities and midstream infrastructure. If you have experience with industrial construction, safety protocols (OSHA 30 is a must), and remote site management, this is a lucrative niche.

Hiring Trends: The market is favoring managers with BIM (Building Information Modeling) proficiency and LEED AP credentials. There’s also a noticeable shift toward design-build project delivery, so experience in that framework is a huge plus. The labor shortage for skilled trades (carpenters, electricians) means your ability to manage and retain subcontractors is more valuable than ever.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not have a mandatory state-level license for construction managers unless you are acting as a General Contractor (GC) on projects valued over $12,000. However, to be a GC, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). Most construction managers work under the umbrella of a licensed GC firm.

The Path to Licensure (as a General Contractor):

1. Experience Requirement: You must have at least four years of relevant experience in the construction field in the last ten years. This can be a combination of education (a bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering can substitute for up to two years) and practical work.
2. Pass the Exam: You must pass the Oklahoma General Contractor Exam, which covers business and law, as well as trade-specific knowledge. It’s a closed-book, proctored exam.
3. Financial Responsibility: You must provide proof of financial stability, which typically means a credit report and a net worth statement.
4. Insurance & Bonding: You’ll need to secure general liability insurance and may be required to post a surety bond.
5. Application & Fee: Submit an application to the CIB with a fee of $200 (as of 2024). The license is valid for two years and requires continuing education for renewal.

Costs and Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$250
• Application Fee: $200
• Insurance/Bonding: Varies widely ($2,000 - $10,000+ annually, depending on project size and credit).
• Timeline: From start to finish, if you have your experience documented, you can expect 3-6 months to get licensed.

Insider Tip: Even if you don’t plan to be a GC, studying for the exam is one of the best ways to learn Oklahoma’s specific building codes, lien laws, and business regulations. Many senior PMs get licensed as a career safeguard and to open doors to consulting or owning their own firm.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Tulsa impacts your commute, lifestyle, and network. Here’s a breakdown of four key areas, factoring in rent and your likely project locations (which are often scattered, but with clusters in the urban core and suburbs).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for a CM
Midtown/Downtown	Urban, walkable, historic. 10-15 min drive to most central job sites.	$950 - $1,200	Proximity to networking events, dining, and cultural spots. Easy access to the BOK Center, Brady District, and new development projects.
Bixby (South Tulsa)	Family-oriented, suburban, excellent schools. 20-25 min commute downtown.	$850 - $1,050	Affordable housing with space. Close to industrial parks and new residential developments (a big market here). Strong community for family life.
Jenks (South Tulsa)	Affluent suburb, top-rated schools, riverfront access. 20-30 min commute.	$900 - $1,300	High-income clientele for custom home builds and commercial projects. Networking with affluent business owners is a major perk.
Brookside / Cherry Street	Trendy, upscale, with boutique shopping and dining. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,500	Ideal for senior managers or those targeting high-end residential or boutique commercial work. The social scene is vibrant.
Owasso (North Tulsa)	Growing, affordable, with a small-town feel. 25-35 min commute to downtown.	$750 - $950	Lower cost of living, quick access to I-44 and US-75. Great for managers working on projects in the northern suburbs or industrial corridors.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to Tulsa, consider a short-term lease in Midtown. It’s the best base for exploring the city and understanding where you’ll be spending most of your time on job sites. The commute from the suburbs is generally straightforward (less traffic than most major cities), but winter weather can add unpredictability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa offers multiple paths for advancement, beyond just climbing the corporate ladder at a GC firm.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in hospital builds can earn 10-20% above the median. The knowledge of ICRA, sterile environments, and complex MEP is highly specialized.
• Industrial / Energy Sector: Similar premiums apply, especially for projects in petrochemical plants or data centers. Safety certifications (like OSHA 30) are non-negotiable.
• Sustainable Building (LEED): While not as saturated as coastal markets, Tulsa is seeing more green building projects. A LEED AP BD+C credential can make you stand out for high-profile municipal or corporate work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Corporate Route: Move from PM to Senior PM, then to Regional Director or VP of Operations at a firm like Manhattan or EMCOR. This path offers stability and benefits.
2. Entrepreneurial Route: After gaining experience and a network, start your own small GC firm. Many successful local firms began this way, focusing on a niche like custom residential or small commercial fit-outs.
3. Consulting Route: After 20+ years, many managers move into consulting, offering owner’s representative services or project oversight for clients who lack in-house expertise. This can be lucrative and flexible.

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):
The 8% job growth projection is conservative. It doesn’t fully account for two major factors:

1. The “Silver Tsunami”: A significant portion of Tulsa’s current senior construction managers are nearing retirement. This will create a vacuum for experienced mid-career professionals.
2. Tulsa’s Innovation District: The ongoing development around the Tulsa Tech, OSU-Tulsa, and the emerging tech corridor will fuel demand for modern, tech-integrated construction.

Insider Tip: Your network is your net worth in Tulsa. Join the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Oklahoma and attend the Tulsa chapter meetings. The city’s business community is tight-knit; a good reputation spreads quickly.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Tulsa is a fantastic choice for construction managers who value quality of life, affordability, and a stable market over the explosive (and volatile) growth of coastal tech hubs. It’s a city for builders who are patient, detail-oriented, and enjoy being part of a community.

Pros and Cons at a Glance:

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially in housing.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Less boom-bust than pure oil towns.	Summers are Hot & Humid: Can impact outdoor productivity from June-August.
Low Competition for Top Talent: Easier to stand out than in saturated markets.	Limited Public Infrastructure Projects: Compared to larger metros, fewer massive transit or rail projects.
Strong Community & Networking: Easier to build relationships with clients and peers.	State Politics & Bureaucracy: Can be a factor in public project timelines.
Outdoor Access: Great parks, lakes, and hiking within an hour’s drive.	Winters Can Be Icy: Can cause project delays and safety concerns.

Final Recommendation:
If you’re a mid-career construction manager (5-15 years of experience) looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a lasting career without the stress of a hyper-competitive market, Tulsa is an exceptional choice. The median salary of $104,801 provides a comfortable lifestyle, and the job market is hungry for your skills. It’s not the place for someone seeking the fastest possible climb or the most cutting-edge tech projects, but it’s a