Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Virginia Beach, VA.

The Virginia Beach Construction Manager's Handbook: A Local's Guide to Building a Career & Life

Welcome to the coast. As someone who's watched Virginia Beach grow from a seasonal tourist town into a year-round economic hub, I can tell you that for construction managers, this is a market of opportunity—but it’s not without its quirks. Whether you're relocating from a larger metro or moving up from a smaller town, this guide breaks down the reality of the job, the cost of living, and where you'll actually find work. We’re not selling you on the beach; we’re analyzing the job.

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the construction management field in Virginia Beach is solid. The median salary is $107,365/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $51.62/hour. It’s a competitive market, sitting just slightly below the national average of $108,210/year.

However, Virginia's licensing and market dynamics create a specific salary curve. Here’s how it breaks down by experience level. Remember, these are medians; bonuses are common in this role, especially on large-scale commercial or military contracts.

Experience Level	Virginia Beach Median Salary	Typical Local Context
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$78,000 - $90,000/year	Typically an Assistant Superintendent or Project Engineer. Focus is on learning schedules, OSHA regs, and managing subcontractors on-site.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$100,000 - $125,000/year	The core workforce. Running your own projects (commercial, residential, or public works). Requires a VA contractor’s license and strong local subcontractor relationships.
Senior (10-19 years)	$130,000 - $160,000/year	Senior PM or Director. Managing multiple projects or complex developments (like large hospital expansions or high-rises). Often includes a vehicle allowance.
Expert/Executive (20+ years)	$165,000 - $200,000+	Executive roles at regional HQs of national firms, or owners of successful local contracting firms. Heavily incentivized by project profitability.

How does Virginia Beach compare to other Virginia cities?
It’s a middle-of-the-road market for this profession.

• Northern Virginia (NOVA): Salaries are 15-25% higher (median ~$130k+), but the cost of living is drastically more expensive. You work on massive data centers and government contracts.
• Richmond: Very close to Virginia Beach in median salary, but with a different project mix (more urban infill, state government).
• Hampton Roads Region: Virginia Beach anchors the region. Salaries are consistent across Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Newport News, though some specialized marine construction roles in Norfolk can command a premium.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Virginia Beach, many construction managers receive a project bonus or profit-sharing. On successful commercial jobs, this can add $10k - $30k annually. Always negotiate this structure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $107,365 looks good on paper, but what does it actually afford in Virginia Beach? Let’s do the math for a single filer with no dependents (using 2023 tax brackets and standard deductions).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,947
• Federal & State Taxes (est.): -$2,100 (This varies, but 23-25% is a safe estimate for this bracket)
• Social Security & Medicare: -$685
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,162/month

Now, factor in the local rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,287/month. This is manageable.

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent (1BR in a good area): -$1,287
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$200 (Average for a 750 sq ft apartment)
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in VB): -$500 (Public transit is limited)
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$400
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$900
• Entertainment/Dining: -$500
• Remaining Buffer: $875

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Virginia Beach is approximately $385,000. With a 20% down payment ($77,000), you’re looking at a mortgage of $308,000. At current interest rates (7%), your monthly principal and interest would be around $2,050. Adding taxes, insurance, and HOA fees (in many areas), you’re at ~$2,600/month.

This is 42% of your gross pay, which is high. It’s doable on a $107,365 salary, especially if you’re a two-income household, but it would stretch a single person's budget. Most locals I know under 40 are buying in the $250k - $300k range (often townhomes or condos) or waiting until they hit the $130k+ senior level.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

Virginia Beach’s economy is diverse, but for construction managers, three sectors dominate: Government (Military), Commercial/Industrial, and Residential. The Jobs in Metro: 907 (BLS data) figure is accurate, but it doesn't show the fluidity. Jobs are constantly being filled because of retirements and new projects.

Here are the key players:

1. AECOM: They have a major office in nearby Norfolk but manage massive projects across Hampton Roads, including military housing remodels and school renovations. They hire Senior PMs with VA licenses and USACE/DoD project experience. Hiring trend: Steady growth in water/wastewater infrastructure.
2. MCC (M.C. Dean): A powerhouse in electrical and technology systems. They work on high-tech facilities, including data centers (a growing sector in VA) and military installations. They need CMs who understand low-voltage systems and BIM. Trend: Rapid expansion in secure facilities.
3. Balfour Beatty Construction: One of the largest contractors for the Department of Defense in the region. They are constantly bidding on military family housing, barracks, and hospital renovations on bases like Naval Air Station Oceana and Fort Story. Security clearance is a huge plus here. Trend: Steady, government-backed work.
4. City of Virginia Beach Public Works: The city is always building. From new libraries to park expansions and flood resilience projects (a major focus here), they hire Public Works Managers and City Construction Inspectors. It’s a stable, pension-backed job with excellent benefits. Trend: Increased hiring for climate adaptation projects.
5. Lynnhaven Marine & Coastal Constructors: A local favorite. Specializes in marina construction, bulkhead repair, and waterfront structures. This is a niche but lucrative field in the 757. They need CMs who understand marine environments and coastal regulations. Trend: High demand due to aging infrastructure and storm damage.
6. Ryan Homes/PulteGroup (National Builders): For the residential side, these large developers are constantly building in suburbs like Kemps River and Red Mill. They need Construction managers to oversee 30-50 home starts per month. It’s volume-based, fast-paced work. Trend: Steady, with strong demand in the "entry-level" family home market.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market here is with subcontractors. The top electrical, mechanical, and framing subcontractors in the 757 often pay more than general contractors for top talent. Don't ignore them.

Getting Licensed in VA

You cannot legally manage a construction project over $1,000 in Virginia without a contractor’s license. The Virginia Board for Contractors (under DPOR) regulates this. If you’re coming from another state, you’ll need to navigate reciprocity.

Key Requirements:

1. Class A, B, or C License: You’ll likely need a Class B license (projects from $10k to $500k) or Class A (over $500k). Verify your past experience matches the classification.
2. Experience: You must prove 5+ years of experience as a manager, foreman, or superintendent. You’ll need to submit a notarized experience affidavit.
3. Exam: Pass the Virginia Business & Law Exam (and a technical exam for Class B/A, though often waived if you have a equivalent license from another state).
4. Bonding & Insurance: You'll need a $10,000 surety bond and liability insurance (typically $1M/$2M aggregate).
5. Fees: Application is $235, license fee is $200 (Class B), plus exam fees ($200). Total to get licensed: **$800 - $1,200**.

Timeline: With your documents ready, it takes 4-8 weeks for approval. If you need to take the exam, add 2-3 months for study and scheduling. Start the process before you move.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live dictates your commute. Traffic on I-264 and I-64 is manageable but can be slow during peak times. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood/Vibe	Commute to Job Hubs	Avg. Rent (1BR/2BR)	Lifestyle & Notes
Kemps River / Red Mill (South VB)	20-30 mins to Oceana/Central VB	$1,350 / $1,750	The Suburban Standard. Great schools, families, near major shopping. Perfect for residential CMs working on new developments.
Ghent (Norfolk Adjacent)	15-25 mins to VB Central	$1,500 / $1,900	Walkable & Urban. Historic, walkable, great nightlife. Popular with younger professionals. Commute to VB is easy via I-264.
Chesapeake (Greenbrier)	25-35 mins to VB Central	$1,250 / $1,600	Affordable & Spacious. More home for your money. Popular with military families. Good mix of residential and light industrial jobs nearby.
Oceanfront (North End)	15-20 mins to Central VB	$1,600 / $2,200+	The Lifestyle Play. You pay a premium for the view. Best for senior managers with higher budgets. Very seasonal traffic in summer.
Town Center / Central	10-15 mins to most jobs	$1,400 / $1,800	Convenience. Newer apartments, easy access to I-264. Mix of young professionals and empty-nesters. Zero yard space.

Insider Tip: If you work on military bases, living in Chesapeake or Central Virginia Beach is often easier than the Oceanfront. Base access can be delayed if you live too far west.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth is 8%, which is about as fast as the national average. It’s not explosive, but it’s stable. To move beyond the median salary of $107,365, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Marine Construction: +15% premium over standard CM pay.
  • Federal/DoD Projects (with Security Clearance): +20% premium and higher job security.
  • BIM/VDC (Virtual Design & Construction): Essential for large commercial firms. Can add $10k-$20k to your salary.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Track: Superintendent → Senior Superintendent → Project Executive. Focus on field operations.
  2. Management Track: Project Engineer → Project Manager → Senior PM → Operations Manager. Focus on budget, schedule, and client relations.
  3. Entrepreneurial: Work for a firm for 5-10 years, build a network, then start your own Design-Build firm. This is where the highest earnings potential lies in the 757.

10-Year Outlook: Virginia Beach is investing heavily in infrastructure resilience (sea level rise) and military modernization. The need for CMs who understand complex, regulated, and federally funded projects will remain strong. The residential market will fluctuate with interest rates, but the commercial and public sectors offer a buffer.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than national coastal hubs (97.4 index).	Limited Public Transit – a car is mandatory.
Diverse Project Mix (Military, Marine, Residential, Commercial).	Summer Seasonality – tourist traffic can be a headache.
Strong Military & Government Backed Work (stable).	Bureaucracy – Local permitting can be slow for some projects.
Outdoor Lifestyle – Beach, bay, and parks are free and accessible.	Salary Ceiling – May be lower than NOVA or DC for top-tier roles.
No State Income Tax on Social Security (VA has a tax, but it’s low).	Hurricane & Flood Risk – Must consider insurance and location.

Final Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $107,365, especially if you value a balanced lifestyle, stable government-backed work, and reasonable housing costs. It’s ideal for those with military project experience or an interest in marine construction. If your primary goal is to maximize income at all costs and you’re willing to tolerate a higher cost of living, Northern Virginia is a better bet. But for a sustainable, well-rounded career in a growing coastal city, the 757 is a smart bet.

FAQs

Q1: I have 10 years of experience in Ohio. Do I need a new license?
A: Yes. Virginia does not have full reciprocity with all states. You will need to apply for a license using your experience affidavit. If your license is from a state with similar standards (like North Carolina or Maryland), the process can be smoother. You will likely need to take the Virginia Business & Law exam.

Q2: How competitive is the job market in Virginia Beach?
A: It’s competitive for the best jobs. There are always openings, but the 907 figure means there are many qualified applicants. The edge goes to those with a VA contractor’s license already in hand and military base access experience. Networking with local chapters of ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) is key.

Q3: Is the weather a problem for construction?
A: It’s actually a advantage. Virginia Beach has a long construction season, typically from March to November. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing for long). The main weather challenges are hurricane season (June-Nov) and occasional nor'easters, which can pause projects temporarily.

Q4: What’s the best way to find a job here if I’m not local?
A: Use LinkedIn with location filters for "Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA." Also, check the Virginia Beach Economic Development job board and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce site. Reach out to local recruiters who specialize in construction (like those at Michael Page or Randstad).

Q5: Do I need to know anything specific about the local construction codes?
A: Yes. Virginia Beach participates in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which updates every 2 years. However, they have local amendments for flood zones (Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act) and hurricane resistance. If you work on coastal properties, understanding these amendments is critical. The Virginia Board for Contractors website has all the details.