Construction Manager in Waukegan, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Waukegan Stands

As a local who’s watched Waukegan’s construction scene evolve from the old industrial waterfront to the new commercial and residential projects, I can tell you the financial picture here is solid. You’re not chasing Silicon Valley money, but you’re also not paying Silicon Valley rent. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Waukegan is $109,054/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.43/hour. That’s slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, which is a key point—Waukegan offers a competitive wage without the extreme cost of living found in major coastal hubs.

The experience curve here follows national trends but with a local twist. Newcomers to the Waukegan market often start on smaller, residential or light commercial projects before graduating to the larger industrial or municipal jobs that define the area.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level in the Waukegan-area market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Waukegan Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-4 years	$65,000 - $85,000	Often Assistant PM or Field Engineer on residential or small commercial jobs.
Mid-Level	5-9 years	$85,000 - $115,000	Running your own projects; the $109,054 median sits here.
Senior-Level	10-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000+	Managing multiple projects, large commercial/industrial, or public works.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$140,000 - $180,000+	Regional director, VP of construction, or niche specialist (e.g., healthcare, high-rise).

Compared to other Illinois cities, Waukegan sits in a compelling middle ground. Chicago’s median is higher, but the cost of living is disproportionately steeper. Springfield and Rockford often lag slightly in salary, though Waukegan’s proximity to the Chicago metro gives it an edge in project diversity and volume. The local job market, with 178 construction manager positions in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 8%, indicates steady, sustainable demand rather than a boom-or-bust cycle.

Insider Tip: Don’t just focus on the base salary. In Waukegan, many firms, especially those dealing with union labor (common in industrial and public works), offer substantial bonuses tied to project completion and safety records. These can add 10-20% to your annual take-home.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. Waukegan’s Cost of Living Index is 102.6, meaning it’s about 2.6% more expensive than the national average, but significantly less than Chicago’s 137.2. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,231/month. Using the median salary of $109,054, here’s a sample monthly budget for a single person with no dependents.

Category	Monthly Amount (Estimated)	Notes
Gross Income	$9,088	$109,054 / 12 months
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	$2,550 - $2,800	Assumes single filer, standard deduction (approx. 28-31% effective rate)
Net Take-Home	$6,288 - $6,538	Post-tax cash flow
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,231	Average for Waukegan; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Varies seasonally; Lake Michigan effect can mean higher heating costs
Transportation	$400 - $600	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit (PACE) is an option but a car is often necessary for job sites.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Health Insurance (Post-Employer)	$200 - $400	Highly variable based on employer plan.
Retirement Savings (10% of Gross)	$909	$109,054 * 0.10 / 12
Discretionary/Other	$1,000+	For dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.

The numbers show a manageable budget with room for savings and leisure. After essential expenses, you’re likely left with $2,000 - $3,000 in discretionary funds, depending on your lifestyle and tax situation.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Waukegan shines for professionals. The median home price in Waukegan is around $280,000 (as of late 2023). With a $109,054 salary, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is a significant but achievable goal for a mid-career professional. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) on a $224,000 loan would be roughly $1,500/month, plus property taxes (Lake County has some of the highest in Illinois, approx. 2.2-2.5%). Even with taxes, a monthly housing payment could be comparable to renting a nicer apartment. This is a huge advantage over cities like Chicago or San Francisco, where homeownership is often a distant dream for many professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Waukegan's Major Employers

Waukegan’s construction market is driven by a mix of industrial heritage, residential growth, and municipal investment. The jobs are here, but they’re not all on one platform. You need to know where to look.

1. The Walsh Group: A global contractor with a massive presence in the Chicago area, they frequently have projects in Waukegan and Lake County, from infrastructure to healthcare facilities. They hire for project engineers, superintendents, and PMs. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on complex, multi-year projects.
2. Clayco: One of the fastest-growing private constructors in the U.S., Clayco has a strong Illinois portfolio. They are heavily involved in the industrial and commercial sectors. Given Waukegan’s push for new development along the lakefront and near the I-94 corridor, Clayco is a prime target. They tend to hire aggressively for project management roles.
3. Waukegan School District 60 & Community Unit School District 113: Public school construction is a stable, long-term market. These districts have ongoing bond-funded projects for school renovations and new builds. The jobs are public, often union, and require navigating local bureaucracy. It’s a great niche for those who prefer predictable, civic-focused work.
4. Northshore Waterfront Waukegan: This is a key developer for the city’s massive lakefront revitalization project. While the master developer is a consortium, the associated construction firms (like those working on the new marina, public parks, and mixed-use buildings) are the direct employers. This is a long-term pipeline of work.
5. Local General Contractors (GCs): Firms like V.H. Vetter or Wight & Company (based in nearby Downers Grove but active in Lake County) handle a lot of the mid-sized commercial and institutional work. These are the companies that hire the bulk of local construction managers. They offer a more personal, local company culture.
6. Healthcare & Industrial Giants: Don’t overlook Amita Health St. Therese Medical Center or the industrial plants along the I-94 corridor (like the nearby industrial parks in Gurnee and Vernon Hills). These facilities require constant maintenance, renovation, and expansion, creating a steady stream of project management jobs.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in Waukegan are often filled through networking, not job boards. Join the Lake County Builders Association and the Chicago Builds networking group. The local construction community is tight-knit; knowing the right superintendent or project executive can get your resume to the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in IL

In Illinois, you don’t need a state-issued license to be a Construction Manager, unlike a General Contractor (which requires a license). However, the professional engineer (PE) license and the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential are the two most valuable certifications for career advancement, especially in the Waukegan market which values sustainability (think of the new lakefront development).

• PE License (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation):

  • Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Costs: FE exam ($225), PE exam ($375), application fees ($100). Total upfront cost: **$700**. Annual license renewal is ~$150.
  • Timeline: The 4-year experience requirement is the biggest hurdle. If you already have your FE, you can start the process immediately. It typically takes 1-2 years to prepare and pass both exams once you’re eligible.

• LEED AP (U.S. Green Building Council):

  • Requirements: No formal education prerequisite, but deep knowledge of green building practices is required. You must pass the LEED Green Associate exam first ($250), then the LEED AP with Specialty exam ($550).
  • Costs: ~$800 for both exams.
  • Timeline: Can be achieved in 3-6 months of dedicated study. This is highly valuable for projects like the Northshore Waterfront development.

For Waukegan specifically, familiarity with the Waukegan Building & Zoning Department processes is a huge plus. They have specific requirements for lakefront projects and historic district renovations. Knowing the local inspectors and plan reviewers by name can shave weeks off your permitting timeline.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Waukegan will affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top neighborhoods to consider, based on proximity to major job sites (industrial corridors, lakefront, commercial centers).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Avg.)	Why It's a Fit for a CM
Downtown Waukegan	Walkable, urban, revitalizing. Close to city hall, courts, and lakefront projects.	$1,100 - $1,400	Best for those working on municipal, lakefront, or downtown commercial jobs. Minimal commute.
Northwest Waukegan	Residential, quieter, more single-family homes. Easy access to I-94/294.	$1,000 - $1,250	Ideal if you work in the industrial parks or north suburbs. More space for your dollar.
The Southside (Near IL-120)	Older, established neighborhoods with classic brick homes. Closer to Gurnee commerce.	$950 - $1,150	Good compromise. Short drive to major retail/industrial corridors. Good value.
Near Sheridan Road	Leafy, suburban feel with larger lots. Close to the lake but less dense.	$1,200 - $1,500	Best for those seeking a quieter, residential life but still with lake access. Commute to jobs is easy.
Unincorporated Lake County	Not technically Waukegan, but 5-10 min away (e.g., Wadsworth, Park City).	$900 - $1,200	For the budget-conscious. You get more house/land, but you trade city services and a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking at an apartment in Waukegan, check the school district. While you might not have kids, it’s a proxy for neighborhood desirability and future resale values if you buy a home. District 60 and 113 are the main ones.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% is a conservative estimate that reflects the steady, industrial and municipal base of Waukegan’s economy. It’s not the explosive growth of a tech hub, but it’s resilient. For a Construction Manager, the path to higher earnings is through specialization and larger-scale projects.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics have complex MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems and strict codes. A CM with healthcare experience can command a 15-20% premium. Amita St. Therese projects are a key local entry point.
  • Industrial: Managing projects in the I-94 corridor (warehouses, manufacturing) requires knowledge of heavy machinery, safety protocols (OSHA 30 is a must), and logistics. This experience is highly transferable and pays well.
  • Public Works: Working for municipalities or school districts involves navigating public bidding (RFQ/RFP) and working with elected officials. It’s a stable career path with excellent benefits, though salaries may cap lower than the private sector.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From PM to Senior PM: This is the most common leap, achieved by delivering projects on time and under budget.
  2. To Project Executive/Regional Manager: This involves managing a portfolio of projects and P&L. It often requires moving to a larger firm like Walsh or Clayco.
  3. To Consulting: Many senior CMs strike out as independent consultants, advising on project feasibility, cost estimation, or dispute resolution. This is common after 15+ years in the local market.

• 10-Year Outlook: Waukegan’s demand will be driven by two factors: 1) the ongoing lakefront redevelopment (a 20+ year project), and 2) industrial/logistics growth in Lake County. Automation in warehouses and the need for modernized manufacturing will create specialized, high-value roles. Climate resilience (e.g., stormwater management near the lake) will also become a key niche.

The Verdict: Is Waukegan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $109,054 goes much further here than in Chicago or coastal cities.	High Property Taxes: Lake County taxes can be a shock. Budget for this if you buy a home.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: 178 jobs and 8% growth means steady opportunities across public, private, and industrial sectors.	Colder Winters: The lake effect means snow and cold from November to April. Commutes to job sites can be challenging.
Strong Homeownership Potential: A median salary can realistically afford a median-priced home.	Limited "Glamour" Projects: You’re less likely to work on iconic urban skyscrapers; it’s more industrial, municipal, and commercial.
Lakefront Quality of Life: Public beaches, parks, and a growing downtown offer a solid work-life balance.	Car Dependency: Most job sites and neighborhoods are not walkable. A reliable vehicle is essential.
Proximity to Chicago: Easy access to the metro for networking, entertainment, and specialized training.	Bureaucracy: Small-city permitting can be slower than in major metros if you don’t have local connections.

Final Recommendation: Waukegan is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is past the “prove-it” phase of their career and is looking for stability, a realistic path to homeownership, and a mix of project types. It’s ideal for someone who values a strong local community over the relentless pace of a major city, but still wants access to big-city opportunities and amenities. If you’re willing to embrace the winter and navigate local politics, you can build a very rewarding and financially stable career here.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know a union foreman to get a job in Waukegan?
You don’t need to, but it helps immensely on public works and large industrial jobs. Many of the major projects (school renovations, infrastructure) are union-signatory. If you’re not from a union background, focus on private commercial and residential GCs, which are more likely to be merit shop.

2. How does the Chicago commute factor in?
Many construction managers live in Waukegan but commute to projects in the northern suburbs (e.g., Northbrook, Lake Forest) or even downtown Chicago (30-45 mins via I-94/294 in good traffic). Conversely, those living in Chicago often commute to Waukegan for lakefront or industrial projects. Traffic is real—plan for a 30-60 minute commute depending on location and time.

3. Is the construction market seasonal?
Yes, but less than you might think. While outdoor work slows in deep winter, interior renovations, planning, and permitting continue. Many firms lay off laborers seasonally but keep project managers and superintendents on year-round to manage scheduling and bids. Your income is generally stable.

4. What’s the best way to break into the Waukegan market?
Start with the Lake County Builders Association. Attend their mixers. Also, target