Construction Manager in Yakima, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Yakima Stands

As a Yakima local who’s watched the skyline change over the decades—from the old cannery expansions to the recent growth in the Valley Mall area—I can tell you that construction management here is a solid, if not flashy, career. The numbers back it up. For Construction Managers in the Yakima metro area, the median salary is $107,560/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.71/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $108,210/year, which makes Yakima a competitively priced market for your skills. The cost of living here is your biggest advantage.

Let's break down what you can expect to earn based on experience. This table uses the median as a baseline and applies typical industry progression.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$78,000 - $90,000	$37.50 - $43.27
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$95,000 - $115,000	$45.67 - $55.29
Senior	10-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000	$55.29 - $64.90
Expert/Specialist	16+ years	$135,000+	$64.90+

Insider Tip: The jump to the $135,000+ range often comes from taking on complex projects in healthcare, higher education, or specialized agricultural facilities. Certifications like LEED AP or a PMP can accelerate this path.

How Yakima Compares to Other WA Cities:
While Yakima's median of $107,560 is competitive, it lags behind the state's major hubs. Seattle's cost of living is a different beast, where Construction Managers often see salaries 15-25% higher, but that premium is almost entirely consumed by housing. Spokane is a closer comparison; Yakima's median is roughly 5-8% lower, but our rental and home prices are often more favorable, making the effective purchasing power very similar. For a professional seeking balance between cost and opportunity, Yakima holds its own.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the paycheck. With a median salary of $107,560, your estimated take-home pay after federal, state (WA has no income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $7,200 per month. This is a significant advantage in Washington.

Now, let's factor in living costs. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Yakima is $997/month. The Cost of Living Index is 98.0, just slightly below the national average of 100. This means your money goes further here than in most places.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Construction Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$7,200	After taxes (WA has no state income tax)
Rent (1BR Apt)	$997	City average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180 - $250	Higher in summer with A/C, lower in spring/fall
Groceries	$450 - $600	For one person; Yakima's agricultural base keeps produce affordable
Transportation	$350 - $500	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit (Yakima Transit) is limited, so a car is essential.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies widely by employer plan
Retirement Savings (10%)	$895	Recommended baseline for long-term planning
Discretionary/Other	$1,500 - $2,000	Entertainment, dining, personal care, debt payments
Leftover Buffer	$500 - $1,000	For unexpected costs or extra savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Yakima area is around $340,000 - $370,000. With a 20% down payment ($68,000 - $74,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800 - $2,100. This is higher than the average rent, but manageable for a mid-career professional earning the $107,560 median. Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs with lower down payments, which can make homeownership more accessible sooner.

Insider Tip: The housing market is competitive but not insane. Being pre-approved with a local lender (like Heritage Bank or Yakima Federal Savings) gives you a clear edge when making an offer on a home in neighborhoods like West Valley or Terrace Heights.

Where the Jobs Are: Yakima's Major Employers

Yakima's construction scene is driven by a mix of public institutions, healthcare, agriculture, and retail. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital (Part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health): A major employer with ongoing facility upgrades and expansions. They frequently hire construction managers for internal projects and oversee contractors for new clinics, like the recent expansion of their cardiac care unit. Hiring is steady, often through large firms they partner with.

2. Yakima School District: With over 16,000 students, the district has a constant need for capital projects—school renovations, new facility construction (like the recent Washington Elementary rebuild), and maintenance. These are public works projects, often advertised on the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services website.

3. Davis Wire Corporation: A major national wire manufacturer with a significant facility in Yakima. Their operations require constant process upgrades, warehouse expansions, and infrastructure work. Direct hiring for a construction manager role here is less common; they typically contract with local firms like Larson-O'Brien Construction or Colvos Construction.

4. City of Yakima & County of Yakima: The public sector is a reliable source of jobs. Managers oversee projects for water/sewer infrastructure, roads, parks (like the ongoing improvements to Franklin Park), and civic buildings. Check the City of Yakima's official website and Yakima County's employment page for openings. These roles often come with excellent benefits.

5. Local Retail & Commercial Developers: Firms like Yakima Valley Partners and Mackenzie Commercial Real Estate drive retail and office projects. Recent activity includes the redevelopment of older properties in Downtown Yakima and new commercial strips along South 1st Street. Jobs are often with general contractors like McGrath Construction who have ongoing relationships with these developers.

6. Agricultural Processing & Storage: This is Yakima's economic engine. Companies like Tree Top Inc. (apple processing) and numerous cold storage facilities require constant construction, from expanding processing plants to building new warehouses. These projects are seasonal but consistent, often managed by specialized firms.

Hiring Trends: The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, slightly above the national average. The biggest demand is for managers who can handle both public works (regulated, detail-oriented) and private commercial projects (fast-paced, budget-driven). Experience with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) regulations is a huge plus.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a specific licensing requirement for Construction Managers, which is more stringent than many states. It's not just a title; it's a regulated profession.

The Requirement: To offer construction management services to the public for a fee, you must hold a Construction Manager (CM) License issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This is separate from any contractor's license a company may hold.

The Path:

1. Experience: You need at least 4 years of experience in construction management. This can be a combination of education (a bachelor's in construction management or engineering can count for up to 2 years) and progressive, responsible charge of projects.
2. Exam: You must pass the state-approved Construction Manager (CM) Exam, which is based on the Construction Manager Body of Knowledge.
3. Application: Submit an application to L&I with documentation of your experience and exam results.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: Approximately $200.
• Licensing Fee: $325 for initial license, plus a $250 annual renewal fee.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 months. Finding a study group or course (often offered through Yakima Valley College's Continuing Ed) can help prepare for the exam.

Insider Tip: Even if you work for a firm that doesn't require you to hold the license personally, getting your CM license is a major career differentiator. It signals expertise, allows you to work for yourself, and is often a prerequisite for senior roles at top firms.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Living in Yakima is about balancing commute time, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top areas for construction professionals:

1. West Valley: The premier neighborhood for professionals. It's home to newer, larger homes, excellent schools, and easy access to Yakima Avenue and I-82. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. You'll find many project managers and executives living here.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR Apt): $1,300 - $1,600/month
   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, established.

2. Terrace Heights: The fastest-growing area. A mix of new subdivisions and older, affordable homes. It's close to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and the Yakima Valley Mall. Commutes are easy via Summitview Avenue.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR Apt): $1,100 - $1,400/month
   • Vibe: Suburban, convenient, with a younger demographic.

3. Downtown Yakima: For those who want a walkable, urban lifestyle. The revitalized core has loft apartments, coffee shops, and the Capitol Theatre. Commute to most job sites is minimal. Ideal for those working for the City or on downtown redevelopment projects.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR Loft): $1,000 - $1,400/month
   • Vibe: Cultural, energetic, with a growing arts and food scene.

4. North Yakima (Nob Hill): More affordable and centrally located. You're close to the Yakima Valley Coliseum and have easy access to both downtown and the Valley Mall. The housing stock is older but well-maintained.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR Apt): $900 - $1,200/month
   • Vibe: Practical, established, with strong community ties.

5. Selah (10 mins north of Yakima): Technically a separate town but part of the metro area. Offers a smaller-town feel with stunning views of the Cascades. Excellent schools and a tight-knit community. Commute is straightforward via I-82 and SR 82.

   • Rent Estimate (2BR Apt): $1,000 - $1,300/month
   • Vibe: Quiet, scenic, family-oriented.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Yakima, career growth isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specialization and building a local network.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with experience in medical facilities (infection control, MEP for labs) can command a 10-15% premium over the standard salary. This is a growing niche due to hospital expansions.
• Public Works/Infrastructure: Expertise in navigating state and federal DOT regulations is highly valued for city and county projects. This path offers long-term stability.
• Sustainable Building: While smaller than in Seattle, there's a growing demand for LEED-certified projects, especially for public buildings and some commercial clients. Getting your LEED AP can open doors.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Project Engineer to Assistant PM to Construction Manager. To advance further:

1. Move to a Senior PM or Project Executive at a larger firm (like Colvos or Larson-O'Brien).
2. Become a Specialist Consultant focusing on a niche like cost estimating or scheduling.
3. Go into Business Development, leveraging your project experience to win new work for your firm.
4. Start Your Own Firm. The local market is supportive of new players, especially if you have a strong reputation and a specialty.

10-Year Outlook (8% Growth):
The outlook is stable to positive. Growth will be driven by:

• Aging Infrastructure: Yakima's water and sewer systems need upgrades.
• Healthcare Expansion: As the population ages, facilities will expand.
• Agricultural Modernization: New processing and storage tech requires new builds.
• Residential Demand: Steady population growth will continue to drive housing projects.

The Verdict: Is Yakima Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost of living. Your $107,560 salary goes much further than in Seattle or Spokane.	Smaller job market. Fewer total openings (193 in metro); competition can be fierce for top roles.
Strong, diverse employer base. From hospitals to farms, projects are consistent.	Limited high-end dining & entertainment. The cultural scene is improving but is not a major city's.
No state income tax. A significant financial advantage.	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited; you'll drive for almost everything.
Short, manageable commutes. Rarely more than 20-25 minutes.	Seasonal air quality. Summer wildfire smoke can be an issue.
Outdoor access. World-class fishing (Yakima River), hiking (Naches Pass), and skiing (White Pass) are close.	Remote feel. It's a 2.5-hour drive to Seattle or Spokane; it can feel isolated.
Tight-knit professional community. Easy to network and build a reputation.	Lower ceiling for top-tier salaries. While cost-adjusted, base salaries are lower than major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Yakima is an outstanding choice for Construction Managers who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and work-life balance over the frenetic pace of a major coastal city. If you're mid-career, looking to buy a home, raise a family, or simply slow down without sacrificing your professional standing, Yakima delivers. It's not for someone who craves the constant buzz of a metropolis, but for those who want to build a life—and a career—on a solid, manageable foundation, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to find a Construction Manager job in Yakima?
Start with local firms: Colvos Construction, Larson-O'Brien, and McGrath Construction. Check the job boards for Yakima County, the City of Yakima, and major employers like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Networking is key—join the Central Washington Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. While you can live in Downtown Yakima without a car, most job sites (in Terrace Heights, West Valley, or agricultural areas) are not accessible by public transit. A reliable vehicle is a must for site visits and commuting.

3. How does the climate affect construction work?
Yakima has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Winter can bring snow (disrupting schedules), spring is wet, and summer is hot and dry. Project timelines must account for these seasonal factors. The dry summer is ideal for exterior work, but heat management is crucial.

4. Are there opportunities for women in construction management here?
Yes, and it's a growing area of focus. The industry is actively working on diversity. Organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) have a local chapter. Larger employers like the hospital and school district often have internal DEI initiatives. Your skills are what matter most in this practical, results-driven market.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for new construction managers in Yakima?
Building a local network and understanding the specific regulatory landscape. Washington L&I rules are strict, and relationships with local subcontractors and material suppliers (like Builders' Source or McDonalds Supply) are invaluable. Get involved with local industry groups from day one.