Project Manager in Chesapeake, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Chesapeake Stands

If you're a Project Manager looking at Chesapeake, let's cut to the chase: the money is solid, but the real story is in the local context. The median salary for Project Managers in the Chesapeake metro area is $100,490/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.31. That's just a hair below the national average of $101,280/year—a difference of less than 1%. For a mid-sized coastal Virginia city, that's a strong, stable market. The metro has roughly 507 active jobs for the role, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady but not explosive. This isn't a boomtown; it's a reliable market for experienced professionals who want a balanced cost of living.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Chesapeake area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry trends, not the national median.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Chesapeake)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior	8-12 years	$105,000 - $130,000
Expert/Lead	12+ years	$130,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior is where you'll see the biggest local leverage. With 8+ years of experience, you can often command a salary above the median, especially if you have a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The 507 jobs in the metro suggest a healthy, consistent demand, heavily skewed toward mid-level and senior roles.

How does Chesapeake stack up against other Virginia cities?
It’s a middle-ground player. You’ll earn more than in Roanoke or Lynchburg but less than in the high-cost corridors of Northern Virginia (NoVA) or Richmond. For example, a Project Manager in Arlington, VA, might see a median closer to $115,000, but their rent could be 2.5x higher. Chesapeake offers a compelling value proposition: a salary that’s essentially on par with the national average, in a city where your dollars go further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A $100,490 salary is a great starting point, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Chesapeake? We'll use a conservative tax estimate (federal, state, and FICA) of around 28%, leaving you with a net monthly income of approximately $6,031.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager Earning $100,490

• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,031
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,287/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Household: $650
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Car): $550
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $450
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): ~$2,844

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Chesapeake’s cost of living truly shines. With a Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (slightly below the U.S. average of 100), the housing market is accessible. The median home price in Chesapeake hovers around $325,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,800. That’s less than 30% of your net income, a comfortable threshold. Many mid-career PMs in the area are homeowners, often in the suburbs like Deep Creek or Great Bridge.

Where the Jobs Are: Chesapeake's Major Employers

Chesapeake’s economy is a mix of military, logistics, healthcare, and public sector work. Project Management skills are in high demand across these industries. Here are the major local employers to target:

1. Sentara Healthcare: A dominant regional player with a massive presence in Chesapeake, including Sentara Leigh Hospital and several outpatient centers. They hire PMs for IT projects, facility expansions, and operational process improvements. Hiring is steady, often through their internal career portal.
2. Chesapeake Public Schools: As one of the largest school districts in Virginia, CPS constantly needs PMs for technology rollouts, new school construction, and federal grant-funded initiatives. These roles offer great stability and benefits.
3. The City of Chesapeake (Local Government): The city government itself is a major employer. Projects range from infrastructure (road improvements, park renovations) to internal IT systems and community programs. Check the City’s official jobs page regularly.
4. Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding): While the main shipyard is in Newport News, its supply chain and corporate offices have a significant footprint in Chesapeake. They hire PMs for defense contracts, supply chain logistics, and facility management. Insider Tip: Security clearance (often Secret level) is a huge advantage here.
5. Amazon Fulfillment Centers: Chesapeake hosts several large Amazon facilities (e.g., on Dominion Blvd). The company hires a high volume of Operations Project Managers to manage the launch, optimization, and daily workflow of these centers. The pace is fast, but experience here is a résumé goldmine.
6. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare: The other major hospital system, offering roles similar to Sentara but often with a slightly smaller, community-focused feel.
7. Major Retail & Logistics (Kroger, Walmart Distribution Centers): The region's logistics hub status means steady PM jobs in warehouse management, supply chain optimization, and retail project execution.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent demand is in healthcare IT and public sector projects. The 6% job growth aligns with this—slow, stable expansion rather than volatile tech booms. Networking is key; the local PMI (Project Management Institute) Hampton Roads Chapter is active and a vital resource.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia does not have a state-specific "Project Manager License." Instead, the industry relies on national certifications. The gold standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

• Requirements: A bachelor's degree + 36 months of leading projects within the last 8 years, OR a high school diploma + 60 months of leading projects. You must also complete 35 contact hours of project management education.
• Cost: The exam fee for non-PMI members is $555. PMI membership ($129/year) reduces the exam fee to $405. Add the cost of a prep course (online options from $500-$1,500), and you're looking at a total investment of $1,000 - $2,000.
• Timeline: If you're already qualified, you can apply, study, and sit for the exam in 3-6 months. For those building experience, it's a 2-3 year path.

Insider Tip: In Chesapeake, a PMP is highly valued, especially by government contractors and healthcare systems. It's often a differentiator for senior roles. For a faster entry into the market, consider the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), a more entry-level PMI certification that costs roughly $300 and requires less experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Traffic on I-64 and I-464 can be significant, so proximity to your job is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Great Bridge	Suburban, family-friendly. ~20-30 min commute to downtown/Portsmouth. Central to many corporate parks.	$1,350	PMs working in healthcare, city government, or schools.
Deep Creek	Quiet, residential, near the North Carolina border. ~30-40 min commute to most jobs. More affordable.	$1,200	Budget-conscious PMs, those working at Amazon or southern industrial parks.
Downtown/City Center	Urban, walkable, historic. Short commutes to Sentara Leigh and City Hall. Limited but growing apartment inventory.	$1,450	PMs who want a walkable, active scene and work in the core.
Western Branch	Affluent, upscale suburb. ~25-35 min commute to most areas. Top-rated schools.	$1,500	Senior PMs with families, those seeking a premium lifestyle.
Greenbrier	Commercial and retail hub. Very central, with a modern apartment scene. Commutes are easy from here.	$1,400	PMs who value convenience, shopping, and dining options.

Personal Insight: If your job is at Sentara or the City building, Great Bridge offers the best balance. For a role at the shipyard or a logistics company in the northern part of the city, Greenbrier or Western Branch will minimize your commute on I-464.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 6% projected growth, Chesapeake isn't a city for fast, dramatic jumps, but it's excellent for building a sustainable, high-impact career. Specialization is where you'll see salary premiums.

• IT/Software PM: In high demand at Sentara and for municipal IT projects. Can command 10-15% above the median.
• Construction/Infrastructure PM: Driven by ongoing city growth and military projects. Requires knowledge of local codes and permitting.
• Healthcare PM: Steady and recession-proof. Certifications like CAPM or specific healthcare IT certs (e.g., Epic) are valuable.
• Military/Defense PM: The highest premium. A PMP plus a security clearance can push your salary to $120,000+ in the region.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth suggests a stable market. The biggest opportunities will be in green energy (offshore wind projects in Hampton Roads) and continued healthcare expansion. A mid-career PM who gets a PMP and builds a network can realistically reach a senior or director role ($130,000+) within 10 years. The key is staying active in the local PMI chapter and aligning with the region's core industries: defense, healthcare, and logistics.

The Verdict: Is Chesapeake Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes far. Homeownership is realistically within reach.	Job Market Specialization: Less diversity than a major tech hub. You need to align with local industries (healthcare, defense, logistics).
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in government, healthcare, and defense provides security.	Slower Salary Ceiling: Chances of hitting a $150k+ salary are lower than in DC or Richmond unless you're in defense or an executive.
Quality of Life: No major city traffic, abundant parks and waterways, strong community feel.	Limited "Hustle" Culture: Fewer startups and high-growth tech firms if that's your scene.
Strategic Location: Easy drive to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Richmond for weekend trips or networking.	Summers: Humid and hot, with a hurricane season (June-November) to consider.

Final Recommendation: Chesapeake is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Project Managers who value stability, work-life balance, and long-term financial security. It's ideal for those in healthcare, public sector, defense, or logistics. It's less ideal for someone seeking rapid, startup-style career growth or a dense urban environment. If you have 5+ years of experience and a PMP, you'll find a strong, rewarding market here.

FAQs

Q: Is a PMP required for Project Manager jobs in Chesapeake?
A: Not legally, but it's highly preferred, especially for senior roles in healthcare (Sentara), government, and defense contracting. For entry-level, it's not expected, but having it sets you apart.

Q: How is the job market for new Project Managers?
A: Entry-level roles are competitive. Many new PMs start in adjacent fields (like business analysis, coordinator roles) at large employers like Sentara or the City. Gaining experience through the CAPM certification and temp agencies can be a good strategy.

Q: What's the commute like?
A: Traffic is manageable compared to major metros. The main bottleneck is I-64 between Chesapeake and Norfolk/Virginia Beach during rush hour. Most commutes within the city are 20-35 minutes. A car is essential.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Mixed. Healthcare and government roles are often on-site or hybrid. Some tech and corporate PM roles offer remote flexibility, but full remote is less common than in purely tech-driven cities. It's a growing trend, but not the norm.

Q: How do I network in the local Project Management community?
A: Join the PMI Hampton Roads Chapter. They hold monthly meetings (often in Chesapeake or nearby), networking events, and seminars. Attending these is one of the fastest ways to learn about unposted job openings and connect with hiring managers.