Project Manager Career Guide: Fall River, MA

Hey there. If you're a Project Manager eyeing Fall River, you're looking at a city that’s quietly rebuilding itself. I’ve lived in this area for years, and I can tell you straight up—this isn't Boston. It’s grittier, more affordable, and it runs on a different kind of momentum. We’re a city of makers, from the old textile mills to the modern biotech and manufacturing firms next door. For a Project Manager, that means real work, real impact, and a cost of living that doesn’t squeeze you dry.

Let’s cut through the fluff. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground reality. We’ll talk numbers, neighborhoods, and the nuts and bolts of building a career here. Whether you’re coming from a bigger city or moving up from a smaller town, here’s what you need to know to make a smart move.

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

First, the money. Let’s get the big number out of the way: the median salary for a Project Manager in the Fall River metro area is $101,553 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.82. You’ll see this number come from aggregated job market data, and it’s a solid benchmark. For context, the national average for Project Managers sits at $101,280/year, meaning Fall River is right on par with the country as a whole, not lagging behind.

But "median" doesn't tell the whole story. Where you fall in that range depends heavily on your experience, industry, and the specific company. Here’s a more realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Estimated Salary Range (Fall River)
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	Assisting with schedules, documentation, supporting senior PMs.	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Leading small-to-mid-sized projects, managing budgets, direct client/stakeholder contact.	$90,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level (7-12 yrs)	Overseeing program portfolios, managing complex projects with high risk, mentoring junior staff.	$115,000 - $140,000
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	Strategic oversight, portfolio management, driving PMO (Project Management Office) initiatives.	$140,000+

How does this stack up against other Massachusetts cities? Fall River offers a unique value proposition. It’s not competing directly with Boston’s $125,000+ median for PMs. Instead, it provides a salary that’s 15-20% lower than Boston, but with a housing cost that’s often 40-50% less. Compare it to Worcester, where the median PM salary might be slightly higher ($105,000), but the commute and city feel are different. Fall River is an anchor in the South Coast region, and its salary trends are closely tied to the local manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors, which can pay premiums for niche expertise.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Fall River, many manufacturing and biotech firms offer strong benefits packages, including profit-sharing and 401(k) matches that can add 5-10% to your total compensation. Always ask about the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life in Fall River? Let’s run the numbers. We’ll use the median salary of $101,553 for our model.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $101,553 / 12 = $8,462
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~28% = $2,370
• Net (Take-Home) Monthly: ~$6,092

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fall River is $1,398/month. The Cost of Living Index for the area is 100.9 (US avg = 100), meaning it's just a hair above the national average, but significantly below the Massachusetts state average (which is around 135).

Sample Monthly Budget for a Fall River Project Manager:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,398	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Older housing stock can be less efficient
Groceries	$450	Competitive with national chains (Stop & Shop, Market Basket)
Transportation	$350	Car is essential; gas is slightly below MA average. Public transit exists but is limited.
Health Insurance (after employer)	$250	Varies widely by employer plan
Dining/Entertainment	$400	The South Coast has a growing food scene
Student Loans/Other Debt	$400	Adjust as needed
Savings/Investments	$2,644	Yes, you can save aggressively.
Total	$6,092	Net monthly income

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is one of Fall River's biggest draws. The median home price in Fall River is around $425,000 (as of late 2023). With a 20% down payment ($85,000), you're looking at a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,400 - $2,600. For someone earning $101,553, that’s a mortgage-to-income ratio of about 28%, which is well within the comfortable range lenders prefer. This is a stark contrast to Boston, where a similar salary would barely get you a condo, let alone a single-family home.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

The Fall River job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and education. The metro area has approximately 187 active Project Manager listings at any given time (a figure that fluctuates with the economy), and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%—steady, not explosive, but stable.

Here are the major local employers you should be researching:

1. Southcoast Health System: This is the region's healthcare giant, operating Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River and St. Luke's in New Bedford. They are constantly running projects related to IT system implementations (like Epic), facility expansions, and process improvements. They have a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) and are a major source of stable, well-compensated PM roles, especially for those with healthcare IT or construction experience.

2. Bristol Community College (BCC): As a key educational institution, BCC undertakes capital projects, new program launches (like their nursing and tech programs), and IT infrastructure overhauls. Project Manager roles here often blend academic planning with technical execution.

3. Manufacturing & Biotech (The "Spine" of the Region): While not one single employer, the corridor along I-195 and Route 6 is packed with firms. Look at Bristol Aggregates (construction materials), U.S. Polymers (plastics manufacturing), and the growing cluster of biotech and medical device companies in the nearby "BioPark" in New Bedford. These companies need PMs for new product introduction (NPI), supply chain optimization, and plant expansion projects. Hiring is often tied to specific product cycles.

4. City of Fall River & Government Contractors: The City itself is a large employer for PMs in public works, urban development, and IT. Additionally, contractors supporting the nearby U.S. Coast Guard Facility at Hingham (a short commute) and other defense projects often have satellite offices in the South Coast region, seeking PMs with security clearances.

5. Logistics & Warehousing: With its deep-water port (Port of Fall River) and proximity to major highways, the area is a logistics hub. Companies like P&O Ferrymasters and various third-party logistics (3PL) firms need PMs to oversee warehouse automation, supply chain software integration, and distribution center projects.

Hiring Trends: You'll see more demand for PMs with Agile/Scrum certification (especially in tech-enabled manufacturing and healthcare IT) and those with experience in capital project management (construction, facility expansion). The market isn't flooded with applicants, so a well-tailored resume that speaks to local industry pain points will stand out.

Getting Licensed in MA

Let's be clear: Massachusetts does not have a state license specifically for "Project Manager." The field is unregulated. However, certifications are the de facto license to compete.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. It’s recognized across all industries in MA. The exam cost is around $555 for non-members, plus study materials ($200-$500). The process requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. It's a significant undertaking but worth it for senior roles.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): PMI’s entry-level certification. Great for those with less experience. Cost is about $300. It’s a stepping stone to the PMP.
• Scrum Master Certifications (CSM, PSM): Highly valued in tech, software development, and agile manufacturing environments. Courses typically cost $1,000 - $1,500 and can be completed in a 2-day intensive workshop.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch with the PMP, plan for a 6-9 month timeline. This includes the 35-hour course, studying, and scheduling the exam. For the CSM, you can be certified in a single weekend.

Insider Tip: Local PMI chapters (like PMI-Southern New England) host regular meetings in the region. They’re a fantastic way to network and find out which certifications local employers actually prioritize.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Fall River dramatically affects your commute and lifestyle. The city is compact, but traffic on Route 6 and I-195 can be a factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent
The North End	The historic heart of the city. Walkable to the waterfront, coffee shops, and the farmers' market. Close to downtown employers (City Hall, BCC). Commute to Southcoast Health is 5-10 mins.	$1,250 - $1,500
The South End	More residential, with larger homes and quieter streets. Close to the expansive Kennedy Park. Easy access to I-195 for commuting to New Bedford or Providence.	$1,300 - $1,600
Highlands	The city's most affluent neighborhood, with beautiful Victorian homes and tree-lined streets. It's a bit further from downtown but offers a more suburban feel. A 10-15 minute commute to most employers.	$1,400 - $1,750
Flint Village	A working-class, densely populated area with a strong community feel. It's affordable and centrally located, with quick access to the highway. A good option for those who don't mind an older housing stock.	$1,100 - $1,350
Westport (Border)	Technically a separate town, but many Fall River professionals live here. It offers a more rural, spacious feel with larger lots and excellent schools. A 15-20 minute commute to Fall River employers.	$1,500 - $1,800

Personal Insight: If you're new to the area, start by renting in the North End or South End. You'll get a feel for the city's pulse and can easily explore before committing to a longer-term lease or purchase.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Fall River will be defined by specialization. Generalist PMs can find work, but the ones who command top salaries ($120,000+) have a niche.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT/Software (Agile/Scrum): +15% over the median. Crucial for healthcare and biotech projects.
  • Construction/Capital Projects: +10-12%. The city and state have ongoing infrastructure projects.
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain: +8-10%. Experience with Lean or Six Sigma is a major plus.
  • Healthcare Administration: +5-8%. Knowledge of HIPAA and healthcare regulations is key.

Advancement Path: Typically, you'll move from Mid-Level to Senior PM ($115k-$140k) in 7-12 years. The next step is often into Program Manager or Portfolio Manager roles, which oversee multiple projects. The final stop is often a leadership role in a PMO or as a Director of Operations. In Fall River, these senior roles are less common than in Boston, so you may need to look at companies in the broader South Coast or Providence metro area for the highest echelons.

10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, the market is stable. The biggest opportunities will come from the continued expansion of the biotech corridor along I-195 and the need to modernize aging manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure. Remote work is an option, but local employers still prize in-person project leadership for hands-on industries.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

This isn't a city for everyone. It requires a certain mindset. Here’s the straight talk.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Affordability: A $101,553 salary goes much further here than in Boston or Worcester. Homeownership is a real possibility.	Limited "Prestige" Employers: If you're looking for a FAANG or Fortune 50 headquarters, you'll be commuting to Boston or Providence.
Stable, Niche Job Market: Strong employment in healthcare, manufacturing, and education provides steady demand for PMs.	Slower Pace & Fewer Networking Events: The professional scene is smaller and more tight-knit. You'll need to be proactive.
Strategic Location: You're 30 minutes from Providence and 60 minutes from Boston, giving you access to a larger job market if needed.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a must for daily life and commuting.
Gritty Authenticity: This is a real working city, not a polished suburb. There’s a strong sense of history and community.	Economic Challenges: The city has areas of deep poverty and underinvestment. The job market, while stable, isn't as dynamic as major metros.

Final Recommendation: Fall River is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are value-conscious, appreciate a hands-on industry (manufacturing, healthcare, logistics), and are looking to build long-term financial stability. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals who want to buy a home, raise a family, and have meaningful work without the relentless financial pressure of a larger city. It’s likely not the best fit for someone at the very beginning of their career seeking the highest possible salary or someone who thrives on the constant energy of a dense urban core.

FAQs

1. What's the commute like if I work in Providence?
The commute from Fall River to Providence is a straight shot on I-195 and typically takes 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. It's a very common commute for professionals in the South Coast region.

2. Are there remote Project Manager jobs for Fall River residents?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many companies in Boston, Providence, and beyond have embraced hybrid or remote roles. This gives Fall River residents the best of both worlds: a lower cost of living with access to higher-paying metro jobs.

3. How do I break into the market if I'm moving from out of state?
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with PMs at target employers (Southcoast Health, BCC, local manufacturers). Highlight any experience with relevant industries. Consider contracting for a few months to get your foot in the door and build local references.

4. Is the Fall River job market competitive?
It's competitive in the sense that there are qualified local candidates, but it's not as cutthroat as Boston. The hiring process can be slower, and employers often value stability and local ties. A strong, tailored application makes a big difference.

5. What's the summer like for a professional in Fall River?
It's fantastic. You're minutes from some of the best beaches on the East Coast (Little Compton, Westport, Dartmouth). The city hosts the Greater Fall River Riverfront Festival and has a vibrant outdoor dining scene. It’s a great work-life balance perk that many residents cherish.