Project Manager Career Guide: Greenville, Mississippi

As someone who’s watched Greenville grow and change over the years—from the bustling riverfront days to its current, steady pace—I can tell you it’s a city that rewards pragmatism. It’s not a tech hub or a corporate mecca, but it’s a place where a skilled Project Manager can build a solid, stable career. The cost of living is low, the community is tight-knit, and the Mississippi River is always there to remind you of the bigger picture. This guide is for the project manager who values practicality over flash, and who wants to understand the real numbers and local landscape before making a move.

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

Let’s get straight to the data, because in Greenville, your paycheck goes a long way. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $96,418/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.35/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the gap is small enough to be negated by the city’s low cost of living. In practical terms, you might take home less raw cash than a peer in Chicago, but your mortgage or rent payment will be a fraction of theirs.

The job market is modest but stable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, there are approximately 57 Project Manager jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent and signals a steady demand for experienced managers in core industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Greenville is directly tied to your experience and the industry you're in. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Primary Industries in Greenville
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Construction, Local Government, Small Manufacturing
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $105,000	Healthcare, Industrial Projects, Public Works
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000+	Major Construction, Hospital Administration, Corporate Finance
Expert/Consultant (15+ years)	$140,000+ (often contract-based)	Specialized Engineering, Regional Leadership, Public Sector Consulting

Insider Tip: A Senior Project Manager at a major local contractor like Wright Construction or overseeing a significant expansion at Delta Regional Medical Center can command a salary at the very top of the senior-level range. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) are highly valued and can push your offer into the expert category.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Greenville’s salary is competitive within the state, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

City	Median Project Manager Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Relative Value
Greenville	$96,418	84.0	Excellent
Jackson	~$102,500	88.5	Good
Gulfport/Biloxi	~$98,000	91.2	Good
Hattiesburg	~$89,500	86.5	Very Good

While Jackson, the state capital, offers a marginally higher median salary, its cost of living is also higher. Greenville provides a superior balance, making your $96,418 salary feel more like $115,000 in a higher-cost city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $96,418/year translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $8,035. After federal and state taxes (Mississippi has a progressive income tax), a single filer can expect to take home roughly $6,000 - $6,200/month. This is a conservative estimate that includes FICA taxes.

With the average 1-bedroom rent in Greenville at $714/month, your housing cost is incredibly manageable. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Project Manager living in Greenville.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, Renting)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,100	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$714	Average for a decent apartment
Utilities	$220	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$450	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	Essential in Greenville; no public transit
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-sponsored or marketplace
Retirement (401k)	$800	12-15% of gross is a strong goal
Dining/Entertainment	$400	Local restaurants, movies, riverfront events
Savings/Emergency Fund	$1,616	Leftover for travel, savings, or debt
Total Expenses	$6,100

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Washington County is around $125,000 - $150,000. With a strong credit score and a 20% down payment ($25,000-$30,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $800 - $1,000, which is comparable to the average rent. This is one of Greenville's biggest advantages for professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

Greenville’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors. Project Managers are most commonly found in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and public administration. Here are the major local employers where you should focus your job search:

1. Delta Regional Medical Center (DRMC): The largest hospital in the Mississippi Delta. They constantly have projects, from facility expansions and IT system integrations (like new EHR systems) to community health initiatives. Hiring is steady, and they value PMs with healthcare or IT experience.

2. Washington County School District: With over a dozen schools, the district manages constant construction, renovation, and technology upgrade projects. These roles often require experience with public sector bidding and compliance.

3. Wright Construction & Engineering: A major regional contractor with a significant presence in Greenville. They handle commercial, industrial, and public works projects. This is a prime spot for PMs with a construction management or engineering background.

4. BancorpSouth (now Cadence Bank): While the headquarters is in Tupelo, the Greenville branch is a major employer for finance and IT projects. They hire PMs for branch upgrades, digital banking initiatives, and regulatory compliance projects.

5. City of Greenville: The municipal government manages public works, parks, and community development projects. These roles are stable but can be bureaucratic. They require patience and a deep understanding of local and state regulations.

6. Manufacturing & Industrial: Companies like Bunge (soybean processing) and Georgia-Pacific (paper products) have significant operations near Greenville. They hire PMs for plant maintenance, process improvements, and safety compliance projects.

Hiring Trends: The 10-year job growth of 6% is driven by the need to replace retiring workers (a significant trend in the Delta region) and ongoing investments in healthcare and infrastructure. There is less emphasis on tech startups and more on sustaining and improving core local industries.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific project manager license. However, professional certifications are critical for advancement and are often required by major employers.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) plus 36 months of leading projects within the past 8 years, or a high school diploma with 60 months of experience. Exam cost is approximately $405 for members, $555 for non-members. Study time is typically 2-3 months.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level option from PMI for those with less experience. Cost is around $225 ($300 for non-members).
• Industry-Specific Certs: For construction, a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is valuable. For IT, CompTIA Project+ or PRINCE2 can be useful.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start studying for the PMP today, you could be certified within 4-6 months. In Greenville, listing "PMP Certified" on your resume immediately puts you in the top tier of applicants for any senior role.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Greenville is a driving city. Your choice of neighborhood will primarily depend on your commute to work and your lifestyle preferences.

1. North Greenville / The Highlands: This is the more affluent, suburban part of the city. Homes are newer, schools are better-rated, and it’s close to shopping centers. Best for families. A 1BR apartment here might run $800-$950/month. Commute to downtown or industrial areas is 10-20 minutes.
2. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, with character. Home to older, renovated apartments and townhomes. You’ll be close to local restaurants, the riverfront, and the arts district. Ideal for a younger professional who wants a social scene. 1BR rent is similar to the city average, around $700-$850. Commute is minimal if you work for the city or a downtown business.
3. South Greenville: More residential and affordable. You’ll find older, well-maintained homes and apartments. It’s a quiet area, good for buyers looking for value. Commute to any part of the city is 15-25 minutes. 1BR rent can be as low as $600-$750.
4. Near Delta Regional Medical Center / Highway 82 East: Convenient for healthcare professionals. A mix of apartments and older homes. Traffic can be heavier due to the hospital. 1BR rent averages $750-$850. Commute is very short if you work at DRMC.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Greenville, career growth for Project Managers is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening expertise and taking on larger, more complex projects.

• Specialty Premiums (Salary Boosts):

  • Construction/Engineering PM: +10-15% over the median, due to specialized knowledge and high demand.
  • Healthcare IT PM: +5-10% over the median, as hospitals invest heavily in technology.
  • Public Sector PM: Often at the median or slightly below, but with superior job security, pensions, and benefits.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Path: Move from managing small projects to multi-million dollar capital projects (e.g., a new hospital wing, a school renovation). This leads to roles like Senior Project Manager or Program Manager.
  2. Management Path: Transition from managing projects to managing people and portfolios. This leads to Project Management Office (PMO) Director or VP of Operations roles. These are rare in Greenville but exist at larger employers like DRMC or the major construction firms.
  3. Consulting Path: After 15+ years of local experience, you can become a highly sought-after independent consultant for local government and small businesses. This can be lucrative but requires a strong personal network.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is tied to the aging workforce. As senior PMs retire, there will be significant openings for mid-career professionals to step up. The key will be obtaining advanced certifications (like a PMP) and gaining experience in high-demand areas like healthcare IT and sustainable construction. Greenville won’t see a boom, but it offers a resilient, predictable career ladder.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes 20-30% further than the national average.	Limited Job Market: Only 57 PM jobs total. Specialized roles (like pure Agile tech PM) are scarce.
Strong Housing Value: You can afford to buy a home on a Project Manager's salary.	Geographic Isolation: It's a 1.5-hour drive to Jackson and 4 hours to Memphis. Few networking events.
Stable, Predictable Employment: Core industries (healthcare, construction) are always hiring.	Social Scene is Limited: It's a small, family-oriented city. Nightlife and cultural events are modest.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It's easy to get to know key decision-makers in the community.	Slower Pace of Life: Not ideal for those who crave constant change and a fast-paced environment.
Unique Delta Culture: Rich history, blues music, and a strong sense of place.	Dependence on Driving: No viable public transportation; a reliable car is a must.

Final Recommendation: Greenville is an ideal choice for a Project Manager who prioritizes financial stability, homeownership, and a slower, community-focused lifestyle. It is a fantastic place to build a solid foundation, raise a family, and gain deep, respected expertise. It is not the place for someone seeking the fast-paced career growth of a tech hub or the constant networking opportunities of a major metropolis. If you value your paycheck's purchasing power and want to be a big fish in a manageable pond, Greenville could be your perfect fit.

FAQs

1. Can I get a Project Manager job in Greenville without a college degree?
Yes, but it's challenging. For entry-level roles, a combination of relevant experience (e.g., in construction or operations) and certifications (like the CAPM) can substitute for a degree. For mid-to-senior roles, a bachelor's degree is often a non-negotiable requirement, especially at larger employers like DRMC or the school district.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers here?
With only 57 jobs in the metro, the market is not flooded with applicants, but each opening receives multiple applications. It's a "quality over quantity" market. A PMP certification and local industry experience (even if from a nearby city like Jackson) will make you a standout candidate.

3. Is the $96,418 median salary realistic for a family?
Yes. With a dual-income household where both partners are professionals, even at slightly below the median, the combined income would be very comfortable in Greenville. A single income of $96,418 is more than enough to support a modest family, especially if you buy a home.

4. What's the best way to network in such a small city?
Forget LinkedIn events. The most effective networking in Greenville is in-person and relationship-based. Join the Mississippi Delta Chapter of PMI (if active), attend chamber of commerce events, and volunteer for local non-profits or community projects. Getting to know people at your church, children's school, or a local golf course is often more valuable than a formal networking event.

5. I'm a tech Project Manager. Are there opportunities for me?
Direct tech PM roles are limited. Your best bet is to target PM positions at healthcare (IT projects at DRMC), finance (Cadence Bank), or with the school district (technology upgrades). You may need to adapt your resume to highlight transferable skills like stakeholder management and agile methodologies applied to non-tech projects. Be prepared for a longer job search.