Project Manager in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Hollywood, FL offers a compelling salary landscape for Project Managers, especially when you factor in the relatively strong pay relative to the local cost of living. The median salary for a Project Manager in this metro is $104,865/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.42/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for the role, which sits at $101,280/year. While the difference isn't massive, it's a solid indicator that Hollywood values this skill set, likely driven by the ongoing construction, healthcare, and logistics projects in the region. The metro area supports 307 Project Manager positions, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, suggesting stable, if not explosive, opportunities.

To understand where you fit, let's break down salary by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards in South Florida.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Support project coordinators, manage small tasks, learn company PMO processes.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Lead non-critical projects, manage budgets under $500K, handle stakeholder communication.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$120,000 - $150,000	Direct complex, high-budget projects, mentor junior PMs, strategic planning.
Expert/Executive (12+ years)	$155,000+	Portfolio management, director-level roles, company-wide PMO strategy.

Compared to other Florida cities, Hollywood holds a strong middle ground. Miami, with its finance and tech scene, offers higher salaries but at a much steeper cost of living. Tampa's market is strong for healthcare and finance PMs, with salaries potentially 5-10% higher. Orlando, driven by tourism and aerospace, might be slightly lower. Jacksonville's salary is competitive, but the industry mix is different, with more logistics and military contracting. Hollywood's unique advantage is its position between the Miami and Fort Lauderdale job markets. You can often access the higher-paying jobs in those cities (30-45 minute drive) while living in a community with slightly more reasonable housing costs. For a Project Manager specializing in construction or healthcare, Hollywood is a sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about what that $104,865 median salary means for your daily life. In Florida, there is no state income tax, which is a significant boost to your take-home pay. However, federal taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) will still apply.

For a single filer in 2024, the estimated annual take-home pay on a $104,865 salary is approximately $78,000 - $80,000 after federal taxes and FICA. This breaks down to a monthly take-home of about $6,500 - $6,666.

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent in Hollywood, which is $1,621/month. This leaves you with roughly $4,879 - $5,045 per month for all other expenses, savings, and discretionary spending. This is a workable budget for a single person or a DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) household, but it requires discipline.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is a tougher question. The median home price in Broward County (where Hollywood is located) hovers around $450,000 - $500,000. With a 20% down payment ($90k-$100k), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (7%+) would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of $2,800 - $3,200. This would consume nearly half of your take-home pay, which is generally considered a high risk. For a single-income Project Manager at the median salary, buying a home is a stretch without a significant down payment or dual income. It's more feasible if you are at the senior level ($120k+) or have a partner with an income. Most PMs I know in the area rent for the first few years while building savings and exploring neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

The job market for Project Managers here is diverse, anchored by healthcare, government, and logistics. Here are the key local employers and the types of PM roles they typically hire for:

1. Memorial Healthcare System: A major employer in South Broward with hospitals in Hollywood (Memorial Regional, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital) and nearby Miramar. They have a robust, formal Project Management Office (PMO). They hire IT Project Managers for electronic health record (EHR) implementations, clinical systems upgrades, and facility expansion projects. Hiring is steady, especially for PMs with healthcare IT experience (like Epic or Cerner). Insider Tip: They value PMP certification highly for senior roles.

2. City of Hollywood: The municipal government is a consistent source of project management jobs. These roles are in public works (road improvements, drainage projects), parks and recreation (community center renovations), and IT. The hiring process is bureaucratic but the jobs are stable with great benefits. You'll often see postings for "Project Manager" or "Construction Project Manager" on the city's career portal.

3. Broward County Government: Similar to the City of Hollywood but on a larger scale. Major projects include airport expansions (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International), sea-level rise mitigation, and convention center work. They hire both direct employees and consultants. Experience with government contracting and grant-funded projects is a plus here.

4. Port Everglades: This massive seaport is a logistics and engineering hotspot. Project Managers here oversee terminal upgrades, dredging projects, and infrastructure security enhancements. It's a niche but high-value market for PMs with a background in marine construction, environmental compliance, or supply chain logistics.

5. Florida Power & Light (FPL): While headquartered in Juno Beach, FPL has a significant presence in South Florida. Their projects involve grid modernization, storm hardening, and renewable energy installations. The roles are often field-based and require strong vendor management and safety compliance knowledge.

6. Private Construction & Development Firms: Companies like The Weitz Company, Brasfield & Gorrie, and Kaufman Lynn have regional offices in South Florida. They are constantly hiring for commercial, healthcare, and residential construction project managers. This is a fast-paced sector where being on-site is often required. Hiring picks up with the winter construction season.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards hybrid or remote work for IT and PMO roles, especially in healthcare and finance. However, construction, public works, and field-based project management remain largely in-person. The demand for PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications is growing in the tech side of healthcare and logistics.

Getting Licensed in FL

For Project Management, Florida does not have a state-specific license like it does for doctors or engineers. The professional cornerstone is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). While not legally required, it is considered a de facto license for serious project management positions in corporate and public sectors.

Requirements and Costs:

• PMP Certification: To apply, you need a secondary degree (high school diploma or associate’s) with 36 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR a four-year degree with 36 months of experience and 35 hours of education.
• Cost: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. Membership is $129 annually, so if you're planning to get certified, it's worth it. The 35 hours of education can be done through online courses (like those from Coursera or PMI partners) costing $1,000 - $2,000. Many employers will reimburse this cost.
• Timeline: From starting your application to taking the exam, expect a 3-4 month timeline. This includes submitting your experience, getting approved, studying, and scheduling the test. There are testing centers in Fort Lauderdale and online proctoring options.

Insider Tip: For public sector jobs (City, County, School Board), a PMP is often listed as "preferred" but not mandatory. However, in the private sector (especially healthcare and construction), it's frequently a requirement for senior roles. If you're new to the field, the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a good entry-level stepping stone.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Hollywood depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Hollywood: This is the cultural heart, with the ArtsPark at Young Circle, trendy restaurants, and the historic theater district. It's walkable and has a vibrant, urban feel. You're central to I-95 and the train station.

   • Commute: Excellent. Easy access to downtown Fort Lauderdale (15 mins) and Miami (30 mins). Local jobs at the City Hall are a bike ride away.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $2,100/month for a modern 1BR in a newer building.
   • Best For: PMs who want a lively social scene and a short commute to multiple job markets.

2. South Hollywood (South of Sheridan St.): This area includes the Gulfstream Village and Lake Forest neighborhoods. It's quieter, more residential, and closer to the intracoastal waterways and beaches. You'll find more single-family homes and older apartment complexes.

   • Commute: Good. A bit further from the interstate but direct routes to Port Everglades and the beaches. You'll deal with more tourist traffic during season (Nov-Apr).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,800/month for a 1BR or small 2BR.
   • Best For: PMs who value a quieter, more established community and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

3. Hollywood Hills: Located on the western side of I-95, this area is more suburban. It features larger homes, good schools, and is close to shopping plazas and the Topeekeegee Yugnee (TY) Park. It's popular with families.

   • Commute: Good to the western suburbs (Miramar, Pembroke Pines) and Fort Lauderdale. The commute to Miami or Downtown Hollywood can be 25-35 minutes due to I-95 traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,200/month for a 1BR in a gated community or newer complex.
   • Best For: PMs with families or who work for employers like Memorial Healthcare's Miramar campus.

4. West Park (Adjacent to Hollywood): Technically a separate city but often grouped together. It's more affordable, with a strong community feel and quick access to Miramar and the Turnpike.

   • Commute: Excellent for jobs in western Broward (Miramar, Sunrise) but a longer haul to downtown Miami.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious PMs who work for employers like FPL or in the western commercial corridors.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Hollywood's Project Management career path is less about dramatic "tech startup" leaps and more about steady advancement through specialization and expanded scope. The 6% 10-year job growth aligns with a mature, stable market.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. A Construction Project Manager with experience in sea-level rise or hurricane mitigation can command a 10-15% premium due to local regulatory demand. IT Project Managers with healthcare system integration experience (Epic, Cerner, telehealth platforms) are in high demand at Memorial and other hospital systems. Public Works PMs with grant management and public bidding expertise are valuable to city and county governments.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior Project Manager. The next step is often into Program Manager (overseeing multiple related projects) or PMO Director (managing the entire project office). Another path is moving from a technical PM (IT, construction) to a strategic role in operations or business development, using your project skills to drive company growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: Hollywood is not a high-growth tech hub, so don't expect a Silicon Valley-style boom. However, the fundamentals are strong. Continuous investment in infrastructure (Port Everglades, roads), healthcare (aging population), and resiliency (climate change) will ensure steady demand. The rise of remote work will also allow Hollywood-based PMs to compete for high-paying roles in Miami or even other states without moving. The key is to build a network. Join the South Florida PMI Chapter—their events are a goldmine for meeting hiring managers. Insider Tip: The most successful PMs here have deep local networks. Knowing the right city planner or a project director at Memorial can be more valuable than an extra certification.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable salary ($104,865) well above the national average.	High cost of living (111.8 index) and rising rent ($1,621/month).
No state income tax boosts take-home pay significantly.	Traffic congestion on I-95 and US-1 can make commutes long and unpredictable.
Diverse job market across healthcare, government, construction, and logistics.	Hurricane risk and rising insurance costs are a real financial consideration for homeowners.
Central location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale job markets.	The city lacks a dense, walkable core like a major downtown; it's more suburban.
Vibrant cultural scene and proximity to beaches, parks, and waterways.	Summer humidity and heat (May-October) can be intense for newcomers.
More affordable housing than Miami or Fort Lauderdale proper.	Public school ratings are mixed; research is key for families.

Final Recommendation:
Hollywood is an excellent choice for Project Managers at the mid-to-senior level who value stability over high-risk/high-reward. It's ideal for those in healthcare, public works, or construction. If you're an early-career PM, the opportunities are good, but the cost of living requires careful budgeting. It's a great "base camp" for accessing the broader South Florida economy. Come for the job, but stay for the community—the local neighborhoods offer a lifestyle that is hard to beat in the region. If you can secure a job paying near the median or higher and handle the traffic, Hollywood offers a high quality of life and a solid career foundation.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for Project Managers competitive in Hollywood?
A: It is competitive but not cutthroat. You're competing with a local talent pool and professionals from Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Having a PMP and local experience (e.g., knowing Florida building codes or local healthcare systems) gives you a significant edge. The 307 jobs in the metro mean there's steady opportunity, but you need to be proactive with networking.

Q: How important is it to live in Hollywood versus commuting from a neighboring city?
A: It depends on your employer. If you work for the City of Hollywood or a hospital in the city, living nearby cuts your commute dramatically. However, many PMs live in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, or even Fort Lauderdale and commute to Hollywood employers. Traffic on I-95 is the great equalizer, so sometimes a reverse commute (e.g., Hollywood to Miramar) is easier.

Q: What's the deal with hurricane season? Does it affect project management jobs?
A: Absolutely. From June to November, project timelines can be disrupted by storms. For construction PMs, this means building in contingency time. For IT PMs, it means ensuring disaster recovery plans are solid. It also creates a niche for PMs specializing in post-storm recovery and mitigation projects, which are a consistent source of work in South Florida.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work for Project Managers in Hollywood?
A: Yes, especially in the IT and healthcare sectors. Many local employers, like Memorial Healthcare System, have adopted hybrid models. However, for construction, public works, and field-based PM roles, being on-site is usually mandatory. The trend is toward more flexibility, so it's a good question to ask in interviews.

Q: Which certification is most valued locally: PMP or Agile?
A: PMP is the gold standard for most corporate and public sector roles here, particularly in healthcare, construction, and government. Agile/Scrum Master certifications are increasingly important for IT and software development projects. For a well-rounded career in Hollywood, having both—or at least being familiar with Agile principles—will make you a more versatile candidate.