Project Manager in Jacksonville, FL

As a career analyst and a longtime Jacksonville resident, I've watched our city transform from a sleepy river town into a dynamic hub for logistics, healthcare, and finance. For Project Managers, this shift has created a robust job market with steady growth—but it’s not without its quirks. This guide is designed to cut through the noise, using hard data and local insights to help you decide if Jacksonville is the right launchpad for your project management career.

## The Salary Picture: Where Jacksonville Stands

The project management market in Jacksonville is competitive, offering salaries that are remarkably close to the national average, which is a significant advantage given the city's lower cost of living. The median salary here is $101,036/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.58/hour. This is just shy of the national average of $101,280/year, placing Jacksonville in a sweet spot for PMs seeking a strong income without the extreme costs of markets like New York or San Francisco.

The Jacksonville metro area supports approximately 1,971 project management jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 6%. While this isn't explosive growth, it indicates a stable, expanding market—especially in key local industries.

Experience-Level Breakdown
Your earning potential will largely depend on your experience and the industry you target. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry reports.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Local Salary Range (Annual)	Key Industries in Jax for This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Healthcare administration, construction support, junior IT projects
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Finance (regional banks), logistics/supply chain, public sector projects
Senior	8-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Large-scale construction (commercial), healthcare systems, defense contracting
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$140,000 - $170,000+	Program management for major employers (Mayo Clinic, CSX), enterprise IT

Comparison to Other Florida Cities
Jacksonville's salary is competitive within Florida. It's higher than the state average for PMs but trails behind the premium markets of Miami and Tampa, where specialized tech and finance roles can push salaries higher. However, the gap is often offset by Jacksonville's significantly lower housing costs.

City	Median Salary (Approx.)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Major Employers
Jacksonville	$101,036	99.2	CSX, Mayo Clinic, Florida Blue
Tampa	~$103,500	103.5	Raymond James, BayCare, JPMorgan Chase
Miami	~$109,000	116.8	Cruise lines, finance, tech startups
Orlando	~$99,000	102.3	Walt Disney World, Lockheed Martin, tourism

## The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $101,036 sounds great, but what’s left after the essentials? Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager with no dependents, using Florida’s no-state-income-tax advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax and Post-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $101,036 / 12 = $8,419
• Estimated Taxes (Fed + FICA): ~22% = -$1,852
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,567

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,354	The city average. Can be lower in suburbs, higher in Southside or Riverside.
Utilities (Electric, Internet)	$180	A/C is non-negotiable for 8+ months. Electric bills spike in summer.
Groceries	$400	Competitive prices. Publix, Aldi, and local farmers' markets are staples.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	Jacksonville is a car-dependent city. Insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$300	Varies widely; this is a typical employee contribution.
Discretionary/Savings	$3,783	This is your buffer for dining out, entertainment, and retirement savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, comfortably. With a monthly take-home of ~$6,567 and a rent cost of $1,354, a Project Manager here has significant disposable income. The median home price in the Jacksonville metro is around $315,000. A 20% down payment is $63,000, but many locals use FHA loans (3.5% down, $11,025). With the leftover **$3,783** per month, saving for a down payment is feasible within 2-4 years with disciplined budgeting, while still affording a mortgage payment later.

## Where the Jobs Are: Jacksonville's Major Employers

Jacksonville’s economy is anchored by a few powerhouse industries. Your job search should focus on these sectors and their leading employers.

1. CSX Transportation: The city's largest private employer and one of the nation's largest railroads. They have a massive headquarters and ongoing projects in logistics, IT, and infrastructure. Insider Tip: They frequently hire PMs for systems implementation and capital projects. Look for roles in "IT Project Management" or "Operations Project Management."
2. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville: A top-ranked hospital and research center. Healthcare projects are constant—new wings, IT system rollouts (like Epic), and clinical trials. Hiring Trend: High demand for PMs with PMP certification and experience in regulated environments.
3. Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida): A major health insurance company with a large regional campus. They handle constant IT modernization, marketing campaigns, and compliance projects. Insider Tip: Strong focus on Agile and Scrum methodologies here.
4. JPMorgan Chase: One of the largest private employers in the region, with major offices in Downtown and the Southside. A hub for financial services, technology, and mortgage operations. Hiring Trend: Active recruitment for IT project managers, especially with cloud migration experience.
5. Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville & Mayport: While military, these bases drive a huge civilian contractor ecosystem. Companies like BAE Systems, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin support them. Insider Tip: Many PM roles here require or prefer a security clearance, which can boost salary by 10-15%.
6. City of Jacksonville & Duval County Government: The public sector is a steady source of jobs for PMs in urban planning, public works, and IT. Insider Tip: The hiring process is slower but offers high job stability and excellent benefits.

## Getting Licensed in FL

Project management is a licensed profession in few states, but Florida does not require a state-specific license to practice as a Project Manager. However, professional certifications are the de facto license for credibility and higher pay.

Key Requirements and Costs:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Costs: Exam fee ~$405 (member) / $555 (non-member). Requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): Great for entry-level. Exam fee ~$225 (member) / $300 (non-member).
• Scrum Master Certifications (CSM, PSM): Vital for tech and Agile environments. CSM course + exam ~$1,500.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you have experience: Study for the PMP (2-4 months of prep) and schedule your exam.
2. If you're new: Enroll in a CAPM prep course (4-8 weeks) and gain foundational knowledge.
3. Action Step: Join the Jacksonville PMI Chapter (jacksonvillepmi.org) for networking, study groups, and local job leads.

## Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Jacksonville is massive geographically, so your commute matters. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and proximity to job hubs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
Riverside/Avondale	Historic, walkable, artsy. 15-20 mins to Downtown.	Close to Downtown (government), short commute to Southside.	$1,450
Southside/Town Center	Modern, corporate, shopping-centric. 20-30 mins to Downtown.	Prime location. JPMorgan, Florida Blue, Mayo Clinic are here.	$1,550
San Marco	Upscale, historic district. 10-15 mins to Downtown.	Close to Downtown and a quick commute to Southside.	$1,600
Julington Creek/Deerwood	Suburban, family-friendly, quiet. 30-40 mins to Downtown.	Near the I-295 corridor, good access to Southside offices.	$1,400
Downtown	Urban, walkable, growing amenities.	Zero commute for Downtown jobs. Can be isolating on weekends.	$1,700

Insider Tip: If you work for CSX or JPMorgan on the Southside, living in Julington Creek can cut your commute by 20 minutes versus living in Riverside. Traffic on I-295 and I-95 is a major daily factor.

## The Long Game: Career Growth

Jacksonville offers solid long-term prospects, especially if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/Software PM: Can command a 10-15% premium over the median, especially with cloud (AWS/Azure) or cybersecurity experience.
  • Construction PM: Strong demand due to ongoing growth. Premiums for large-scale commercial or public works experience.
  • Healthcare PM: Steady demand, with a premium for experience with EHR systems (like Epic) and FDA-regulated projects.
  • PMP Certification: Consistently adds a $10,000 - $15,000 premium to salary offers in Jacksonville.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Coordinator → Project Manager: Requires taking on more ownership (1-2 years).
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM / Program Manager: Manages multiple projects or a portfolio. Requires strategic thinking and stakeholder management.
  3. Senior PM → Director of PMO (Project Management Office): The leadership track, focusing on methodology, standards, and team building.

• 10-Year Outlook:
  The 6% job growth is reliable. Jacksonville’s economy is diversifying beyond logistics. Look for growth in fintech (driven by JPMorgan), biotech (linked to Mayo Clinic’s research), and the ongoing expansion of the Port of Jacksonville. The rise of remote work has also allowed Jacksonville-based PMs to work for companies nationwide while enjoying local cost of living.

## The Verdict: Is Jacksonville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: $101,036 goes further here than in most major metros.	Car Dependency: Excellent public transit is lacking; a car is a must.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, finance, logistics, and military.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Intense and long-lasting (May-October).
No State Income Tax: Boosts your take-home pay significantly.	Urban Sprawl: Can feel disconnected; you need to pick your neighborhood carefully.
Growing & Improving: Downtown revitalization, new restaurants, and cultural events are on the rise.	Limited "Big City" Vibe: It lacks the density and cultural energy of Miami or Tampa.

Final Recommendation:
Jacksonville is an excellent choice for project managers at the mid-career level and above who prioritize financial stability, a lower cost of living, and a family-friendly environment. It's not the place for a young professional seeking a 24/7 nightlife scene, but it's ideal for someone who wants to build equity, advance their career in a major corporation, and enjoy outdoor activities like boating and beach trips. If you have 3+ years of experience and your PMP, you are in the driver's seat here.

## FAQs

1. Is the job market for PMs in Jacksonville saturated?
No. The 1,971 jobs and 6% growth indicate a healthy, steady market. Competition exists for top-tier roles at major employers, but with a PMP and relevant experience, qualified PMs are in demand.

2. How important is the PMP for getting hired in Jacksonville?
It is highly valued, especially at large employers like Mayo Clinic, CSX, and Florida Blue. It’s often a filter in the hiring process and can be the difference between a $90k and a $110k offer.

3. What's the commute like?
It can be long. Average commutes are 25-35 minutes. Traffic is heaviest on I-95 and I-295 during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). Choosing a neighborhood near your workplace is critical.

4. Can I find remote PM jobs while living in Jacksonville?
Absolutely. Many local companies offer hybrid roles, and you can also apply to remote positions nationally. Your local salary expectations should align with the $101,036 median, not necessarily Silicon Valley rates.

5. What's the networking scene like?
Active but industry-specific. The Jacksonville PMI Chapter is the main hub. Also, check out First Coast Tech Meetups (for IT PMs) and JAX Chamber events for broader business connections.