Project Manager in Medford, OR

The Salary Picture: Where Medford Stands

Let's cut to the chase: Project Managers in Medford are earning a median salary of $102,282/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.17/hour. This puts Medford slightly above the national average for PMs, which sits at $101,280/year. For a mid-sized metro (population ~85,100), that's a solid, competitive wage, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Your earning potential in Medford is heavily influenced by your experience level, specialization, and the industry you're in. Construction, healthcare, and tech (yes, Medford has a growing tech scene) are the primary drivers. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Medford, OR)	Key Industries
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	Project Coordinator, Assistant PM	$75,000 - $88,000	Construction, Non-profit, Small Business
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	Project Manager, Program Analyst	$90,000 - $115,000	Healthcare, Manufacturing, Public Sector
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	Senior PM, Program Manager	$115,000 - $135,000	Healthcare (Asante), Construction, Tech
Expert/Leadership (13+ years)	Director of PMO, VP of Operations	$135,000 - $160,000+	Major regional employers, large-scale projects

Compared to other Oregon cities, Medford holds its own. It won't compete with Portland's tech salaries ($120,000+), but the significantly lower cost of living makes it a financial winner. It also outpaces cities like Bend ($98,000) and Salem ($95,000), where the housing market has become extremely competitive. The key here is the 6% 10-year job growth. While the absolute number of jobs (170) is modest, that growth indicates a healthy, expanding market for PMs, not one that's stagnant.

Insider Tip: Salaries for PMs in Medford are often negotiable by $5,000 to $10,000 for mid-to-senior roles. The best leverage comes from specialized certifications (PMP, CSM) or unique experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare construction or hospital IT implementation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $102,282 salary sounds great, but the real question is your purchasing power in Medford. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single person (no dependents) living in the Rogue Valley.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,523.50 ($102,282 / 12)
• Est. Taxes (Fed, State, Soc. Sec., Medicare): ~ $2,350/month (approx. 27-28% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): $6,173.50

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,062 (Medford avg)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500 (Medford is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (employer share): $200
• Misc/Discretionary: $600
• Savings/Investment: $3,231.50

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, but it depends on your lifestyle. The median home price in the Medford metro is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), you're looking at a mortgage of $360,000. At current rates (7%), your monthly principal and interest payment would be around $2,400, plus property taxes and insurance ($400/month), for a total of $2,800.

This is about 45% of your take-home pay, which is high but potentially manageable if you prioritize housing over other expenses. The math is much more favorable if you have a dual-income household or can put down a larger down payment. Insider Tip: Many locals aim for the $350,000 - $400,000 range in neighborhoods like Central Point or Phoenix, which offers more space and better value than central Medford.

Where the Jobs Are: Medford's Major Employers

Medford's job market for Project Managers is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, construction, and public services. Networking here is crucial, as many opportunities aren't heavily advertised. The 170 current openings reflect a steady demand, particularly in these top employers:

1. Asante Health System: The region's largest employer. They have constant projects for new facilities (like the recent expansion at Rogue Regional Medical Center), IT system implementations (EPIC), and process improvement. PMs with healthcare experience are gold here. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on IT and clinical infrastructure.
2. Jackson County: The county government manages public works, infrastructure, and IT projects. These roles often come with excellent benefits and job stability. Look for openings on the county's career page. Hiring Trend: Steady, aligned with budget cycles.
3. Lithia Motors: While headquartered in Medford, Lithia is a national giant. Their expansion and digital transformation projects create PM roles in logistics, IT, and corporate strategy. Hiring Trend: Growth-oriented, especially in tech and real estate development.
4. Local Construction Giants (e.g., Andersen Construction, Excalibur Construction): The Rogue Valley is seeing a construction boom in housing, commercial, and public works (like the ongoing I-5 corridor projects). PMs with PMP certification and commercial construction experience are in high demand. Hiring Trend: Very active, tied to the local housing market and infrastructure funding.
5. Rogue Community College & Southern Oregon University: Both institutions have ongoing capital projects, IT upgrades, and grant-funded initiatives. These are great roles for PMs who value a mission-driven environment. Hiring Trend: Project-based, often cyclical with the academic calendar.
6. Local Government & Public Works (City of Medford): The city manages everything from park renovations to water treatment plant upgrades. These roles require navigating public procurement processes. Hiring Trend: Stable, dependent on municipal budget and voter-approved bonds.
7. Tech & Start-Up Ecosystem: While smaller, Medford's tech scene is growing (e.g., software companies, medical device firms). Companies like Medford Precision or Agility Robotics (though in nearby Grants Pass) create niche PM roles. Hiring Trend: Emerging, offering potential for high-growth equity.

Insider Tip: Join the Southern Oregon Business Network or attend events hosted by the Rogue Valley Chamber of Commerce. Many PMs find their next role through a connection at a local brewery or coffee shop, not a job board.

Getting Licensed in OR

For Project Managers, formal state licensing is generally not required in Oregon, unlike fields like engineering or architecture. However, professional certifications are the de facto standard and significantly boost your credibility and salary potential.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. Cost: ~$555 for members, $405 for non-members. Timeline: 3-6 months of study/prep.
• CSM (Certified Scrum Master): Essential for roles in software development or agile environments. Offered by Scrum Alliance. Cost: ~$995 for the two-day course and exam. Timeline: 2-3 days of training.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level option from PMI. Requires 23 hours of project management education. Cost: ~$300. Timeline: 1-2 months of study.

While not a license, listing these certifications on your resume is as important as a degree for Medford's competitive roles. For specialized public works projects, a PM may work under a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), but the PM themselves doesn't need the P.E. license.

Insider Tip: The Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying (OSBEELS) is the governing body for related professional licenses. You can verify a P.E.'s license if you're working on a complex project, but for your own PM career, focus on PMI certs. Local study groups often form through the Medford Public Library or via LinkedIn.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Medford impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to the top areas for PMs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for PMs
Central Medford (Downtown/Railroad District)	Urban, walkable, close to restaurants & theaters. 5-10 min to Asante, Lithia, County.	$1,150 - $1,300	Best for those who want a social scene and minimal commute. Walk to work or coffee shops.
Central Point	Family-friendly, suburban feel. 10-15 min to Medford core. Great schools.	$950 - $1,100	Best value for money. More space, quieter, easy access to I-5. Ideal for buying a home.
Phoenix	Up-and-coming, with a small-town charm. 12-15 min to Medford.	$900 - $1,050	Fast-growing area with new developments. Great for PMs who want a community feel.
Talent	Artsy, progressive, close to Ashland. 15-20 min to Medford.	$850 - $1,000	Attracts a creative crowd. Good if you work remotely or in the arts/education sector.
East Medford (Lynnwood/Trails)	Established, quiet, family-oriented. 15 min to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,200	Safe, suburban, with good parks. Perfect for those who want a home office and peace.

Insider Tip: The "Rogue Valley" is a connected sprawl. A 20-minute commute is considered short. When house-hunting, check the Jackson County GIS map to understand school districts and property lines. Rentals go fast in the summer; start your search in April or May.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth in Medford’s PM field is promising, but to maximize your career, you need to specialize. Generalist PMs will fill open roles, but specialists command premiums and lead larger projects.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare PM (Construction/IT): +10-15% above median. Asante’s expansion is a long-term pipeline.
  • Public Works/Construction PM: +5-10%. Requires knowledge of federal/state grants (e.g., ODOT projects).
  • IT/Software PM: +10-20%. Especially with Agile/Scrum certification, crucial for tech firms and internal company projects.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager → Senior PM: Gain more complex, higher-budget projects. Focus on PMP.
  2. Senior PM → Program/Portfolio Manager: Oversee multiple related projects. Requires strategic thinking.
  3. Program Manager → Director of PMO: Lead the project management office. Requires business acumen and leadership skills.
  4. Specialist Path: Become a subject-matter expert in a niche (e.g., "the go-to PM for hospital IT" or "green building certifications").
• 10-Year Outlook: Medford is likely to see continued growth in healthcare (aging population), construction (housing demand), and a burgeoning tech sector. The rise of remote work means Medford-based PMs can also compete for regional jobs in Portland or Seattle while enjoying the Rogue Valley lifestyle. The key will be adapting to new methodologies (AI in project management, remote team leadership).

Insider Tip: Consider a part-time MBA or a certificate in a related field (e.g., Healthcare Administration, Supply Chain) from Southern Oregon University. This, combined with your PM experience, can fast-track you to leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Medford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary for the cost of living.	Limited job market (~170 openings). Fewer large corporate HQs.
Significantly lower housing costs than Portland or Bend.	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Outdoor paradise: Hiking, skiing, and rivers are minutes away.	Isolation. The closest major city is Portland (4.5 hours).
Stable, growing industries (Healthcare, Construction).	Summers are hot and smoky from wildfires. Air quality can be an issue.
Tight-knit professional community. Easy to network.	Fewer high-tech/start-up roles compared to larger metros.
A slower pace of life with less daily stress.	Ice in winter can disrupt commutes.

Final Recommendation:
Medford is an excellent choice for mid-to-senior level Project Managers who value work-life balance, outdoor recreation, and financial stability over the high-paced, high-cost life of a major coastal city. It's ideal for professionals in healthcare, construction, or government who want to buy a home and build equity. It may be challenging for entry-level PMs or those solely focused on the tech industry, as the opportunities are more specialized and competitive. If you're willing to engage with the local community, specialize your skills, and embrace a 4-season climate, Medford offers a compelling and sustainable career path.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Medford?
A: It's moderately competitive. With only 170 jobs in the metro, you're not competing with thousands like in Portland. However, the quality of candidates is high. Having a PMP or a specialty in healthcare/construction will make you a top contender. Networking is essential.

Q: Is the salary of $102,282 enough for a family in Medford?
A: Yes, but with important caveats. For a single-income family, you'd likely need to be at the $115,000-$130,000 (Senior) level to comfortably afford a 3-bedroom home, childcare, and save for college. A dual-income household, even if both earn near the median, makes Medford very comfortable.

Q: What's the biggest hidden cost of living in Medford?
A: Car insurance and healthcare. While rent is low, Oregon has some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation. Also, while Asante provides good plans, out-of-pocket costs for specialists can be high compared to larger metropolitan networks.

Q: Can I work remotely as a PM in Medford?
A: Absolutely. The growth of remote work is a major asset for Medford. Many PMs here work for companies based in Portland, Seattle, or California, earning a metro salary while paying Medford rent. High-speed internet is widely available, though fiber options are still expanding.

Q: How do I get started if I'm moving from out of state?
A: 1) Get your resume tailored with local keywords (Asante, Jackson County, Rogue Valley). 2) Start networking on LinkedIn with Medford-based PMs. 3) Plan a scouting trip to meet with recruiters and tour neighborhoods. 4) Secure a rental first (it's easier than buying) to get established quickly.