Project Manager in Mobile, AL

The Salary Picture: Where Mobile Stands

Let's cut right to it: the numbers for Project Managers in Mobile, AL are solid, though slightly below the national average. The median salary here is $98,059 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.14/hour. When you compare that to the national average for the role, which sits at $101,280, Mobile comes in about 3% lower. That’s not a deal-breaker, especially when you factor in the city’s cost of living, which is significantly more forgiving than coastal hubs like Houston or Atlanta.

The job market is stable, not explosive. There are approximately 365 active Project Manager positions in the metro area at any given time, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 6%. This isn't a boomtown for tech PMs, but it’s a reliable market for those in construction, healthcare, and logistics. The real story is the purchasing power here.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Mobile market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, aligned with the median data provided.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Mobile, AL)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $125,000
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$125,000 - $145,000+

Comparison to Other Alabama Cities:

• Birmingham: Slightly higher at a median of ~$102,000, with more corporate HQ roles (Banking, Healthcare).
• Huntsville: Significantly higher for PMs in aerospace and defense, with medians often exceeding $110,000.
• Montgomery: Closer to Mobile, with a median around $95,000, but with a smaller job market (fewer than 250 positions).

Insider Tip: The $98,059 median is a strong anchor point. In Mobile, you’ll find more opportunities in the mid-career to senior range. The "expert" level is less common unless you're specializing in niche areas like maritime logistics or large-scale infrastructure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $98,059 looks different when it hits your bank account. Alabama has a progressive income tax system, and while property taxes are low, sales tax adds up (around 9-10% in the city). Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager earning the median salary.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, using Alabama’s 2024 tax brackets and standard deductions. This is a rough estimate; consult a tax pro for your exact situation.

Item	Monthly Cost (Estimated)	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,172	$98,059 / 12
Federal Tax	-$1,050	Varies by withholdings.
State Tax (AL)	-$380	Progressive, from 2% to 5%.
Social Security/Medicare	-$625	7.65% of gross.
Health Insurance	-$400	Average employer-sponsored plan.
Retirement (401k @ 6%)	-$490	Strongly recommended.
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,227	This is your starting point.
Average 1BR Rent	-$890	Citywide average.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	-$180	Mobile's climate drives summer A/C costs.
Internet/Phone	-$120	Standard bundle.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Mobile is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$450
Gas/Transportation	-$200
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	-$500	Dining out, entertainment, etc.
Monthly Savings	$1,437	Remaining after all expenses.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a monthly savings rate of $1,437, a Project Manager in Mobile is in a fantastic position to build a down payment. The median home price in Mobile County is roughly $220,000. A 20% down payment would be $44,000, which you could save in about 2.5 years at this rate. The mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or slightly higher than the average rent for a nice home, making homeownership very attainable.

Insider Tip: Many local project managers, especially in construction, opt for a 5% down payment (FHA or conventional) and use the savings for renovations or investments. The real estate market here is stable, not volatile.

Where the Jobs Are: Mobile's Major Employers

Mobile isn't a tech startup haven; it's an industrial and institutional powerhouse. Your PM opportunities will cluster around these sectors. Here are the key players:

1. Austal USA: The largest employer. They build ships for the U.S. Navy. Project Managers here are often called "Project Engineers" or "Program Managers" and need experience in defense contracting, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Hiring Trend: Steady, driven by Navy contracts. They value PMI certifications and process-oriented experience.
2. Infirmary Health System: The largest non-governmental healthcare system in Alabama. They run multiple hospitals (Mobile Infirmary, Thomas Hospital). Hiring Trend: Consistent growth. PMs are needed for IT system implementations (EPIC, Cerner), facility expansions, and process improvement projects. Requires experience in healthcare IT or operations.
3. Aerospace / Airbus: While the final assembly line is in Tuscaloosa, Airbus's Spirit AeroSystems and other suppliers in Mobile have significant operations. Hiring Trend: Moderate. Look for PM roles in supply chain, quality management, and facilities management. Experience in aviation or automotive manufacturing is a plus.
4. SSAB (formerly Nucor Steel): A major steel producer with a plant in the Port of Mobile. Hiring Trend: Steady. Project Managers handle mill upgrades, safety initiatives, and environmental compliance projects. This is heavy industry—expect a fast-paced, safety-first environment.
5. Alabama State Port Authority: The Port of Mobile is a deep-water port critical for logistics and trade. Hiring Trend: Growing. PMs are needed for infrastructure projects, terminal expansions, and logistics optimization. Experience in supply chain, construction, or civil engineering is key.
6. City of Mobile & Mobile County: Government projects are reliable. Hiring Trend: Stable. Roles appear for public works, urban planning, and IT modernization. The process can be slower, but the benefits are excellent.
7. Southern Company / Alabama Power: A major utility with a significant presence. Hiring Trend: Steady. Project Managers work on grid modernization, storm restoration, and new plant projects. They often seek candidates with engineering backgrounds and PMP certification.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use local staffing firms like Adams and Reese or Mobile Area Education Foundation for contract-to-hire roles. Starting as a contractor can be a smart way to get your foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in AL

For Project Managers, "licensing" typically means professional certification, not a state-issued license like for contractors or realtors. However, Alabama does have specific requirements for some related fields.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): This is the gold standard, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It’s not state-specific but is highly valued by all major employers listed above. Cost: Exam fee ~$405 for PMI members, ~$555 for non-members. Membership is $129/year. Timeline: 3-6 months of study. You need 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education (from a PMI Registered Education Provider).
• State Contractor Licenses: If you're managing construction projects, you may need a license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. This is required for contractors bidding on projects over $50,000. As a PM, you might not need it yourself, but you'll work with licensed contractors. Cost: Varies by classification (Residential, Commercial). Fees range from $300-$500+.
• Other Certifications: CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a great entry-level cert. For healthcare, CIT (Certified in Implementation Technology) is useful. For IT, Scrum Master (CSM) is common.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Week 1-4: Join PMI and study for the CAPM or PMP.
2. Month 2-4: If you have the experience, apply for the PMP exam.
3. Month 4-5: Schedule and pass the exam.
4. Ongoing: Network with the local PMI Gulf Coast Chapter (covers Mobile, Pensacola). Their meetings are often at the Mobile Chamber of Commerce or local hotels.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially Austal and Infirmary Health, offer tuition reimbursement or certification bonuses. Ask about this in interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Mobile's neighborhoods offer distinct vibes. Commutes are short (typically 15-30 minutes citywide), but where you live affects your lifestyle and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Midtown	Historic, walkable, artsy. 10-15 min to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	PMs in healthcare (Infirmary) or government. Great for young professionals.
West Mobile / Cottage Hill	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-25 min to most employers.	$850 - $1,100	PMs in logistics or construction. Excellent schools, quieter pace.
Downtown / Mobile	Revitalizing, urban. 10-20 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,400	PMs in tech, government, or startups. More nightlife and events.
Spanish Fort / Daphne (East Shore)	Across the bay. 25-40 min commute.	$900 - $1,300	PMs with families seeking top schools and newer homes. Affordable space.
Prichard / North Mobile	Industrial, affordable. 15-30 min commute.	$700 - $900	PMs on a tight budget, especially if working at the Port or SSAB.

Insider Tip: If you work at Austal or the Port, living in West Mobile or The Plateau (nearby in Mississippi) can cut your commute significantly. Midtown is the social hub for PMs in their 30s and 40s.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Mobile's job market rewards specialization. The generalist PM can do well, but the specialist commands a premium.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Maritime/Shipbuilding: PMs with experience at Austal or similar shipyards can command 10-15% above the median.
  • Healthcare IT: PMs with EPIC or Cerner implementation experience are in high demand at Infirmary Health, often pushing salaries toward the $110,000 range.
  • Construction/Civil Engineering: Licensed Professional Engineers (PE) with PMP can reach the $120,000+ tier, especially for public works projects.
  • Defense Contracting: Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is a massive multiplier. A PMP with a clearance can easily exceed the median by $20,000 or more.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM: The classic path.
  2. Specialist PM (e.g., IT, Construction) → Program Manager: Managing a portfolio of related projects.
  3. Program Manager → Director of PMO (Project Management Office): At larger organizations like Infirmary Health or Austal, this is a key leadership role.
  4. Lateral Move to Operations or Consulting: Many PMs leverage their experience to move into operations management or start local consultancies serving the maritime and construction sectors.

• 10-Year Outlook:
  The 6% job growth is a floor, not a ceiling. Key drivers will be:

  • Port Expansion: The Port of Mobile’s deepening project and new logistics hubs will create PM jobs.
  • Military Contracts: Austal and other defense contractors are long-term bets.
  • Healthcare Consolidation: As Infirmary Health grows, so will their need for PMs to integrate systems and facilities.
  • Coastal Resilience: Expect more project funding for stormwater management and infrastructure hardening.

Insider Tip: The local economy is tightly linked to the oil and gas industry (through the Port). While that sector has cycles, the diversification into healthcare and defense provides stability. A PM with skills in these areas has a long-term future here.

The Verdict: Is Mobile Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living Value: Your salary stretches further here than almost anywhere in the U.S.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Stable, Diverse Employment Base: Not reliant on one industry; healthcare, construction, defense, and logistics.	Lower Median Salary: Slightly below national average, though offset by lower costs.
Short Commutes & Access to Nature: Easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, parks, and the bay.	Smaller Mike Networking Scene: Fewer PM meetups than in major metros; you must be proactive.
Strong Sense of Community: It’s easy to build professional and personal networks.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Not a hub for cutting-edge tech or startups.
Homeownership is Accessible: The dream is achievable on a PM salary.	Weather Challenges: Hot, humid summers and hurricane season.

Final Recommendation:
Mobile is an outstanding choice for Project Managers who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over a high-stress, high-salary tech scene. It is ideal for those in construction, healthcare, or logistics who want their expertise to be valued in a market with less competition. If you're an early-career PM, it’s a fantastic place to gain solid experience without the high cost of living. If you're a senior PM looking for a change of pace with excellent quality of life, Mobile offers a compelling package. It’s a "work to live" city, not a "live to work" one.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Mobile?
It's moderately competitive. With only 365 jobs, you won't have hundreds of openings to choose from like in a major metro. However, the applicant pool is also smaller. Tailoring your resume to the local industries (emphasizing construction, healthcare, or defense) and obtaining a PMP will put you ahead of most candidates.

2. Do I need to be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to be a Project Manager here?
No, a PE license is not required for most Project Manager roles. It is, however, a significant advantage for PMs in the construction, civil engineering, and public works fields. It can lead to higher salaries and more senior roles, particularly for government or utility projects.

3. What’s the networking scene like for PMs in Mobile?
It's tight-knit and active through the PMI Gulf Coast Chapter. Attend their monthly meetings (often at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce). LinkedIn is also critical—connect with PMs and talent managers at Austal, Infirmary Health, and the Port. Personal referrals carry weight here.

4. Is the salary of $98,059 enough for a family?
Yes, comfortably. With a spouse's income or even as a single parent, the low cost of living, especially housing ($890 average rent), makes it feasible. A combined household income of $140,000+ would allow for a very comfortable lifestyle, including homeownership, private school options, and savings.

5. What’s the biggest mistake out-of-town applicants make?
Not understanding the local industry drivers. A PM from a pure IT background might struggle without highlighting transferable skills. Emphasize any experience with regulated industries (healthcare, defense), large-scale construction, or logistical projects. Research the companies on this list and speak their language in your application.