Project Manager in Roswell, NM

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

As a local who’s watched the career landscape here for years, I can tell you that Project Managers (PMs) in Roswell operate in a unique market. It’s not a tech hub like Albuquerque, nor a booming corporate center like Phoenix, but it’s a stable, growing hub for aerospace, healthcare, and federal contracting. The salary data reflects this reality: the median salary for a Project Manager here is $99,305/year, or $47.74/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the lower cost of living more than makes up for it.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These figures are based on local job postings and BLS data for the metro area.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Construction, local government, small tech firms
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$90,000 - $110,000	Healthcare, aerospace, federal contractors
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Major hospitals, defense contractors, large construction
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$140,000+	Executive roles, specialized program management (e.g., NASA, AFRL)

Compared to other New Mexico cities, Roswell is a solid mid-tier option. Albuquerque’s median is closer to $105,000, but its cost of living is significantly higher. Santa Fe commands higher salaries for cultural and government projects, but the job market is smaller. Las Cruces and Farmington are generally in the $95,000 - $100,000 range, similar to Roswell. The key differentiator for Roswell is its unique employer mix—you won’t find this specific blend of aerospace and federal work in other mid-sized NM cities.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for PMs in the metro area is 6%. This is steady, not explosive. It means there are opportunities, but you’ll need to be strategic. The 95 current job openings in the metro (a mix of full-time, contract, and part-time) are primarily in the aerospace and healthcare sectors. This is a "relationship" market; networking is more critical than in larger, more anonymous job markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers on a median-salaried Project Manager earning $99,305/year. This is where Roswell’s affordability shines.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,275
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA ~28%): -$2,317
• Take-Home Pay: ~$5,958

Roswell-Specific Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $935/month (National Rent Average is ~$1,500)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): ~$200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance): $250
• Healthcare/Insurance: $300
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $500
• Savings/Debt: $3,373

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is the biggest advantage of working in Roswell. The median home price in the Roswell metro is approximately $235,000. With a 20% down payment ($47,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,200 - $1,400/month—often cheaper than renting a larger space. A project manager earning the median could realistically save for a down payment in 2-3 years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. This is a stark contrast to cities like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, where a similar salary would be stretched much thinner.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by a few key sectors. You won’t find Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, but you will find stable, long-term employers with complex projects.

1. Chaves County & City of Roswell: The largest employer by far. They manage massive infrastructure projects (water treatment, roads, public buildings), IT implementations, and community initiatives. Hiring trends: steady, with a need for PMs who understand public procurement and grant management.
2. Eastern New Mexico Medical Center (ENMMC): Part of the Prime Healthcare network. This is the region's largest hospital. They constantly run projects for EHR (Electronic Health Record) upgrades, facility expansions, and operational process improvements. Hiring is cyclical but frequent; you need healthcare PM experience or a strong willingness to learn HIPAA compliance.
3. Roswell Independent School District (RISD): Manages capital projects, technology rollouts across multiple schools, and federal grant-funded programs. Project work here is focused on education and community impact.
4. Aerospace & Defense Contractors: This is Roswell's niche. Companies like Northrop Grumman (at the local air force base) and smaller engineering firms hold contracts for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and other federal agencies. These are high-security, high-skill roles. Security clearance is often a prerequisite, and the work is secretive. Hiring is tied to federal contract cycles.
5. Energy & Utilities: Companies like Xcel Energy have a significant presence, managing grid modernization projects. Pecos Valley Artesian Aquifers and other water/waste management companies also hire PMs for infrastructure projects.
6. Roswell Air Center (ROW): The airport authority manages expansion projects, terminal upgrades, and logistics operations. As the airport grows with cargo and commercial flights, so does the need for project oversight.
7. Local Construction Firms: Companies like Brady Builders and Rogers-O'Brien (regional) handle commercial and municipal construction. These are often the best entry points for new PMs to build a portfolio.

Hiring Trend Insight: The defense/aerospace sector is the most lucrative but hardest to break into without a clearance or specific experience. The healthcare and municipal sectors are more accessible and offer excellent training grounds.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico does not require a state-issued Project Management Professional (PMP) license to practice. However, professional certification is the de facto standard for career advancement.

• PMP (Project Management Institute): This is the gold standard. The process involves 35 hours of education, an application, and passing a rigorous exam. Total cost (training + exam): $1,500 - $2,500. The exam cost itself is $405 for members, $555 for non-members. There is no state-specific requirement for this.
• State-Specific Requirements: For public sector jobs (City, County, Schools), you may need to demonstrate experience in public works, grant management, or specific software (like Primavera P6). Some roles may require a notary public license, which is simple and inexpensive (~$50).
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch with no certification, it typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. Many employers in Roswell, especially in healthcare and construction, value the PMP highly and may even offer reimbursement for the cost.

Insider Tip: For aerospace/defense jobs, a PMP is often a baseline requirement, but a Security Clearance is the real key. The process for a clearance can take 6-18 months, so if you're targeting this sector, start the application process through a contractor as soon as possible.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Roswell is a driving city. Your commute will rarely be more than 15 minutes, which opens up your housing options. Here are the best areas, based on lifestyle and proximity to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Downtown/North Main	Walkable, historic, artsy. Close to restaurants and the Civic Center.	$850 - $1,100	5-10 min to City/County offices, RISD HQ.
South Main (Medical District)	Quiet, residential, close to the hospital. Family-friendly.	$800 - $1,000	2-5 min to ENMMC. 10-15 min to downtown.
East Roswell (US 70 Corridor)	Newer developments, larger homes, strip malls. Car-dependent.	$900 - $1,200	10-15 min to airport, aerospace contractors, and the base.
West Roswell (Near the Air Park)	Industrial and commercial mix. More affordable.	$750 - $950	5-10 min to Roswell Air Center, industrial employers.
Country Club Area	Established, quiet, medium-sized homes. Good schools.	$950 - $1,300	10 min to most employers; central location.

Personal Insight: If you work for the City/County or RISD, living near Downtown or North Main offers the best quality of life—walkable to coffee shops and the public library. For hospital employees, the South Main area is unbeatable for a short commute. If you're in aerospace/defense, East Roswell is where most of your colleagues live, and it has the newest housing stock.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Roswell, career growth is less about vertical climbs in a single company and more about strategic moves and specialty premiums.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Aerospace/Defense PM: +20-30% over the median. Secret clearance is mandatory.
  • IT/Digital Transformation PM: +15-25% over the median. Focus on healthcare (ENMMC) and local government systems.
  • Construction/Infrastructure PM: +10-20% over the median. Requires knowledge of NM public works regulations.
  • Healthcare PM: +10-15% over the median. HIPAA and clinical workflow knowledge are key.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager. The jump to "Program Manager" often happens when you manage multiple projects or a large, complex initiative (like a hospital wing expansion). In Roswell, many senior PMs eventually become Consultants or start their own small firms, serving the local market.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The outlook is stable. Growth will be driven by:

  1. Federal contracts at AFRL and the Air Force Base.
  2. Aging infrastructure in the city and county, requiring modernization.
  3. Healthcare expansion, as ENMMC continues to serve a growing region.
  4. Renewable energy projects (solar/wind) in the surrounding Chaves and Lincoln counties.

The key to long-term success here is specialization. Being a generalist PM is fine for entry-level, but to hit the $130,000+ range, you need a niche—be it defense, healthcare IT, or municipal finance.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Here’s the honest, data-driven pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Your $99,305 salary goes much further than in most cities. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only 95 PM jobs in the metro. Less variety and fewer opportunities for rapid job-hopping.
Stable, Growing Employers: Major hospitals, government, and federal contractors provide long-term stability.	Insular Network: The professional community is small. Getting your first job here can be hard without local connections.
Unique Specialization: Unmatched opportunities in aerospace/defense PM roles for the region.	Cultural & Entertainment Options: Limited compared to larger cities. You trade nightlife for wide-open spaces.
Manageable Commute: 15-minute commutes are the norm, freeing up personal time.	Growth Ceiling: For those aiming for VP or Director-level roles in large corporations, you may need to relocate.
Low Stress, High Impact: Projects feel tangible and community-focused. You see the results of your work.	Reliance on Federal Funding: A downturn in defense contracts can impact a significant portion of the local PM job market.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an ideal choice for a mid-career Project Manager seeking financial stability, a lower cost of living, and a slower pace of life. It's perfect for those with families or who want to own a home without being house-poor. It is not the right choice for a young, single PM seeking a fast-paced, high-velocity corporate career with frequent job changes. If you can secure a role in aerospace or healthcare and are willing to plant roots, Roswell offers a quality of life that is increasingly rare.

FAQs

1. Can I get a Project Manager job in Roswell without a PMP?
Yes, but it's harder. For City/County or construction roles, experience can sometimes substitute. For healthcare (ENMMC) and especially aerospace, the PMP is often a non-negotiable filter on applications. It's a wise investment.

2. How difficult is it to get a security clearance for aerospace jobs?
The difficulty isn't in the process itself, but in the sponsorship. You need an employer to sponsor you. The process is lengthy (12-18 months) and requires an impeccable background. If you have any red flags (financial issues, foreign contacts), it's a major hurdle. The premium in salary ($130k+) makes it worth it for many.

3. What's the best way to network in such a small city?
Join the Roswell Chamber of Commerce and attend their monthly luncheons. Get involved with the New Mexico chapter of PMI (they have events in Albuquerque, but members from Roswell attend). For aerospace, connect with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) public affairs office for information on contractor events. In Roswell, a personal recommendation is everything.

4. Is the 6% job growth enough for a thriving career?
It is for stability, but not for rapid advancement. The 6% growth means jobs are being created, but turnover is low. To advance, you’ll need to be proactive—earn certifications, seek out high-visibility projects, and consider consulting after you have 10+ years of local experience. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

5. What's the one piece of advice for a newcomer?
Rent first. The rental market is affordable, and it gives you time to learn the city's employer landscape before you commit to a neighborhood or a mortgage. Use that first year to attend local industry events and build your network. In Roswell, who you know can often open doors that a resume alone cannot.