Project Manager in Savannah, GA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Savannah, GA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

If you're a Project Manager looking at Savannah, you're looking at a market that pays pretty solidly, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a Project Manager in the Savannah metro area is $99,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.05. This sits just slightly below the national average of $101,280 per year, but don't let that fool you. Savannah's lower cost of living means your dollar stretches further here than in many major coastal cities.

Let's break down what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. This table is a synthesis of local job postings and industry data for the Savannah metro.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary Range (Savannah)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior	8-14 years	$105,000 - $130,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$130,000 - $155,000+

Insider Tip: Specialization can significantly boost your earning potential. A Project Manager with a PMP certification and experience in healthcare IT or construction management will often command a premium, sometimes 10-15% above the median, especially if you're targeting major local employers like Memorial Health or the Georgia Ports Authority.

When comparing Savannah to other major Georgia cities, it holds its own as a mid-tier market. Atlanta, as the state's economic hub, offers higher salaries but at a much higher cost of living. Columbus and Macon offer lower salaries and a lower cost of living, making Savannah a strong middle ground for career-focused PMs who want a high quality of life.

City (GA)	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Savannah	$99,943	95.6
Atlanta	$108,000+	108.3
Columbus	$92,500	89.2
Macon	$89,000	88.5

The job market itself, while not as massive as Atlanta's, is stable and growing. There are approximately 295 Project Manager jobs available in the Savannah metro at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which aligns with the national average for the profession. This growth is heavily tied to the region's port and logistics sector, healthcare expansion, and a steady tourism and hospitality industry.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $99,943 salary looks like in your bank account. For a single filer in Georgia (assuming no dependents and using the 2023 tax brackets), your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes would be approximately $73,800 per year, or about $6,150 per month.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah is $1,287 per month. This is for a decent place in a safe, convenient area—not the historic district, but certainly not the outskirts.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	Average for metro area
Utilities	$150	Internet, electric, water
Groceries	$400	For one person
Transportation	$350	Car payment/insurance/gas (or car share)
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized plan
Discretionary	$1,500	Dining, entertainment, savings
Remaining	$2,163	For debt, savings, or investments

Can you afford to buy a home? With $2,163 left over in your monthly budget, homeownership is absolutely within reach. The median home price in the Savannah metro is around $300,000. With a 20% down payment ($60,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000. This is feasible if you've saved for a down payment, though it would require tighter budgeting on discretionary spending.

Insider Tip: Many Project Managers in Savannah who are serious about buying often partner with a local realtor specializing in the mid-town or southside areas, where you get more square footage for your money compared to the historic district or the booming but pricey Starland District.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $99,943 salary looks like in your bank account. For a single filer in Georgia (assuming no dependents and using the 2023 tax brackets), your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes would be approximately $73,800 per year, or about $6,150 per month.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah is $1,287 per month. This is for a decent place in a safe, convenient area—not the historic district, but certainly not the outskirts.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	Average for metro area
Utilities	$150	Internet, electric, water
Groceries	$400	For one person
Transportation	$350	Car payment/insurance/gas (or car share)
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized plan
Discretionary	$1,500	Dining, entertainment, savings
Remaining	$2,163	For debt, savings, or investments

Can you afford to buy a home? With $2,163 left over in your monthly budget, homeownership is absolutely within reach. The median home price in the Savannah metro is around $300,000. With a 20% down payment ($60,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000. This is feasible if you've saved for a down payment, though it would require tighter budgeting on discretionary spending.

Insider Tip: Many Project Managers in Savannah who are serious about buying often partner with a local realtor specializing in the mid-town or southside areas, where you get more square footage for your money compared to the historic district or the booming but pricey Starland District.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah's job market for Project Managers is anchored by a few key sectors: logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and government. Unlike a tech-heavy city, here you'll find PM roles in shipyards, hospital systems, and industrial projects.

Here are the major local employers actively hiring Project Managers:

1. Georgia Ports Authority (GPA): This is the economic engine of Savannah. The GPA is constantly engaged in massive expansion projects to handle increasing cargo volumes. They hire Project Managers with experience in civil engineering, construction, and logistics to oversee everything from terminal expansions to new infrastructure. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. Memorial Health University Medical Center: As the largest hospital in the region, Memorial Health is a major employer. They have ongoing IT projects (EMR implementations, telehealth expansions) and facility upgrades. PM roles here often require experience in healthcare or IT project management.
3. Gulfstream Aerospace: A cornerstone of Savannah's manufacturing sector, Gulfstream designs, builds, and services business jets. Their projects are highly technical and require PMs with engineering backgrounds or experience in complex manufacturing environments. They value PMP certification and experience with regulatory compliance.
4. JCB: This British construction equipment manufacturer has a massive plant in Pooler, just outside Savannah. They are in a constant state of product development and plant expansion. Ideal for PMs with manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain experience.
5. City of Savannah & Chatham County: Government projects are steady and reliable. This includes infrastructure (roads, bridges), public facilities (parks, government buildings), and community development. These roles typically offer excellent benefits and job security but may have a slightly slower pace than private sector roles.
6. Target Distribution Center (Pooler): Part of the massive logistics hub west of the city, this facility handles e-commerce fulfillment. They hire Project Managers for process improvement, automation implementation, and operational expansion projects.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable trend toward hiring PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications for IT-related projects, especially at healthcare and port-related IT departments. For construction and manufacturing, traditional Waterfall methodology and PMP remain king. Networking is crucial here; joining the local PMI chapter (PMI Savannah) is a non-negotiable insider tip for getting your resume in front of the right people.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia does not have a state-specific license for project managers. Your credibility comes from experience and certifications, not a state board. This makes the barrier to entry straightforward but relies on your professional credentials.

The gold standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Here's the breakdown:

• Requirements: To sit for the PMP exam, you need either:
  • A four-year degree, 36 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training.
  • A high school diploma or associate’s degree, 60 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training.
• Costs: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. PMI membership itself is $139 per year. Add the cost of a prep course (anywhere from $500 for an online bootcamp to $2,000+ for an in-person class).
• Timeline: From starting your application to sitting for the exam, it typically takes 3-6 months. After passing, you must maintain your certification with 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years.

Other Valuable Certifications:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Great for entry-level PMs. Less expensive and easier to obtain than the PMP.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Highly valuable in IT and software development roles, which are growing in Savannah's tech scene.
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt: Valuable in manufacturing and process improvement roles (e.g., at JCB or Gulfstream).

Insider Tip: Local employers in Savannah, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, highly value the PMP. It's often a listed requirement or a strong preference. If you're moving to Savannah without a PMP, budgeting for it in your first year is a smart career investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Savannah is less about being "right downtown" and more about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. The historic district is beautiful but expensive and can be a tourist nightmare, especially during events like the St. Patrick's Day parade.

Here are four top neighborhoods for Project Managers, with rent estimates for a 1BR:

1. Midtown: This is the sweet spot for many professionals. It's a 10-15 minute drive to downtown, has great local restaurants (like The Public Kitchen & Bar), and offers a mix of apartment complexes and single-family homes. It's less touristy than the historic district but still has a lot of charm.

   • Average 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,500/month
   • Commute to Downtown/GPA: 15 minutes

2. Southside/Savannah Mall Area: As the name implies, this area is south of downtown, towards the islands (like Whitemarsh and Wilmington). It's heavily developed with shopping centers, newer apartment complexes, and easy highway access (I-95, I-516). It's convenient for jobs at Gulfstream or JCB (which are west/southwest).

   • Average 1BR Rent: $1,150 - $1,350/month
   • Commute to Downtown: 20-25 minutes

3. Pooler: Located about 15-20 minutes west of downtown, Pooler has exploded in growth. It's home to the Target Distribution Center, JCB, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It's a suburban hub with new apartments, chain restaurants, and a lower cost of living. It's ideal if your job is at one of the western employers.

   • Average 1BR Rent: $1,200 - $1,400/month
   • Commute to Downtown: 20-25 minutes

4. Victorian District: Adjacent to the historic district but more residential and affordable. You can find renovated apartments and duplexes. It's walkable to many amenities and has a vibrant, diverse community. The commute to downtown is a breeze.

   • Average 1BR Rent: $1,200 - $1,400/month
   • Commute to Downtown: 5-10 minutes

Insider Tip: Traffic in Savannah is notorious, especially on the Truman Parkway and the I-16/I-95 interchange. When choosing a neighborhood, physically drive the commute route during rush hour (8 AM and 5 PM) before signing a lease. What looks like a 15-minute drive on a map can easily become 45 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Savannah is not a "jump ship every two years" market like Silicon Valley. It's a market where deep industry knowledge is rewarded. The 10-year job growth projection of 6% is modest but steady, indicating a stable environment for long-term careers.

Specialty Premiums:

• Construction/Infrastructure PMs: With the port's constant expansion and city infrastructure projects, these PMs are in high demand. PMP + construction experience can command a 15-20% premium over the median.
• IT/Software PMs: The growth is here, but it's clustered around healthcare (Memorial) and logistics (port IT). A CSM or PMP with Agile experience is key. Salaries can match or exceed the median.
• Manufacturing PMs: Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and supply chain can lead to high-paying roles at JCB and Gulfstream.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path for a Project Manager in Savannah is:

1. Project Coordinator/Junior PM (2-4 years)
2. Project Manager (4-9 years)
3. Senior Project Manager (8-15 years)
4. Program Manager or Director of Projects (15+ years)

To move up, you need to expand your scope. A Senior PM might manage larger budgets ($1M+), multiple projects, or a team of junior PMs. Leadership skills, communication, and the ability to manage stakeholders are just as important as technical skills.

10-Year Outlook:
Savannah's economy is intrinsically linked to the port. As global trade grows and the Port of Savannah expands (the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is finished, but new terminal projects are ongoing), the demand for PMs will remain solid. Healthcare will continue to grow with population increases. The tech sector is a wild card but shows promise. For a Project Manager who wants stability, reasonable growth, and a fantastic quality of life, Savannah is a strong bet for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here.	Tourist Crowds: The historic district can be overwhelming, especially on weekends.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by ports, healthcare, and manufacturing.	Limited Nightlife: It's a great city for dining and history, but not a major hub for late-night entertainment.
Unique Lifestyle: Incredible history, beautiful architecture, and coastal access (beaches are 20-30 mins away).	Traffic Issues: The infrastructure struggles to keep up with growth, leading to congestion.
Manageable Size: Easy to get around, strong community feel.	Salary Ceiling: While the cost of living is low, top-end salaries may not reach the heights of major metros.
Outdoor Activities: Abundant parks, kayaking, and a mild climate.	Humidity: The summer heat and humidity are intense and can be a shock for newcomers.

Final Recommendation:

Savannah is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, affordability, and a unique, culturally rich environment over a high-stakes, fast-paced career in a mega-metro. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years of experience) looking to buy a home and build a long-term career in stable industries like logistics, healthcare, or construction. If you're a PMP-certified professional, especially with experience in one of the key local