Project Manager in Shreveport, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

As a local who’s watched the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area evolve, I can tell you that the project management field here is defined by its unique mix of healthcare, gaming, and industrial work. The median salary for a Project Manager in the region is $97,360/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.81/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, it’s buoyed by a cost of living index of 87.1 (US avg = 100), meaning your paycheck stretches further here than in most of the country.

Shreveport isn't a high-growth tech hub like Austin or Atlanta, but it's stable. The metro area supports 354 project management jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent, driven by sustained healthcare expansion, military and federal contracts at Barksdale Air Force Base, and the slow-but-steady diversification of the gaming and industrial sectors.

To get a clearer picture, let's break down salaries by experience. Note that these are generalized estimates based on local market data; specialized roles (like IT or construction PMs) can command premiums.

Experience Level	Est. Annual Salary Range	Common Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Local government, healthcare support, small construction firms
Mid-Level (4-7 yrs)	$79,000 - $95,000	Ochsner LSU Health, BAFB contractors, regional banks
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$96,000 - $115,000	Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, major construction firms
Expert (13+ yrs)	$116,000 - $135,000+	Corporate HQs, large-scale healthcare projects, gaming facility management

How does Shreveport compare to other Louisiana cities?

• Baton Rouge: Slightly higher salaries ($100,000+), driven by state government and petrochemical industries, but with a higher cost of living (index ~92).
• New Orleans: Salaries can be 10-15% higher for experienced PMs, especially in tourism and port operations, but the cost of living (index ~104) and insurance premiums are significantly higher.
• Lafayette: Very similar to Shreveport in salary and cost of living, with a stronger focus on oil & gas and healthcare.

Insider Tip: A significant portion of the higher-end project management work in Shreveport is tied to federal contracts. If you have a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification and experience with government projects (particularly in defense or healthcare), you can often command a salary at the top of the range, sometimes exceeding $120,000.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your purchasing power. The median salary of $97,360 is a gross figure. For a single filer with no dependents, federal and state taxes (Louisiana has a progressive income tax) will take a significant bite. Using standard deductions and Louisiana's tax brackets, your estimated take-home pay is roughly $72,000 - $75,000 annually, or about $6,000 - $6,250 per month.

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Shreveport is $927/month. This is a key advantage. Your post-tax, post-rent disposable income would be approximately $5,073 - $5,323 per month for a single person.

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

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$927	Can be lower in suburbs like Bossier City.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	High summer AC costs.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Shreveport has competitive grocery prices.
Transportation	$350 - $500	Car is essential. Gas is cheaper than national avg.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300 - $500	Highly variable. Ochsner and BAFB jobs often have good plans.
Entertainment/Dining	$300 - $500	Affordable local dining and live music (Red River District).
Savings/Retirement (10-15% of gross)	$800 - $1,200	Crucial for long-term wealth.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,277 - $4,377	Leaves a solid buffer for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of $1,700 - $2,700 after a conservative budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Shreveport is around $185,000. For a 20% down payment ($37,000), a Project Manager earning $97,360 could realistically save this in 1.5 to 2.5 years. Monthly mortgage payments (including tax and insurance) for a $185,000 home would be roughly $1,200 - $1,350, similar to high-end rent. Homeownership is a very attainable goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

The job market isn't dominated by a single industry but by a few key sectors. Project Managers are critical in healthcare, gaming, and federal work. Here are the major players:

1. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport: The region's largest healthcare system and a major source of project management jobs. They are constantly managing facility expansions, IT system implementations (like Epic), and process improvement projects. Hiring trends show a steady demand for PMs with healthcare IT or clinical operations experience.
2. Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) & Associated Contractors: BAFB is a massive economic engine. The base itself (via the 2nd Bomb Wing) employs civilian PMs for facility management and construction. More jobs are with defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and smaller firms supporting B-52 operations. Insider Tip: Security clearance is a golden ticket here. A Secret clearance can boost your salary potential by 15-20%.
3. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC): A major research and medical education institution. They hire PMs for grant-funded research projects, clinical trial management, and new program development. The work is stable and often comes with strong benefits.
4. Cox Communications: While headquartered in Atlanta, Cox has a significant operational hub in Shreveport for its central and northern Louisiana markets. They need PMs for network expansion projects, system upgrades, and new service launches.
5. Gaming & Hospitality: This is a Shreveport specialty. Harrah's Louisiana Downs, Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, and the Horseshoe Bossier City regularly hire PMs for event planning, facility renovations, and operational projects. Pay can be competitive, especially with bonuses tied to event or revenue targets.
6. City of Shreveport & Parish of Caddo: Local government is a stable, albeit slower-moving, employer. Projects include public works (road expansions, drainage), IT infrastructure, and community development initiatives. The process can be bureaucratic, but the work-life balance is typically excellent.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

Louisiana does not have a state-specific "Project Manager" license. However, the most valuable credential in the state, especially for construction and engineering PMs, is the Professional Engineer (PE) license, administered by the Louisiana Professional Engineering & Land Surveying Board (LAPELS).

• For General Project Management: No state license is required. The PMP (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard nationally and is highly respected by major employers like Ochsner, Cox, and federal contractors.
• For Construction/Engineering PMs: Earning a PE license is a career accelerator. It requires:
  1. An ABET-accredited engineering degree.
  2. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  3. 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a PE.
  4. Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  5. Cost: Exam fees ($300-$400 per exam), application fees ($100-$200), and study materials. Total out-of-pocket cost is typically $800 - $1,200.
  6. Timeline: From starting the process to full licensure, expect 4.5 - 5.5 years.

Insider Tip: For non-engineering PMs, focus your efforts and budget on obtaining your PMP certification. The exam fee is ~$555 for non-members, and study courses can add $500-$1,500. It’s a far more direct and valuable investment for most roles in the Shreveport market.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Shreveport is spread out, and a car is non-negotiable.

• South Shreveport (South Highland, Broadmoor): The most established, affluent area. Close to major hospitals (Ochsner LSU), high-end shopping (Youree Drive), and great schools. Commute to downtown or BAFB is 15-25 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
• Bossier City (East of I-220): This is the fastest-growing part of the metro. It's closer to Barksdale AFB, has newer housing stock, and feels more suburban. The commute to downtown Shreveport is 20-30 minutes. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
• Downtown Shreveport: For the urban professional. Loft living, walkable to the Red River Entertainment District, restaurants, and the ArkLaTex Center. Ideal if you work at a downtown office or don't mind a reverse commute. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,400 for a loft or 1BR.
• West Shreveport (Stoner Hill, Windsor Park): More affordable, with a mix of older homes and new developments. Commute is easy via I-20 or I-49. A good option for thicker budgets. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
• Shreve Island / Southern Hills: Very residential, safe, and quiet. Close to the Cross Lake area. Commute times are longer (25-35 mins to downtown or BAFB). Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Shreveport, career growth for PMs is less about jumping to a new city and more about specialization and depth.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT/Software PMs: With the growth of healthcare IT (Ochsner) and fintech (local banks), PMs with Agile/Scrum certs can see a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • Construction/PE PMs: Having a PE license is a direct path to higher pay, often pushing senior roles into the $115,000 - $135,000 range, especially with state or federal project experience.
  • Healthcare PMs: Experience with HIPAA, Epic/EMR systems, or clinical trial management is highly valued and can command a 5-10% premium.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager, then to Senior PM, and finally to Program Manager or Director of PMO (Project Management Office). To advance, you’ll need to:
  1. Build a Portfolio of Success: Document cost savings, on-time deliveries, and problem-solving on local projects.
  2. Network Locally: Join the Shreveport-Bossier Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter. It’s a small, tight-knit group where you can find mentors and learn about unlisted opportunities.
  3. Target Larger Employers: Moving from a small firm to Ochsner, LSUHSC, or a federal contractor is the single fastest way to increase your salary and responsibility in this market.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a solid baseline. Growth will be strongest in healthcare (aging population), cybersecurity (linked to BAFB), and infrastructure (state and federal funding). The biggest risk is a downturn in the gaming/hospitality sector, which can be volatile. A PM with a PMP, a niche specialty, and broad industry experience will be recession-resistant.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $97,360 salary buys a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership.	Limited High-Growth Sectors: Not a tech startup hub; career moves are often lateral unless you specialize.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare and federal work provide recession-resistant employment.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Short Commutes: Most commutes are under 25 minutes, even in traffic.	Social/Networking Scale: The professional network is smaller than in major metros; you must be proactive.
Unique Lifestyle: Blend of Southern charm, live music, and a relaxed pace.	Economic Vulnerability: The economy is tied to a few major sectors (healthcare, gaming, defense).

Final Recommendation:
Shreveport is an excellent fit for Project Managers who value work-life balance, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals or those looking to buy a home and raise a family on a single PM salary. If you have (or are willing to get) a PMP and a specialization in healthcare, IT, or construction, you can build a successful, secure career here.

For early-career PMs hungry for rapid promotions and diverse project types, Shreveport might feel limiting. But for the right person, it offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Is a PMP certification necessary in Shreveport?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for any serious PM role, especially with employers like Ochsner, Cox, and federal contractors. It’s the most direct way to signal your expertise and often translates to a $5,000 - $10,000 salary bump.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers here?
The market is competitive but not oversaturated. There are 354 jobs, but many require specific experience (healthcare, defense, construction). Your best bet is to tailor your resume to the local industries and network through the local PMI chapter.

3. What’s the commute like from Bossier City to Shreveport?
It’s very manageable. A typical drive from central Bossier to downtown Shreveport or Ochsner LSU takes 20-25 minutes. Traffic is light compared to larger cities. Living in Bossier is a popular choice for those working at BAFB or in the gaming sector.

4. Can I get a project management job without a degree?
Yes, but it’s more challenging. Large employers (Ochsner, BAFB contractors) often require a bachelor’s degree. However, smaller companies or local government may prioritize experience and certifications (like CAPM or PMP) over a degree. A strong portfolio of successfully managed projects can substitute for formal education.

5. Is the salary of $97,360 enough to live comfortably as a family?
Yes, with careful budgeting. For a family of four, you’d need to account for higher housing costs (3-4BR home), childcare, and additional utilities/food. The median salary is a single income, but many families in Shreveport are dual-income. A household with two PMs or one PM and a secondary income would live very comfortably.