Average Construction Manager Salary: $110,983 (2026)
2026 DataCompare construction manager salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $91,854 to $150,280.
Highest Paying Cities for Construction Managers
Average Salary
$110,983
across all locations
Highest Paying
$150,280
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Construction Managers
See which cities pay Construction Managers the most, from $150,280 down to the #10 spot.
Construction Manager Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($110,380)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Jose, CA | $150,280 |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $148,794 |
| #3 | Seattle, WA | $138,267 |
| #4 | New York, NY | $134,126 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $133,499 |
| #6 | Washington, DC | $128,187 |
| #7 | Los Angeles, CA | $121,790 |
| #8 | Denver, CO | $120,362 |
| #9 | Austin, TX | $117,982 |
| #10 | San Diego, CA | $117,828 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Construction Manager Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $71,876 | $34.56/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $110,983 | $53.36/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $161,236 | $77.52/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$39,107
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$50,253
+45%
Total Career Growth
+$89,360
+124%
Construction Manager Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $150,280 | $72.25 | 326 |
| San Francisco, CA | $148,794 | $71.54 | 407 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,267 | $66.47 | 313 |
| New York, NY | $134,126 | $64.48 | 576 |
| Boston, MA | $133,499 | $64.18 | 370 |
| Washington, DC | $128,187 | $61.63 | 370 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $121,790 | $58.55 | 371 |
| Denver, CO | $120,362 | $57.87 | 286 |
| Austin, TX | $117,982 | $56.72 | 304 |
| San Diego, CA | $117,828 | $56.65 | 268 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $116,042 | $55.79 | 286 |
| Miami, FL | $115,814 | $55.68 | 314 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $114,485 | $55.04 | 297 |
| Portland, OR | $113,627 | $54.63 | 249 |
| Raleigh, NC | $113,626 | $54.63 | 258 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,057 | $53.87 | 336 |
| Sacramento, CA | $111,923 | $53.81 | 298 |
| Atlanta, GA | $111,846 | $53.77 | 363 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $111,404 | $53.56 | 292 |
| Hartford, CT | $111,352 | $53.53 | 259 |
| Charlotte, NC | $110,900 | $53.32 | 245 |
| Providence, RI | $110,402 | $53.08 | 249 |
| Baltimore, MD | $109,637 | $52.71 | 283 |
| Riverside, CA | $109,216 | $52.51 | 319 |
| Nashville, TN | $108,224 | $52.03 | 264 |
| Dallas, TX | $107,801 | $51.83 | 339 |
| Richmond, VA | $107,778 | $51.82 | 286 |
| Detroit, MI | $107,769 | $51.81 | 243 |
| Houston, TX | $106,857 | $51.37 | 379 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $106,706 | $51.30 | 286 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $106,630 | $51.26 | 272 |
| Columbus, OH | $106,240 | $51.08 | 309 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $105,740 | $50.84 | 269 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $105,723 | $50.83 | 302 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $105,023 | $50.49 | 285 |
| Cleveland, OH | $104,836 | $50.40 | 316 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $104,183 | $50.09 | 317 |
| Tampa, FL | $103,579 | $49.80 | 313 |
| Orlando, FL | $102,350 | $49.21 | 307 |
| St. Louis, MO | $102,207 | $49.14 | 318 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $102,111 | $49.09 | 247 |
| Kansas City, MO | $100,468 | $48.30 | 282 |
| San Antonio, TX | $98,954 | $47.57 | 291 |
| New Orleans, LA | $98,847 | $47.52 | 283 |
| Louisville, KY | $98,362 | $47.29 | 279 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $96,920 | $46.60 | 273 |
| Memphis, TN | $96,789 | $46.53 | 316 |
| Tucson, AZ | $95,498 | $45.91 | 268 |
| Birmingham, AL | $94,255 | $45.31 | 284 |
| El Paso, TX | $91,854 | $44.16 | 243 |
About Construction Manager Careers
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from groundbreaking through occupancy. They are responsible for delivering projects on time, on budget, and to specification — managing the complex interplay of subcontractors, labor, materials, equipment, permits, and client expectations. The median annual salary is approximately $98,890, with experienced project managers at major general contractors, real estate developers, and construction management firms earning $120,000–$180,000+. Senior program managers overseeing large commercial or infrastructure portfolios often exceed $200,000 in total compensation. The combination of field expertise and business management skills required makes construction management one of the highest-earning blue-collar-to-management career paths in the trades.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average construction manager salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $110,983 per year. Salaries range from $91,854 in El Paso, TX to $150,280 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 15,210 professionals employed as construction managers across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Construction Managers perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Develop project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans using Procore, Microsoft Project, or Primavera P6
- Oversee and coordinate subcontractors across all trades — concrete, steel, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and finishes
- Conduct daily site walks to inspect progress, quality, and safety compliance
- Manage the RFI (Request for Information) and submittal review process with design teams
- Negotiate and administer subcontractor contracts, purchase orders, and change orders
- Track project costs against the budget, forecast overruns, and implement corrective actions
- Facilitate owner, architect, and contractor (OAC) meetings and maintain project documentation
- Ensure OSHA compliance, conduct safety orientations, and investigate incidents
Education Requirements
Construction managers typically hold a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or a related field — programs accredited by ACCE (American Council for Construction Education) are the industry standard. Two-year associate degrees combined with field experience are also viable paths at smaller firms. Key professional certifications include the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA (Construction Management Association of America), the Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, and LEED AP for sustainability-focused projects. OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 construction safety certifications are often required on job sites. Many successful construction managers come up through the trades — carpenters, electricians, and project engineers who develop business and management skills over years of field experience are highly valued for their practical knowledge.
Key Skills for Construction Managers
Factors That Affect Construction Manager Salary
Several factors influence how much a construction manager earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Most construction managers begin in field roles — laborer, carpenter, or project engineer — or enter directly from construction management degree programs as assistant project managers or field engineers. The typical progression moves from assistant PM → project engineer → project manager → senior project manager → project executive or VP of Operations. Superintendents — who manage day-to-day field operations — often transition into project management as they develop cost and scheduling skills. At large firms (Turner, Skanska, Hensel Phelps, Mortenson), the path to executive level typically takes 15–20 years. Many experienced project managers transition to owner's representative roles, development firms, or consulting, leveraging their expertise for higher pay with less direct project risk.
Job Outlook
Construction manager employment is projected to grow 8% through 2032 — faster than average — driven by demand for infrastructure modernization (IIJA funding), data center and semiconductor fab construction, and commercial healthcare and housing development. The industry faces a workforce succession challenge as experienced superintendents and project managers reach retirement age. Construction technology adoption (BIM, drones, AI-assisted scheduling) is increasing but requires managers who can bridge traditional field expertise with digital tools. Public infrastructure work — highways, bridges, water systems, transit — offers stable demand independent of private market cycles.
Work Environment
Construction managers split their time between the job site (often in a trailer or temporary site office) and the main office, with the balance shifting toward the field as projects enter active construction phases. Field work involves walking sites in hard hats, safety vests, and steel-toed boots, regardless of weather. The schedule typically runs Monday through Friday plus Saturday during critical phases, with longer hours during project closeout and commissioning. Construction management is deadline-driven with high stakes — cost overruns and schedule delays affect client relationships, company profitability, and the manager's reputation. The work is deeply satisfying for those who enjoy seeing physical results from their management: a completed hospital, office building, or bridge stands as a tangible legacy of the project team's work.
Career Prospects for Construction Managers
The job market for construction managers continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 15,210 construction managers employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Construction Managers
Salary for construction managers varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Jose, CA, offers a median salary of $150,280, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $91,854. This represents a salary difference of $58,426 (64% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ construction managers often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Construction Managers
Career advancement for construction managers typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level construction managers can expect to progress from starting salaries around $58,243to the median salary of $110,983 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $209,909 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Manager Salaries
The average construction manager salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $110,983 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $91,854 in El Paso, TX to $150,280 in San Jose, CA.
The average hourly rate for construction managers is $53.36 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $44.16/hour in lower-paying areas to $72.25/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.
San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for construction managers, with a median salary of $150,280 per year. This is 35% above the national average of $110,983. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level construction managers (10th percentile) typically earn around $71,876 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $110,983 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average construction manager salary of $110,983 is 87% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $161,236 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest construction manager salary at $91,854 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $58,426.
There are approximately 15,210 construction managers employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in construction & trades industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting construction manager salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $58,426 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Project type and scale — commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects pay more than residential, CCM or PMP certification typically adds $10,000–$20,000 to annual compensation. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost construction manager salaries include: Project scheduling with CPM (Critical Path Method) using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or Procore, Construction cost estimating, budget management, and change order analysis, Reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and shop drawings, Subcontractor management — bid leveling, scope definition, performance monitoring, OSHA safety regulations, job hazard analysis (JHA), and incident investigation. Project type and scale — commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects pay more than residential Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($137,051).
Construction Manager salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $110,983 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Construction Manager Salary by State
Compare construction manager salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.
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