Massive shortage. Mid-career CMs at large GCs are at $200K total comp easily.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Construction Managers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $83,300 | $60,100 | $111,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $103,600 | $74,800 | $139,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $119,100 | $86,000 | $159,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $142,900 | $103,200 | $191,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $161,900 | $116,900 | $217,400 |
Top 10 states by median Construction Manager salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $166,700 | $126,700 | $216,700 | +40% |
| New York | $157,200 | $119,500 | $204,300 | +32% |
| California | $154,800 | $117,600 | $201,200 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $154,800 | $117,600 | $201,200 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $150,000 | $114,000 | $195,000 | +26% |
| Washington | $145,300 | $110,400 | $188,800 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $144,100 | $109,500 | $187,300 | +21% |
| Maryland | $142,900 | $108,600 | $185,700 | +20% |
| Colorado | $139,300 | $105,900 | $181,100 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $135,700 | $103,200 | $176,500 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $101,200 | $76,900 | $131,600 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $100,000 | $76,000 | $130,000 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $100,000 | $76,000 | $130,000 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $100,000 | $76,000 | $130,000 | -16% |
| Alabama | $98,800 | $75,100 | $128,500 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $98,800 | $75,100 | $128,500 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $95,300 | $72,400 | $123,800 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $95,300 | $72,400 | $123,800 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $92,900 | $70,600 | $120,700 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $92,900 | $70,600 | $120,700 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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