Construction Manager Salary Guide

A Construction Manager plans, coordinates, budgets and supervises construction projects from start to finish. They oversee crews and subcontractors, ensure safety and quality, manage schedules and budgets, and act as the primary on-site liaison between owners, architects, engineers and contractors.

What is the average Construction Manager salary?

Entry Level

$60,000 - $85,000

Mid Level

$85,000 - $120,000

Senior Level

$120,000 - $160,000+

How does Construction Manager salary grow with experience?

$60,000 - $75,000
0-2
$75,000 - $95,000
3-5
$95,000 - $125,000
6-10
$120,000 - $160,000++
10+
Base (min)
Top of range (max)
Max: $160k

Construction Manager salary by location

New York, NY$95,000 - $165,000
San Francisco / Bay Area, CA$100,000 - $180,000
Los Angeles, CA$90,000 - $155,000
Chicago, IL$85,000 - $140,000
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX$80,000 - $135,000
Base (min)
Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Construction Manager's salary?

  • Project type and scale (commercial, residential, infrastructure, industrial)
  • Geographic location and local construction market demand
  • Certifications and specialized skills (CCM, PMP, LEED, BIM proficiency)
  • Scope of responsibility (number of projects, budget size, teams supervised)
  • Union status and employer type (general contractor, developer, public sector)

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Manager Salaries

What is the average salary for a Construction Manager in the US?

The average Construction Manager salary in the US ranges from about $85,000 to $125,000 annually; entry-level typically starts near $60K and senior roles can exceed $150K.

How can a Construction Manager increase their salary?

Increase pay by gaining experience, obtaining certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM), specializing in high-demand sectors (commercial, healthcare, infrastructure), improving negotiation skills, and taking on larger or high-risk projects.

Do certifications affect Construction Manager pay?

Yes. Certifications like Certified Construction Manager (CCM), PMP, or LEED can boost salary by signaling expertise and may increase pay by roughly 5–15% depending on employer and specialization.

How does location impact Construction Manager compensation?

Location has a large impact: major metro areas and regions with high construction costs (e.g., San Francisco, NYC) typically pay 15–40% more than national averages to offset living costs and market demand.

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