Construction Manager Salary in the USA

Construction manager salary in the USA is a common search for people who want to know how much construction managers make, what is the average construction manager salary, and which states pay the most. In 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median construction manager salary of about $114,990 per year, or around $55.28 per hour. Pay can be lower for new and entry-level construction managers and can become much higher for experienced managers working on large commercial, infrastructure, industrial, or nonresidential projects. Construction manager salary by state also changes a lot, with New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Alaska, New Jersey and California among the higher-paying locations. This guide looks at construction manager pay in the USA, salary by state, hourly and monthly earnings, experience level, type of construction work, education, skills and job outlook.

Construction Manager Salary in the USA

A construction manager is responsible for planning and managing construction projects from the early stage until the project is finished. The job can include budgets, workers, contractors, materials, schedules, safety and making sure the work is completed according to the plans. Because the job carries a lot of responsibility, construction manager salary is normally much higher than many hands-on construction jobs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction managers was $114,990 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $55.28 per hour. This means half of construction managers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,690 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $189,440 per year.

However, salary is not the same for every construction manager. A person managing small residential projects may have a different pay level than someone managing a large hospital, highway, industrial plant, commercial building or major infrastructure project. Location, experience, company size and project type can make a big difference in construction manager pay.

Average Construction Manager Salary

When people search for the average construction manager salary, they can see different numbers depending on whether the source is showing median pay or mean pay. For this article, the main salary benchmark is the BLS median because it gives a better idea of what the middle worker earns.

The BLS May 2025 OEWS data also reported an annual mean wage of $124,360 for construction managers and a mean hourly wage of about $59.79. The difference between mean and median is normal because very high salaries can pull the average upward.

• Median construction manager salary: $114,990 per year
• Median hourly pay: $55.28 per hour
• Mean construction manager salary: $124,360 per year
• Mean hourly wage: $59.79 per hour
• Lowest 10%: Less than $69,690 per year
• Highest 10%: More than $189,440 per year

So, if someone is asking how much does a construction manager make in the USA, a reasonable current benchmark is around $115,000 per year at the national median. Experienced construction managers can make considerably more, especially when they manage large projects and work in higher-paying states.

Construction Manager Salary by State

Construction manager salary by state can be very different across the United States. The state table below uses the May 2025 median annual wage for construction managers. New York and Washington are among the highest-paying states, while Arkansas, West Virginia and Wyoming are toward the lower end of the state rankings. State salary differences are affected by local construction activity, major projects, demand for managers, cost of labor and the type of construction work common in the area.

State salary figures below are annual median wages for Construction Managers, May 2025.

What Does a Construction Manager Do?

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects. Their work is not only sitting in an office. Many construction managers spend a lot of time at the actual construction site, checking progress and dealing with problems when they come up.

A construction manager may work with architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, inspectors and workers. They have to keep many things moving at the same time. If material is late, a worker problem happens, weather delays the project or the budget changes, the construction manager may need to make a quick decision.

• Plan construction work and project schedules
• Manage project budgets and costs
• Coordinate contractors and subcontractors
• Check construction progress
• Order or coordinate materials and equipment
• Help maintain workplace safety
• Communicate with clients, engineers and project teams
• Deal with delays and construction problems
• Make sure projects follow building plans and regulations
• Complete projects on time and within the planned budget

Construction Manager Pay Depends on Project Type

The type of construction project can have a strong effect on construction manager salary. A manager working on a small residential project may not earn the same as a manager handling a large commercial or infrastructure project.

BLS data shows that construction managers in nonresidential building construction had a median annual wage of about $126,690 in May 2025. Those working in heavy and civil engineering construction had a median wage of about $124,430. Specialty trade contractors had a median of about $104,100, while residential building construction had a median of about $98,390.

This is one reason the phrase “construction manager salary” can show a wide range online. Two people can have the same job title but work on very different types of construction projects.

Construction Manager Salary Per Hour

Construction manager salary per hour is another common search, especially from people comparing construction management with other construction careers. The national median hourly wage for construction managers was about $55.28 per hour in May 2025.

If this hourly figure is converted using a simple full-time schedule of 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year, it is close to the national median annual salary. But actual paychecks do not always work exactly like this because managers can work overtime, receive bonuses, have paid time off, or work different schedules depending on the project.

• National median hourly pay: about $55.28
• Approximate weekly pay at 40 hours: about $2,211 before taxes
• Approximate monthly equivalent: about $9,583 before taxes
• Approximate annual median: about $114,990 before taxes

These monthly and weekly numbers are simple salary conversions, not separate BLS wage estimates. A construction manager who works on large projects or receives bonuses can have total earnings above the basic salary.

Construction Manager Salary Per Month

At the national median salary of $114,990, a construction manager would have a simple monthly salary equivalent of about $9,583 before taxes. The actual amount received in a bank account will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, Social Security, Medicare, insurance and other deductions.

Monthly construction manager pay can also be different from one month to another when a company provides bonuses or other compensation. Some managers may also receive additional pay for handling large projects, meeting project targets or taking on more responsibility.

Entry Level Construction Manager Salary

Entry level construction manager salary is usually lower than the national median because new managers are still building project management experience. A person entering construction management after college may first work as an assistant construction manager, project engineer, field engineer, estimator or another construction-related position before taking full responsibility for a project.

There is no single BLS salary number called “entry level construction manager salary,” because workers at different experience levels can have very different pay. The national median of $114,990 includes workers across the occupation, from less experienced managers to highly experienced professionals.

For someone starting the career, the most important thing is not only the first salary. Construction is an experience-heavy industry, and managers who learn scheduling, estimating, contracts, safety, budgeting and subcontractor management can move into higher responsibility positions.

• Assistant construction manager
• Assistant project manager
• Project engineer
• Field engineer
• Construction estimator
• Site manager
• Junior construction manager

Starting pay can also be higher in large cities and in companies handling large commercial or infrastructure projects. A new construction manager with a bachelor's degree and strong internship or field experience may have better opportunities than someone entering the field without practical construction knowledge.

Senior Construction Manager Salary

Senior construction managers generally earn much more than people who are just starting. With several years of experience, a construction manager may be trusted with larger budgets, bigger teams and more complicated projects. This can lead to higher base salary and sometimes bonuses or other compensation.

The BLS reports that the highest 10 percent of construction managers earned more than $189,440 per year in May 2025. This is not a fixed maximum salary. Some senior managers, executives and professionals working on very large projects can have total compensation above this level.

A senior construction manager may also move into roles such as construction director, project director, operations manager or construction executive. At that stage, the person's income can depend more on company size, project value and management responsibility.

Construction Manager Salary by Experience

Experience is one of the biggest factors in construction manager pay. A person with only a small amount of experience normally has fewer responsibilities than someone who has managed projects for ten or fifteen years.

There is no universal salary ladder because every employer uses different titles and pay structures. Still, the career often develops in a pattern similar to this:

• Entry level: Usually lower pay while learning project management and construction operations.
• Early career: More responsibility for schedules, subcontractors, budgets and site operations.
• Mid-career: Management of larger projects and larger construction teams.
• Senior level: Responsibility for major projects, multiple teams, budgets and client relationships.
• Director or executive level: Management of multiple projects, business operations or a large construction division.

Because of this progression, someone searching for “construction manager salary by experience” should not compare one salary figure with another without checking the job title and responsibilities.

Construction Manager Salary by Industry

The industry where a construction manager works can make a noticeable difference in salary. Some construction projects are much larger and more expensive than others, and those projects can require managers with more advanced skills.

BLS May 2025 data shows that construction managers working in nonresidential building construction had a median annual wage of $126,690. Heavy and civil engineering construction had a median of $124,430. Specialty trade contractors had a median of $104,100, while residential building construction had a median of $98,390.

• Nonresidential building construction: $126,690 median
• Heavy and civil engineering construction: $124,430 median
• Specialty trade contractors: $104,100 median
• Residential building construction: $98,390 median

This shows why project type matters. Commercial buildings, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure and other large projects can require a different level of management compared with smaller residential construction.

Construction Project Manager Salary

Construction project manager salary is a related search that can sometimes overlap with construction manager salary. The exact job title used by an employer can be different even when many duties are similar.

A construction project manager may be responsible for the overall project schedule, cost control, contractors, client communication and project delivery. In another company, a construction manager may have almost the same responsibilities under a different title.

People searching for construction project manager salary should therefore look at the actual job duties instead of relying only on the title. Experience, project size, location and type of construction can have a bigger impact on pay than the exact wording of the job title.

Highest Paying States for Construction Managers

Some states offer much higher construction manager salaries than others. Based on the May 2025 state median wage figures used in this article, New York and Washington are among the highest-paying states, followed by Massachusetts, New Jersey and Alaska.

New York has a state median wage of about $155,360, while Washington is about $155,070. Massachusetts is about $145,010 and New Jersey is about $138,230.

High salary does not automatically mean the best financial situation, however. Construction managers also need to consider housing costs, taxes, transportation and general cost of living. A lower salary in a lower-cost state can sometimes provide similar or better purchasing power.

• New York — about $155,360
• Washington — about $155,070
• Massachusetts — about $145,010
• New Jersey — about $138,230
• Alaska — about $139,190
• California — about $133,160
• Delaware — about $132,150
• Oregon — about $131,420

Construction Manager Salary in California

California is one of the major construction markets in the United States and has a large number of commercial, residential, infrastructure and specialty construction projects. The May 2025 median construction manager salary used in this article is about $133,160 per year.

California can offer strong construction management opportunities, especially around large metropolitan areas. At the same time, housing and other living expenses can be high in many parts of the state, so salary should be considered together with local living costs.

Construction Manager Salary in New York

New York is one of the highest-paying states for construction managers in the May 2025 state data. The median salary shown for New York is approximately $155,360 per year.

Large commercial buildings, infrastructure projects, transportation work, renovation and major development projects create demand for experienced construction managers. Managers working on larger projects may also have opportunities for bonuses and higher total compensation.

Construction Manager Salary in Texas

Texas has a large and active construction market covering residential development, commercial buildings, energy-related projects, manufacturing facilities and infrastructure. The May 2025 median salary used in the state table is about $101,470 per year.

Although the Texas median in this dataset is below the national construction manager median, the state has a large construction industry and many different types of projects. Salary can vary significantly between cities, employers and project types.

Construction Manager Salary in Florida

Florida is another important state for construction managers because of continued residential development, commercial construction, tourism-related development and infrastructure work. The May 2025 median construction manager salary is approximately $113,130 per year.

Construction managers with experience in large commercial projects or major development work may find opportunities above the state median. Location within Florida can also make a difference in available jobs and compensation.

Construction Manager Salary in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the higher-paying states for construction managers. The May 2025 median salary is approximately $145,010 per year.

The state has major construction activity around commercial development, healthcare, education, technology and infrastructure. Experienced managers who can handle complex projects and multiple contractors may have strong earning opportunities.

How Education Affects Construction Manager Salary

A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education listed by BLS for construction managers. Construction management, business, engineering and related fields can provide useful preparation for this career.

Education by itself does not guarantee a high salary. Construction employers often look for a combination of education and practical construction experience. Large construction companies may prefer candidates who have both a degree and experience in construction-related work.

A construction-related degree can teach the technical and business side of the job, while field experience helps a manager understand what actually happens on a construction site.

• Construction management
• Civil engineering
• Construction engineering
• Architecture
• Business management
• Project management

Construction Management Degree and Salary

A construction management degree can be a useful route into this career. Students normally learn about construction methods, project planning, estimating, contracts, scheduling, safety and construction technology.

A degree may also help a person qualify for management-track positions at larger companies. However, the salary after graduation can still depend heavily on location and experience. A graduate starting in an assistant role should not expect to immediately earn the national construction manager median salary.

Over time, the combination of a degree, field experience and successful project management can help a worker move into positions with more responsibility and higher construction manager pay.

Skills That Can Increase Construction Manager Pay

Construction management is a combination of technical knowledge, people management and business skills. A manager may know construction very well but still struggle if they cannot control a budget or communicate with contractors and clients.

Some skills are especially useful for people who want to move toward higher-level construction management jobs.

• Project scheduling: Keeping construction work moving according to the planned timeline.
• Budget management: Understanding project costs and controlling spending.
• Contract management: Working with contractors, subcontractors and agreements.
• Leadership: Managing different teams and keeping people focused on project goals.
• Communication: Explaining project information clearly to workers, clients and other professionals.
• Problem solving: Finding solutions when delays, cost changes or site problems happen.
• Construction technology: Understanding modern tools and software used for project management.
• Safety knowledge: Helping the project maintain safe working practices.

Construction Manager Certifications

Certifications are not the same as a college degree, but professional certifications can help demonstrate knowledge and project management ability. The value of a certification depends on the employer, type of construction and career level.

Experienced construction managers may consider certifications related to construction management, project management, scheduling, safety or specialized areas of construction. Certification can be more useful when it is combined with real project experience.

For someone early in the career, building strong field experience may be more important than collecting many certifications. Later, a useful certification can help support a move into larger projects or management positions.

Construction Manager Salary and Job Experience

Construction management is one of those careers where experience can become very valuable. A manager who has already handled delays, subcontractor disputes, cost changes, inspections and difficult project schedules has knowledge that cannot be learned completely from a classroom.

With more experience, a construction manager may be given responsibility for larger budgets and more workers. This is one of the main reasons experienced construction managers can move well above the starting salary range.

Some professionals eventually move away from managing one construction site and begin managing several projects or an entire construction operation. Those career moves can create another increase in earning potential.

Construction Manager Benefits and Perks

Construction manager salary is only one part of total compensation. Many construction managers also receive benefits from their employer. The exact benefits depend on the company, job level and whether the person works for a construction contractor, engineering company, real estate company or another organization.

Large construction companies may provide a wider benefits package, especially for experienced managers. Some smaller companies can offer different benefits or higher flexibility instead. Because of this, a job with a slightly lower base salary can sometimes still be a good offer if the total benefits package is strong.

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Retirement plans such as a 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Performance bonuses
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance in some jobs
• Phone or technology allowance in some positions
• Professional development and training

When comparing construction manager jobs, it is useful to look at total compensation instead of salary alone. Benefits, bonuses, retirement contributions and paid time off can add meaningful value to the job.

Do Construction Managers Get Bonuses?

Some construction managers receive bonuses in addition to their regular salary. Bonuses are not guaranteed for every construction manager, and BLS salary figures should not be treated as a guaranteed bonus amount.

Companies may use bonuses to reward managers for completing projects successfully, controlling costs, meeting schedules, improving safety or reaching other company targets. The size of a bonus can depend on the employer and the level of responsibility.

Senior managers working on very large projects may have compensation structures that include additional incentives. This means two construction managers with similar base salaries could have different total yearly earnings.

• Project completion incentives
• Performance bonuses
• Company profit-based bonuses
• Safety performance incentives
• Project cost or schedule incentives

Construction Manager Work Schedule

Construction managers do not always work a standard office schedule. Their work is connected to construction sites, project deadlines and the schedule of contractors and workers. Some managers may work regular business hours, while others may start early in the morning or work longer hours when a project is approaching an important deadline.

BLS notes that construction managers may need to be available outside normal business hours when construction problems or emergencies happen. Some managers also travel between different job sites.

The schedule can therefore change from project to project. A small project may have a relatively predictable schedule, while a large construction project can require much more time and attention.

Where Do Construction Managers Work?

Construction managers can work for construction companies, specialty contractors, real estate developers, engineering firms and other organizations involved in building projects. Some work mainly from an office while also visiting construction sites, and others spend much more of their working time in the field.

The workplace can also change depending on the project. A construction manager may manage a residential development one year and a commercial building or infrastructure project later in the career.

• Residential construction companies
• Commercial building contractors
• Industrial construction companies
• Heavy and civil engineering contractors
• Specialty trade contractors
• Real estate development companies
• Engineering and construction firms
• Government-related construction projects

Construction Manager Daily Responsibilities

A construction manager can have a very different day depending on the stage of the project. At the beginning, the manager may spend more time on planning, estimates, schedules and contracts. During active construction, the focus can move toward site coordination, workers, materials, safety and solving problems.

A typical day can include meetings with subcontractors, reviewing progress, checking schedules, looking at project costs and communicating with clients. There can also be unexpected problems that need to be handled quickly.

• Review project progress
• Check work against project plans
• Meet with subcontractors and contractors
• Review material deliveries
• Track project costs
• Update construction schedules
• Communicate with clients and project owners
• Deal with delays and site problems
• Review safety issues
• Prepare project reports

How to Become a Construction Manager

There are different ways to become a construction manager in the USA. Many people enter the career with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or a related field. Others build experience through construction work and gradually move into management positions.

For someone starting from zero, getting practical experience is very important. Construction management is not only about understanding drawings or budgets. Managers also need to understand how work is actually performed at the job site.

A common career path can look like this:

• Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
• Study construction management or a related degree
• Get internship or construction field experience
• Start in an assistant or junior position
• Learn estimating, scheduling and project controls
• Take responsibility for smaller projects or project sections
• Move into construction manager or project manager roles
• Build experience with larger and more complicated projects
• Move toward senior manager, director or executive positions

Does a Construction Manager Need a Degree?

A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for construction managers according to BLS. However, the construction industry also values practical experience, and requirements can vary by employer.

Someone with years of construction experience may move into management without following exactly the same path as a recent college graduate. On the other hand, large companies may prefer candidates who have a construction management or engineering degree.

So the answer depends on the employer and the position. A degree can make it easier to qualify for management-track jobs, while practical construction experience can be extremely valuable when competing for higher responsibility positions.

Construction Manager Salary Without a Degree

Some people search for construction manager salary without a degree because they want to know if this career is possible without going to college. It can be possible to move into construction management through years of field experience, although the path can be less direct.

A worker may start as a carpenter, electrician, equipment operator, foreman, superintendent or another construction professional and gradually take on more management responsibilities. Experience with scheduling, estimating, workers and subcontractors can help with this transition.

However, employers and positions differ. Some higher-level construction management jobs specifically require a bachelor's degree, while other employers may place more emphasis on experience and proven project results.

Construction Manager vs Construction Superintendent

Construction manager and construction superintendent are related jobs, but the responsibilities are not always exactly the same. A construction manager may have a broader responsibility for budgets, contracts, schedules and the overall project, while a superintendent often focuses heavily on day-to-day field operations and site activities.

The titles can also overlap between companies. One employer may use “construction manager” for a role that another company calls “project manager” or “superintendent.” Because of this, people comparing construction manager salary should always read the actual job description.

Construction Manager vs Project Manager

Construction project manager salary is another popular salary search because project managers are closely connected to construction management. A construction project manager may manage the overall project from planning through completion, including budgets, contracts, schedules and client communication.

In some organizations, construction manager and project manager are almost interchangeable titles. In others, the project manager has more office and contract responsibilities while the construction manager or superintendent handles more field operations.

The salary difference therefore depends on the employer and actual responsibilities rather than the title alone.

Is Construction Management a Good Career?

Construction management can be a strong career for people who like building projects, working with different teams and solving practical problems. The pay can be attractive, and experienced managers can move into higher-level positions with significant responsibility.

The career is not perfect for everyone. Construction managers can deal with stressful deadlines, changing project conditions, difficult contractors, weather delays and budget problems. A person who prefers a very predictable office routine may not enjoy this type of work.

For someone who likes a mix of office planning and real-world project work, construction management can offer a good long-term career path.

Construction Manager Job Outlook

The job outlook for construction managers is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction managers is projected to grow by about 9% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

BLS projects about 49,700 openings for construction managers each year, on average, over the 2025–2035 period. Some openings will come from new employment growth and others will come from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.

Demand for construction managers is connected to continued construction of residential and nonresidential buildings, infrastructure and other projects. As projects become larger and more complicated, companies need people who can coordinate schedules, workers, budgets, materials and contractors.

Why Construction Manager Salary Can Increase Over Time

Construction manager salary can increase as a person's responsibility grows. A manager who successfully handles a small project may eventually be trusted with a much larger project. Larger projects can involve bigger budgets, more subcontractors and greater financial responsibility.

Location can also change earning potential. Moving from a lower-paying market to a major construction market can increase salary, although the cost of living may increase too.

• More years of construction experience
• Management of larger projects
• Working in a high-paying state or city
• Moving into commercial or industrial construction
• Strong project scheduling skills
• Budget and cost-control experience
• Contract management knowledge
• Leadership responsibility
• Professional certifications
• Moving into senior management

Can Construction Managers Make $150,000 a Year?

Yes, some construction managers can make $150,000 or more per year. The BLS data shows that the highest-paid workers in the occupation earn well above the national median, with the top 10 percent earning more than $189,440 annually in May 2025.

However, $150,000 should not be treated as a normal starting salary. It is more realistic for experienced professionals, managers working on large projects, or people working in higher-paying locations and industries.

Additional compensation such as bonuses can also push total yearly earnings higher. The exact amount depends on the employer, project responsibility, location and experience.

Construction Manager Salary: Final Overview

Construction manager salary in the USA is strong compared with many other occupations, with a national median annual wage of $114,990 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $55.28, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $189,440 per year.

Salary is not the same everywhere. New York, Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Alaska and California are among the states with high median wages in the 2025 state data used for this guide. Project type also matters, with nonresidential and heavy civil construction showing higher median wages than residential construction in the BLS industry data.

For people considering this career, construction management offers a combination of good earning potential, career growth and strong projected job demand. A degree can help with entry into the field, while practical experience, leadership and successful project management become increasingly important as a person moves toward senior positions.

If you are researching how much a construction manager makes, the most useful thing is to look beyond one national salary number. State, experience, project type, company, education and responsibility can all change the final pay.