In 2026, construction managers in the U.S. earned an average base salary of $88,567. However, regional differences can significantly impact earnings, with salaries in some areas exceeding the national average by $25,000 to $45,000. High-paying regions are driven by factors like data center construction, public infrastructure projects, and energy development, coupled with a workforce shortage of nearly 500,000. Here are the top-paying regions:
These regions offer competitive compensation due to project complexity, sector-specific demand, and high living costs. Senior positions in specialized industries like AI-driven data centers and biopharmaceuticals often command even higher pay.
Quick Comparison:
| Region | Avg. Salary (2026) | Key Industries | Cost of Living Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay | $183,201 | Tech, healthcare, infrastructure | High |
| New York Metro | $154,440 | Transit, commercial, healthcare | High |
| Los Angeles | $156,314 | Healthcare, entertainment, public | High |
| New Jersey | $152,956 | Utilities, life sciences, transit | Moderate |
| Massachusetts | $124,500 | Healthcare, life sciences, data | Moderate |
For higher earnings, focus on roles in high-demand sectors and leverage certifications like BIM or AI-based project tools. Employers must prioritize competitive compensation and hiring strategies to attract skilled talent in these regions.
Top 5 US Regions for Construction Manager Salaries 2026
Construction managers in San Francisco earn an impressive 72% more than the national average, with salaries reaching $183,201 compared to $106,548. In nearby San Jose, commercial construction managers see even higher premiums, earning $167,912 - 97% above the U.S. average for that role. Senior-level positions command even steeper pay, with Project Directors averaging $253,643 and Senior Project Managers earning $184,537. These high salaries reflect both the elevated cost of living and the complexity of projects in the area, where stakes are particularly high.
The Bay Area's salary trends are closely tied to industries where delays are not an option. For instance, data center construction is projected to grow by 24.9% by 2026, driven by surging demand for AI and tech infrastructure. Healthcare facilities are also contributing, with construction starts expected to rise by 17.4%. Public infrastructure projects, supported by agencies like BART, SFPUC, and San Francisco International Airport, ensure steady demand for skilled managers. Additionally, semiconductor manufacturing and computer systems design offer competitive salaries, averaging $179,400 and $167,110, respectively. These thriving industries play a significant role in shaping the region's compensation landscape.
"Megaprojects, led by data centers, will keep construction activity afloat next year, but persistent downside risks will limit the overall outlook."
– Sarah Martin, Associate Director of Forecasting, Dodge Construction Network
While salaries are high, so are the costs. Federal taxes at 32% and California's 9.3% state tax take a significant bite, but project managers often receive an additional $16,467 to help offset living expenses. Top earners can bring in as much as $175,945 annually. For those eyeing roles in areas like data center construction, these compensation packages highlight the region's readiness to pay for specialized skills. These adjustments reflect the premium placed on expertise in managing complex projects.
The Bay Area also offers niche opportunities in adaptive reuse and renovation projects, where existing assets are repurposed to reduce financial risks in an expensive market. Multifamily housing construction is predicted to grow by 7.6% by 2026, creating more demand for experienced managers. On the public side, highway and bridge construction is set to grow by 2.9%, driven by funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These specialized projects present a wealth of opportunities for professionals ready to tackle the region's demanding construction landscape.
Construction managers in the New York Metro area earn an average of $154,440 annually (or $74.25 per hour), which is 37% higher than the national average of $112,790. When factoring in bonuses and profit sharing, total compensation can climb to $163,539, with senior-level professionals in the 90th percentile earning as much as $187,798, and top-tier earners nearing $259,277. Experience plays a significant role in these figures - seasoned managers can earn 53% more than the local average, while entry-level salaries start at $140,387. This premium isn’t just limited to Manhattan; nearby areas also boast high averages, such as Newark at $159,800 and Paramus at $161,352.
New York City hosts the largest construction market in the U.S., with spending projected to reach $69.6 billion by 2026. A significant portion of this market is driven by transit and transportation projects, which account for 30% of construction activity. This includes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) capital programs focused on subway modernization and accessibility upgrades.
Another 25% of the market is tied to commercial development, with standout projects like the JPMorgan Chase Global Headquarters at 270 Park Avenue (spanning 2.5 million square feet) and Disney’s 1.2 million square foot headquarters at 4 Hudson Square. Additionally, the Gateway Tunnel Project, a new rail tunnel linking New York and New Jersey, is a key bidding opportunity for 2026.
Healthcare construction is also booming, with initiatives like Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital revitalization creating steady demand for skilled construction managers and intensifying the need for effective recruitment strategies. These projects underscore the region’s competitive salaries.
"One clear success this year has been growth in large office space, a clear sign that companies are betting big on New York City." – New York Building Congress
The elevated salaries in the New York Metro area reflect the high cost of living and the region’s complex tax environment. Construction managers face approximately 24% in federal taxes and an additional 6% to 6.5% in state taxes. Even after these deductions, the average take-home pay in NYC is $115,367, which is 8% above the national average of $106,548.
To counterbalance these expenses, many employers offer robust benefits packages. Around 85% of construction project managers receive medical insurance, 67% have dental coverage, and 59% are covered for vision care.
The shift toward office-to-residential conversions is gaining traction as developers look to repurpose existing buildings instead of constructing new ones, largely due to high financing costs. The NYC School Construction Authority’s $19 billion Five-Year Capital Plan also creates a steady pipeline of institutional projects.
Another growing area is climate resilience, with $2.3 billion currently allocated to active projects like the East Side Coastal Resiliency Phase 2, which spans from Montgomery Street to Wall Street. For professionals focusing on infrastructure and energy projects, the adoption of Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) models is becoming increasingly common, particularly for high-complexity projects like healthcare and transit developments.
Construction employment in the region is expected to remain stable, with approximately 140,000 jobs projected through 2027. These trends ensure that competitive pay and opportunities will continue to attract top talent in the coming years.
Construction managers in Los Angeles enjoy impressive compensation, with an average annual salary of $156,314 as of February 2026. This figure represents a 46% increase over the 2024 national median of $106,980. Entry-level positions start at $133,616, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $188,499. Those in the 90th percentile make $178,740, and construction directors see averages around $222,932. Notably, these earnings surpass the California state average of $155,651.
For construction project managers, the average salary is $113,664, with top earners at companies like Bedford reaching $175,000. Salaries vary across Los Angeles' metro area, reflecting the region's diverse and competitive market.
Several industries fuel the demand for skilled construction managers in Los Angeles:
"Project volume and project complexity are outpacing the available California executive hiring market." – The Birmingham Group
Executive-level compensation reflects this demand, with averages around $235,000. Top-tier leaders in healthcare and life sciences can exceed $300,000+ annually. Hiring for senior roles now takes 120–180 days, and 60–70% of late-stage candidates receive competitive counteroffers.
Despite high salaries, Los Angeles' elevated cost of living significantly impacts take-home pay. Living expenses are 52% higher than the national average, with housing costs soaring to 135% above the national benchmark. Median home prices exceed $1.25 million, and rents average $3,762 per month. Transportation costs are also 38% higher.
To offset these challenges, many employers provide additional perks, including vehicle allowances ranging from $600 to $1,000 per month and performance bonuses adding 15–30% to base pay. Furthermore, about 75% of construction managers receive medical benefits, and 60% have dental coverage.
Los Angeles' dynamic market offers unique project opportunities that justify its higher salary ranges. In 2026, adaptive reuse and renovation projects are gaining popularity as developers pivot away from speculative ground-up construction due to rising financing costs. This trend creates demand for managers experienced in converting existing assets while handling CEQA reviews and navigating complex permitting processes in both LA City and County.
High-density multifamily and mixed-use developments, especially along transit corridors and in Downtown LA, offer lucrative compensation packages between $160,000 and $220,000. Coastal construction in areas like Santa Monica and luxury projects in Beverly Hills require expertise in coastal regulations and high-end building standards. These specialized demands provide premium opportunities for professionals adept at managing intricate local regulations and entitlement processes.
"If your 2026 pursuits assume leadership will be easy to hire later, you are building schedule risk into every bid." – Brian Binke, Founder & CEO, The Birmingham Group
New Jersey stands out as one of the best-paying states for construction managers. By February 2026, the average annual salary for these professionals in the state reached $152,956 - about 30% higher than the 2022 national average of $112,790.
Construction project managers in New Jersey also see a significant salary boost, earning $110,953 on average. That’s $18,952 (roughly 20.6%) above the national average of $92,001. High earners in the 90th percentile can bring in up to $175,645 annually, while senior managers with over a decade of experience average $185,235 - a 21% increase compared to standard roles. Even entry-level roles in the state offer strong pay, with salaries at the 25th percentile ($141,621) surpassing the national 75th percentile ($131,280).
Pay also varies by location. Jersey City leads with an average salary of $163,539, followed by Alpine and Paramus at $161,211 and $161,352, respectively. In southern New Jersey, Camden offers competitive salaries averaging $147,494. The New York-Newark-Jersey City corridor remains a top-paying area, with mean annual wages hitting $154,440.
New Jersey’s construction sector is booming, with projected spending of $57.6 billion across 2025 and 2026.
The state is also becoming a hotspot for film and television production, with major developments like Netflix’s $1 billion campus at Fort Monmouth and Lionsgate’s $125 million studio in Newark. Additionally, the tech and data center industries are expanding rapidly, fueled by the demand for AI and cloud computing, which require complex, high-tech facilities.
"New Jersey's construction sector is in a robust growth phase, with record spending, mega-scale projects, and diverse sector engagement." – Craig Plescia, CEO, Plescia Construction & Development
Major projects shaping the state include the $650 million Helix Innovation Campus in New Brunswick, the Portal North Bridge transit project (launching its first track in March 2026), and the One Journal Square twin towers in Jersey City, set for completion in 2026. Notably, New Jersey’s construction starts surged by 33% in 2024, even as the national average saw a 19% decline during the same period.
This heightened demand for construction professionals has driven wages higher, helping to balance the state’s elevated living costs.
Employers in New Jersey address the state’s high living costs by offering attractive compensation packages. On average, project managers earn around $175,200 when factoring in bonuses and incentives.
Performance-based bonuses are a common perk, with 86% of construction project managers receiving annual bonuses between 5% and 9% of their base salary. Additionally, annual pay raises average about 7%.
Higher education also plays a big role in boosting salaries. A master’s degree can elevate a project manager’s average pay to $238,300 - a 58% jump compared to the $151,800 average for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience matters too: managers with 10–15 years of experience average $222,700 annually, while those with over 20 years can earn up to $257,500.
Beyond these factors, sector-specific demands create even more opportunities for premium compensation.
New Jersey’s position as a leader in biopharmaceuticals drives demand for construction professionals skilled in building laboratories and manufacturing facilities, where precision and regulatory expertise are critical.
Another growing trend is office-to-residential conversions, which nearly doubled in 2025. These projects require managers adept at adaptive reuse and handling complex renovations. Public infrastructure remains a steady source of work, demanding expertise in early contractor involvement and managing long-lead mechanical and electrical components.
With the construction industry facing a shortage of nearly 500,000 workers in 2026, specialized skills in areas like prefabrication, modular construction, and Construction AI technologies are commanding higher salaries.
New Jersey’s combination of strong salary growth and diverse project opportunities cements its place as a top destination for construction managers in 2026.
Massachusetts stands out as the third highest-paying state for construction managers in the U.S.. In 2026, commercial project managers in the state earn an average annual salary of $124,500, which is about 19% higher than the national median of $104,530.
The Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area offers even more lucrative pay, with average annual wages climbing to $149,570. Experienced professionals in the 75th percentile earn $153,800 or more, and those with over two decades of experience average $183,900, compared to $69,600 for entry-level roles. Advanced education also pays off - managers with a master’s degree earn an average of $175,200, which is 28% more than the $137,100 average for those holding a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 78% of commercial project managers in the state receive annual bonuses of 6% to 7% of their base pay, with annual raises averaging 10%.
Several high-growth sectors are fueling the demand for construction managers in Massachusetts. The healthcare sector, for instance, added 10,700 jobs in 2024, and the Affordable Homes Act has authorized over $5.1 billion for affordable housing projects.
The life sciences industry has also seen a boost thanks to the Mass Leads Act, which reauthorized $1 billion for the Life Sciences Initiative and allocated $100 million for an Applied AI Hub. Public infrastructure projects remain steady, with a 2.4% increase in highway, street, and bridge construction employment. Data centers, driven by the rising need for AI and cloud computing, are another major growth area, with senior roles in these projects often commanding salaries exceeding $205,000.
"The construction market is really unusually unbalanced at present. We're seeing a few strong sectors, but most of the core sectors we think about are really fairly weak. I think there are more opportunities in the reconstruction realm, particularly adaptive reuse and conversion of unutilized facilities." – Kermit Baker, Chief Economist, AIA
While demand for construction managers remains high, employers are also addressing the state’s elevated living costs with enhanced benefits.
To counter Massachusetts' high living expenses, employers are offering competitive compensation packages. In Boston, 100% of surveyed construction project managers receive medical benefits, and 88% also receive dental and vision coverage. When bonuses and profit sharing are factored in, total pay ranges between $74,000 and $169,000. The state’s average annual wage for construction managers is $144,830, a 23.8% premium over the national average of $116,960.
This elevated pay is particularly evident in specialized sectors like AI data centers and healthcare infrastructure, where large-scale projects influence compensation across the region. Benefits, which account for about 30.4% of total labor costs in the construction industry as of early 2026, further enhance overall earnings.
Massachusetts offers lucrative opportunities in high-demand, specialized sectors. For example, the modernization of healthcare facilities and the expansion of community-based care require construction managers with expertise in regulatory compliance and medical system complexities. The life sciences sector also demands precision in constructing laboratories and R&D spaces, where contamination control and specialized HVAC systems are critical.
Managers who combine field experience with digital tools like BIM, AI scheduling, and drones are advancing more quickly and earning higher salaries. Federal and state contracts are also driving demand for LEED-accredited managers, as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and low-carbon benchmarks become standard. These sustainability-focused roles often pay 25% to 30% higher salaries. With 94% of contractors struggling to fill leadership positions, companies are offering signing bonuses and flexible schedules to attract top talent in 2026.
The abundance of opportunities in healthcare, life sciences, and sustainability-focused projects cements Massachusetts as a premier market for specialized construction management professionals.
Higher salaries in these regions stem from key market forces that cut across industries and align with regional characteristics. By 2026, a shortage of seasoned superintendents and project managers is expected to pose challenges for construction execution. This shortage, coupled with demand from sectors like mission-critical infrastructure, data centers, healthcare, and institutional projects, intensifies competition for skilled senior field leaders. The result? Rising compensation across all sectors.
In high-cost metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and New York, salaries exceed national averages by $25,000 to $45,000. These premiums are driven by the complexity of projects, stricter inspection requirements, and steeper financial consequences for delays. Additionally, union-heavy markets tack on an extra premium of $8,000 to $18,000. Public megaprojects and federally funded infrastructure initiatives also play a role in stabilizing these elevated wages.
The growing focus on mission-critical projects adds another layer to this trend. For example, total data center construction spending is projected to surpass $52 billion in 2026, reflecting a 26% increase. Construction managers with proven expertise in these specialized projects can expect to earn at least 10% more than those working on general commercial builds. The technical demands of projects featuring AI-optimized builds and liquid cooling technologies give experienced managers a stronger hand in salary negotiations. These technical complexities, combined with regional pressures, further drive up compensation. In areas like Northern Virginia's "Data Center Alley", aggressive recruiting and fast-paced wage increases amplify this effect.
"The biggest limiter in the 2026 construction economy is not demand. It is execution capacity. More specifically, it is the availability of experienced superintendents, project managers, and preconstruction leaders." – Brian Binke, Founder & CEO, The Birmingham Group
To address these challenges, firms are weaving hiring strategies into their preconstruction planning. With 80% of construction companies struggling to fill salaried positions, many are factoring labor shortages into their bids and benchmarking salaries to reflect current market conditions. These efforts highlight the competitive dynamics that make top-paying regions stand out in the industry.
In 2026, construction managers in regions like the San Francisco Bay Area, New York Metro, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Massachusetts will see the highest salaries, ranging from $132,040 to $161,470. These elevated pay rates stem from a mix of talent shortages, the complexity of critical projects (like data centers and infrastructure), and the high cost of living in these areas.
Construction managers looking to boost their earning potential should consider focusing on roles in high-demand sectors such as AI-driven data centers, public infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Pursuing certifications in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-based project management tools can position them for leadership roles. When assessing job offers, it's important to look beyond the base salary. Increasingly, compensation packages include performance bonuses (15%-30%), vehicle stipends, and relocation assistance. Additionally, understanding regional purchasing power is crucial. For instance, a $145,400 salary in New Jersey equates to about $119,228 in adjusted value.
Employers, on the other hand, need to adapt to these dynamics. Before finalizing bids, it's critical to evaluate leadership capacity against the project pipeline for the next 12 to 24 months. With experienced project managers taking months to replace, early candidate engagement is key to avoiding delays and cost overruns. To stay competitive, employers should benchmark compensation using 2026-specific data and enhance benefits packages with healthcare options (expected to rise by 6.5% in 2026) and retention bonuses.
For projects where timing is critical, such as data centers or advanced manufacturing facilities, working with experts like iRecruit.co can simplify the hiring process. Specializing in construction talent recruitment, iRecruit.co connects firms with pre-qualified candidates for roles like project managers, superintendents, and MEP specialists. Their success-based pricing model aligns with project budgets while reducing the time needed to hire in competitive markets.
The 2026 construction landscape will reward companies that prioritize sector specialization, leadership planning, and proactive strategies. Both professionals and employers can navigate these challenges more effectively by understanding regional trends and focusing on areas where specialized expertise commands higher compensation.
When discussing salary figures, it's important to note that they often represent base pay only. However, certain sources - like the 2025–2026 Construction Salary Guide - suggest these numbers might reflect total compensation, which could also include bonuses and other benefits.
Cost of living plays a huge role in determining the real value of construction management salaries. In regions where living expenses are higher, the same paycheck doesn’t stretch as far, reducing its purchasing power. That’s why it’s crucial to factor in regional salary adjustments when evaluating actual compensation.
Certifications such as the PMP (Project Management Professional) can have a big impact on earnings. On average, PMP holders earn a median salary of $135,000, which is about 24% higher than those without the certification. Additionally, specialized skills in areas like MEP systems, commissioning, and advanced infrastructure management are highly valued. These skills not only command higher salaries but also highlight the increasing need for professionals with deep expertise in these fields.
