Construction Project Manager Salary: Earning Potential + Factors

Key takeaways

• Construction project managers earn a median US salary of $106,980, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1].

• Factors like education, experience, location, and industry can affect your earning potential in this role.

Learn more about how much you can make as a construction project manager. Afterward, learn more about construction project management and planning with the Columbia University Construction Management Specialization.

How much does a construction project manager make?

Construction project managers oversee projects for residential and commercial construction. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS), a construction project manager in the US can expect to make a median annual salary of $106,980 [1]. This role is also set to grow nine percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average.

5 factors that affect a construction project manager's salary

There are a number of factors that can impact how much you earn in construction project management. Below are some significant considerations, including where you live and your industry. 

Education

You can enter this profession through multiple paths, including working up to the role after graduating high school or an associate degree program. However, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with bachelor's degrees in areas like construction, engineering, business, or related fields. 

To get an idea of how your education level may affect your salary, let’s look at the average construction project manager salaries based on education level, according to Zippia [2]:

• High school diploma: $74,805

• Associate degree: $77,979

• Bachelor's degree: $89,231

• Master's degree: $94,890

Certification

Additional credentials, such as the foundational PMP Certification or the more specialized Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification, could make you more competitive to prospective employers and possibly secure a higher salary. Completing more formalized training shows the extra effort you've put into your career—knowledge and skills that stand to benefit any employer.

Completing these certifications may increase your earning power. For example, PayScale reports the average base salary for a CCM is $99,000 [5]. This amount is significantly higher than PayScale’s reported average salary of $84,767 for a construction manager [6].

Experience

Previous construction project management experience can affect your salary, as more experience can boost your annual income. Explore Glassdoor’s estimated average wages for the position based on years of experience, as of January 2025 [3]:

• 0–1 year: $75,963 

• 1–3 years: $82,825

• 4–6 years: $92,238

• 7–9 years: $95,871

• 10–14 years: $102,353

• 15 or more years: $112,595

Location

Where you live can affect how much you can make as a construction project manager due to demand for your position in the area, cost of living, and regional factors. Discover the five top-paying states and districts for construction project managers based on average salary data from the BLS [7].

• New York: $156,760

• New Jersey: $149,900

• Massachusetts: $144,830

• Alaska: $143,450

• District of Columbia: $137,750

Some cities may have higher earnings than others based on the cost of living or the number of open construction project manager positions. You could earn a higher salary if you live in these areas or are willing to move. 

Industry

Specific industries average more income for construction project managers than others. For example, if you work in heavy and civil engineering, you might make a median income of $110,940. Comparatively, nonresidential construction can earn you a median annual income of $107,660, while residential construction project managers can expect to earn $92,980, according to the BLS [8].

Glassdoor lists the following five industries as the highest-paying for construction project managers, according to base salary, as of November 2024. Note that the figures from the BLS represent the median base pay while Glassdoor provides an average [4]:

• Energy, mining, and utilities: $100,785 

• Information technology: $111,245

• Manufacturing: $96,833

• Construction, repair, and maintenance: $90,398

• Human resources and staffing: $106,395

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