Aiken vs Charleston: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,797▲ | $111,290 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.20▲ | $53.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,641 | $75,124▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,824▲ | $84,473 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,940 | $151,138▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,936 | $198,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,080▲ |
Verdict
Aiken and Charleston are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $3,507 (3.15%). Aiken's median is -3.47% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $106,295,Charleston spans $123,784. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($125,461 effective) pays 13.82% more than Charleston ($110,230 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,797/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,461)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,908)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Aiken grew 33.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$83,474 (2024) → $111,001 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$95,450 (2019) → $107,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Aiken to Charleston as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Aiken vs Charleston?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov