Alexandria vs Richmond: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,953▲ | $114,124 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.92▲ | $54.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,792▲ | $82,302 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,364▲ | $97,794 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,180▲ | $154,230 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,077▲ | $198,504 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $18,829 (16.50%). Alexandria's median is +11.80% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $123,285,Richmond spans $116,202. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($128,830 effective) pays 10.47% more than Richmond ($116,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,953/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,077)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,830)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Alexandria grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.8% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$113,688 (2024) → $128,556 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$78,400 (2019) → $110,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Alexandria or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Alexandria vs Richmond?
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