Anderson vs Columbia: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Anderson, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,186▲ | $116,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.82▲ | $55.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,912 | $76,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,561 | $93,068▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,279▲ | $135,180 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,189 | $186,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Anderson and Columbia are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Anderson and Columbia is $2,169 (1.87%). Anderson's median is -0.62% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $109,277,Columbia spans $109,821. Columbia 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, Anderson ($129,165 effective) pays 4.28% more than Columbia ($123,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,186/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,165)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,745)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Anderson grew 36.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Anderson, SC
$83,539 (2024) → $114,278 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$106,700 (2019) → $112,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Anderson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Columbia as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Anderson vs Columbia?
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