Appleton vs Waukesha: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Appleton, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,907▲ | $124,799 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.02▲ | $60.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,177▲ | $73,614 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,255▲ | $93,653 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,630 | $159,743▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,504 | $193,439▲ |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukesha.
The salary gap between Appleton and Waukesha is $2,108 (1.69%). Appleton's median is +6.71% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $90,327,Waukesha spans $119,825. Waukesha 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, Appleton ($137,317 effective) pays 2.77% more than Waukesha ($133,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,907/year)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,317)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,439)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Appleton grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$103,390 (2019) → $122,710 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$101,122 (2024) → $120,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Appleton or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Waukesha as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Appleton vs Waukesha?
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