Appleton vs Wausau: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Appleton, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,907▲ | $110,122 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.02▲ | $52.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,177▲ | $67,213 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,255▲ | $86,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,630▲ | $136,835 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,504▲ | $166,806 |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Appleton and Wausau is $16,785 (15.24%). 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,Wausau spans $99,593. Wausau 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 15.53% more than Wausau ($118,857 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,504)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,317)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓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 0.7% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$103,390 (2019) → $122,710 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$105,740 (2019) → $106,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Appleton or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Wausau as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Appleton vs Wausau?
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