Arvada vs Fort Collins: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,016▲ | $109,615 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.22▲ | $52.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,980▲ | $70,729 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,095▲ | $83,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,340▲ | $139,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,474▲ | $182,609 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $9,401 (8.58%). Arvada's median is +0.08% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $109,494,Fort Collins spans $111,880. Fort Collins 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, Arvada ($113,349 effective) pays 4.57% more than Fort Collins ($108,392 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,474)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,349)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Arvada grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$123,641 (2024) → $115,080 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$94,630 (2019) → $105,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Arvada or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Fort Collins as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Arvada vs Fort Collins?
Related Comparisons
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