Construction Manager Pay

Atlanta vs Kennesaw: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Atlanta, GA and Kennesaw, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$123,680
$59.47/hr
Kennesaw, GA
$100,688
$48.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAKennesaw, GA
Median Salary$123,680$100,688
Hourly Rate$59.47$48.41
Entry Level (P10)$79,189$64,816
25th Percentile$96,150$77,132
75th Percentile$155,606$128,880
Top Earner (P90)$192,113$156,066
Total Employed7,4708
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($123,680) and Kennesaw ($100,688) construction manager salaries.AtlantaKennesawMedian Salary$123,680$100,688Entry Level (P10)$79,189$64,816Top Earner (P90)$192,113$156,066US Median $118,923

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennesaw.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Kennesaw is $22,992 (22.83%). Atlanta's median is +4.00% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $112,924,Kennesaw spans $91,250. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$79,189
P25$96,150
Median$123,680
P75$155,606
P90 (Top)$192,113
Kennesaw
P10 (Entry)$64,816
P25$77,132
Median$100,688
P75$128,880
P90 (Top)$156,066

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($123,608 effective) pays 14.29% more than Kennesaw ($108,150 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $123,680
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $123,608
Kennesaw
Nominal: $100,688
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $108,150

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,680/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($192,113)
  • Larger job market (7,470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,608)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Kennesaw if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Atlanta grew 22.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Kennesaw over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+22.8%

$97,390 (2019) → $119,590 (2025)

Kennesaw, GA

+7.4%

$90,658 (2024) → $97,358 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Atlanta or Kennesaw?

Atlanta has a higher median construction manager salary at $123,680/year, compared to Kennesaw at $100,688/year — a difference of $22,992 (22.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Kennesaw?

Atlanta construction managers earn $59.47/hr while Kennesaw hygienists earn $48.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Kennesaw as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Kennesaw. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $123,608, Kennesaw = $108,150), job availability (7,470 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Atlanta vs Kennesaw?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $79,189 in Atlanta and $64,816 in Kennesaw. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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