Atlantic City vs Elizabeth: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Elizabeth, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,033 | $138,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.99 | $66.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,494▲ | $87,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,880▲ | $108,733 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,398 | $176,962▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,756▲ | $214,290 |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 25 |
Verdict
Atlantic City and Elizabeth are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Elizabeth is $7,219 (5.51%). Elizabeth's median is +16.25% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $125,262,Elizabeth spans $126,966. Elizabeth 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, Atlantic City ($132,548 effective) pays 10.45% more than Elizabeth ($120,010 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,756)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,548)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,252/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Atlantic City grew 0.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.9% growth in Elizabeth over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$126,380 (2019) → $126,700 (2025)
Elizabeth, NJ
$162,756 (2024) → $133,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Elizabeth, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Atlantic City or Elizabeth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Elizabeth?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Elizabeth as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Atlantic City vs Elizabeth?
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