Austin vs Duluth: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Austin, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,852 | $112,707▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.33 | $54.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,700 | $77,710▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,175 | $94,288▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,331 | $154,054▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,720 | $174,935▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Duluth is $3,855 (3.54%). Duluth's median is -5.23% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $104,020,Duluth spans $97,225. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($126,968 effective) pays 14.89% more than Austin ($110,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,707/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,935)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,968)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Austin grew -1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Austin, MN
$107,139 (2024) → $105,252 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$86,220 (2019) → $108,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Austin or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Austin to Duluth as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Austin vs Duluth?
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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