Austin vs St. Cloud: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Austin, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,852 | $115,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.33 | $55.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,700 | $79,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,175 | $87,938▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,331▲ | $136,576 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,720▲ | $163,817 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and St. Cloud is $6,234 (5.73%). St. Cloud's median is -3.23% 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,St. Cloud spans $83,997. 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, St. Cloud ($131,329 effective) pays 18.84% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,720)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,086/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,329)
- ✓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 19.9% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Austin, MN
$107,139 (2024) → $105,252 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$92,790 (2019) → $111,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Austin or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Austin to St. Cloud as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Austin vs St. Cloud?
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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