Bethlehem vs Pittsburgh: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,605▲ | $106,957 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.50▲ | $51.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,311 | $80,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,444 | $97,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,095▲ | $139,813 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,389▲ | $180,158 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,420▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Pittsburgh is $12,648 (11.83%). Bethlehem's median is +0.57% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $113,078,Pittsburgh spans $99,863. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($122,798 effective) pays 8.69% more than Pittsburgh ($112,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,605/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,389)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,798)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Bethlehem grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$108,652 (2024) → $115,650 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$83,310 (2019) → $103,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Bethlehem or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Pittsburgh as a construction manager?
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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