Blacksburg vs Charlottesville: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Blacksburg, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blacksburg, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,290 | $112,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.25 | $53.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,072 | $86,221▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,039 | $89,572▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,253 | $140,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,310 | $175,979▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Blacksburg.
The salary gap between Blacksburg and Charlottesville is $13,962 (14.20%). Charlottesville's median is -5.61% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blacksburg spans $101,238,Charlottesville spans $89,758. Blacksburg 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, Charlottesville ($113,219 effective) pays 6.79% more than Blacksburg ($106,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blacksburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,979)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,219)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Blacksburg grew 9.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Blacksburg, VA
$86,460 (2019) → $95,040 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$83,300 (2019) → $108,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blacksburg, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Blacksburg or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Blacksburg to Charlottesville as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Blacksburg vs Charlottesville?
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