Boston vs New Bedford: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,821▲ | $142,048 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.80▲ | $68.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,480▲ | $89,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,705▲ | $111,435 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,992 | $181,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,311▲ | $220,175 |
| Total Employed | 7,570▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $19,773 (13.92%). Boston's median is +36.07% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $115,831,New Bedford spans $130,258. New Bedford 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, Boston ($149,466 effective) pays 14.17% more than New Bedford ($130,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,821/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,311)
- ✓Larger job market (7,570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,466)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Boston grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.8% growth in New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$105,600 (2019) → $156,470 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$98,240 (2019) → $137,351 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Boston or New Bedford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and New Bedford?
Should I relocate from Boston to New Bedford as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Boston vs New Bedford?
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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