Bristol vs New Haven: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Bristol, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,363 | $137,673▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.12 | $66.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,351 | $92,044▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,392▲ | $105,085 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,705▲ | $165,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,713▲ | $193,654 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 570▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and New Haven is $4,310 (3.23%). New Haven's median is +15.77% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $129,362,New Haven spans $101,610. Bristol 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, New Haven ($131,670 effective) pays 6.53% more than Bristol ($123,599 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,713)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,673/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,670)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Bristol grew -3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Bristol, CT
$133,799 (2024) → $128,953 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$115,950 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Bristol or New Haven?
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Should I relocate from Bristol to New Haven as a construction manager?
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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