Bristol vs Charlottesville: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Bristol, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,764▲ | $112,252 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.50▲ | $53.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,854 | $86,221▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,389▲ | $89,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,418▲ | $140,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,834▲ | $175,979 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Bristol, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Bristol and Charlottesville is $11,512 (10.26%). Bristol's median is +4.07% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $111,980,Charlottesville spans $89,758. 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, Bristol ($119,926 effective) pays 5.92% more than Charlottesville ($113,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,834)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,926)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Bristol grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$109,163 (2024) → $119,671 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$83,300 (2019) → $108,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Bristol or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Charlottesville 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