Burlington vs South Burlington: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Burlington, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,988 | $107,532▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44 | $51.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,571▲ | $65,632 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,266▲ | $82,230 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,709 | $137,641▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,269 | $166,675▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and South Burlington is $544 (0.51%). South Burlington's median is -9.58% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $83,698,South Burlington spans $101,043. South Burlington 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, Burlington ($105,982 effective) pays 2.01% more than South Burlington ($103,896 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,982)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,532/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,675)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Burlington grew 28.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$80,390 (2019) → $103,450 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$97,784 (2024) → $103,976 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Burlington or South Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and South Burlington?
Should I relocate from Burlington to South Burlington as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Burlington vs South Burlington?
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