Construction Manager Pay

Chandler vs Tucson: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Chandler, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chandler, AZ
$123,254
$59.26/hr
Tucson, AZ
$102,117
$49.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChandler, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$123,254$102,117
Hourly Rate$59.26$49.09
Entry Level (P10)$71,487$72,704
25th Percentile$89,456$91,030
75th Percentile$157,765$131,012
Top Earner (P90)$191,044$165,596
Total Employed49820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chandler ($123,254) and Tucson ($102,117) construction manager salaries.ChandlerTucsonMedian Salary$123,254$102,117Entry Level (P10)$71,487$72,704Top Earner (P90)$191,044$165,596US Median $118,923

Verdict

Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.

The salary gap between Chandler and Tucson is $21,137 (20.70%). Chandler's median is +3.64% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $119,557,Tucson spans $92,892. Chandler has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chandler
P10 (Entry)$71,487
P25$89,456
Median$123,254
P75$157,765
P90 (Top)$191,044
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$72,704
P25$91,030
Median$102,117
P75$131,012
P90 (Top)$165,596

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chandler ($125,131 effective) pays 18.73% more than Tucson ($105,388 effective).

Chandler
Nominal: $123,254
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $125,131
Tucson
Nominal: $102,117
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $105,388

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chandler if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,254/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($191,044)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,131)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Chandler grew 11.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Chandler, AZ

+11.1%

$107,273 (2024) → $119,178 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+20.3%

$82,110 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Chandler or Tucson?

Chandler has a higher median construction manager salary at $123,254/year, compared to Tucson at $102,117/year — a difference of $21,137 (20.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chandler and Tucson?

Chandler construction managers earn $59.26/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $49.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chandler to Tucson as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chandler and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chandler = $125,131, Tucson = $105,388), job availability (49 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Chandler vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $71,487 in Chandler and $72,704 in Tucson. The Tucson area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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