Charlotte vs Durham: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,866 | $124,083▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.30 | $59.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,318 | $80,202▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,602 | $102,789▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,626 | $161,356▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,213 | $207,740▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,450▲ | 760 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Durham is $13,217 (11.92%). Durham's median is +4.34% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $109,895,Durham spans $127,538. Durham 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, Durham ($127,171 effective) pays 11.66% more than Charlotte ($113,886 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,083/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,740)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,171)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Charlotte grew -1.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Durham over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$109,150 (2019) → $107,200 (2025)
Durham, NC
$115,020 (2019) → $119,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Charlotte or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Durham?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Durham as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Charlotte vs Durham?
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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