Charlottesville vs Lake Ridge: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Lake Ridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Lake Ridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,252▲ | $100,013 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.96▲ | $48.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,221▲ | $61,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,572▲ | $77,063 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,413▲ | $128,017 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,979▲ | $155,020 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge is $12,239 (12.24%). Charlottesville's median is -5.61% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $89,758,Lake Ridge spans $93,040. Lake Ridge 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, Charlottesville ($113,219 effective) pays 16.83% more than Lake Ridge ($96,912 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,979)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,219)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Charlottesville grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.1% growth in Lake Ridge over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$83,300 (2019) → $108,540 (2025)
Lake Ridge, VA
$108,780 (2024) → $96,706 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Lake Ridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Charlottesville or Lake Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Lake Ridge 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