Charlottesville vs McLean: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Charlottesville, VA and McLean, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | McLean, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,252▲ | $102,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.96▲ | $49.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,221▲ | $61,459 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,572▲ | $77,435 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,413▲ | $130,785 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,979▲ | $158,372 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and McLean is $10,076 (9.86%). 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,McLean spans $96,913. McLean 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 14.35% more than McLean ($99,008 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 McLean 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 McLean over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$83,300 (2019) → $108,540 (2025)
McLean, VA
$111,132 (2024) → $98,797 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
McLean, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Charlottesville or McLean?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and McLean?
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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