Chester vs Pittsburgh: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,060 | $106,957▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06 | $51.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,719 | $80,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,943 | $97,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,321 | $139,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,193 | $180,158▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,420▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $4,897 (4.80%). Pittsburgh's median is -10.06% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $90,474,Pittsburgh spans $99,863. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($112,978 effective) pays 7.82% more than Chester ($104,784 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,957/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,158)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,978)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Chester grew -4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$103,531 (2024) → $98,685 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$83,310 (2019) → $103,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Chester vs Pittsburgh?
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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