Clearwater vs Tampa: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Clearwater, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,766▲ | $124,931 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.46▲ | $60.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,944▲ | $65,361 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,565▲ | $87,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,980 | $161,335▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,937 | $220,243▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 4,760▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater and Tampa are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Tampa is $835 (0.67%). Clearwater's median is +5.75% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $121,993,Tampa spans $154,882. Tampa 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, Clearwater ($124,768 effective) pays 0.76% more than Tampa ($123,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,766/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,768)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,243)
- ✓Larger job market (4,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Clearwater grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$100,438 (2024) → $121,607 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$82,970 (2019) → $120,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Clearwater or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clearwater and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Clearwater to Tampa as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Clearwater vs Tampa?
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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