Columbia vs Lexington: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,017▲ | $109,349 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.77▲ | $52.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,924▲ | $66,697 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,068▲ | $83,587 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,180 | $138,552▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,745▲ | $166,551 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $6,668 (6.10%). Columbia's median is -2.44% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $109,821,Lexington spans $99,854. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($123,868 effective) pays 3.65% more than Lexington ($119,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,017/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,745)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,868)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Columbia grew 5.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$106,700 (2019) → $112,180 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$79,512 (2024) → $105,733 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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