Columbia vs Rock Hill: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Columbia, SC and Rock Hill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Rock Hill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,017▲ | $115,303 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.77▲ | $55.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,924▲ | $66,876 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,068▲ | $90,014 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,180 | $147,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,745▲ | $178,720 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Hill.
The salary gap between Columbia and Rock Hill is $714 (0.62%). 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,Rock Hill spans $111,844. Rock Hill 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, Rock Hill ($126,014 effective) pays 1.73% more than Columbia ($123,868 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)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Hill if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,014)
- ✓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 Rock Hill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$106,700 (2019) → $112,180 (2025)
Rock Hill, SC
$83,842 (2024) → $111,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Rock Hill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Columbia or Rock Hill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Rock Hill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Rock Hill as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Columbia vs Rock Hill?
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