Denver vs Fort Collins: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,257▲ | $109,615 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.07▲ | $52.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,831▲ | $70,729 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,223▲ | $83,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,703▲ | $139,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,204▲ | $182,609 |
| Total Employed | 7,250▲ | 710 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $23,642 (21.57%). Denver's median is +12.05% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $124,373,Fort Collins spans $111,880. Denver 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, Denver ($125,973 effective) pays 16.22% more than Fort Collins ($108,392 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,204)
- ✓Larger job market (7,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,973)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Denver grew 29.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$99,530 (2019) → $128,850 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$94,630 (2019) → $105,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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