Construction Manager Pay

Detroit vs Pontiac: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Detroit, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$113,648
$54.64/hr
Pontiac, MI
$102,234
$49.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPontiac, MI
Median Salary$113,648$102,234
Hourly Rate$54.64$49.16
Entry Level (P10)$66,354$62,397
25th Percentile$87,111$78,290
75th Percentile$143,650$130,859
Top Earner (P90)$185,525$158,462
Total Employed3,97012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($113,648) and Pontiac ($102,234) construction manager salaries.DetroitPontiacMedian Salary$113,648$102,234Entry Level (P10)$66,354$62,397Top Earner (P90)$185,525$158,462US Median $118,923

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.

The salary gap between Detroit and Pontiac is $11,414 (11.16%). Detroit's median is -4.44% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $119,171,Pontiac spans $96,065. Detroit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$66,354
P25$87,111
Median$113,648
P75$143,650
P90 (Top)$185,525
Pontiac
P10 (Entry)$62,397
P25$78,290
Median$102,234
P75$130,859
P90 (Top)$158,462

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($113,310 effective) pays 3.30% more than Pontiac ($109,693 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $113,648
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $113,310
Pontiac
Nominal: $102,234
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $109,693

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,648/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($185,525)
  • Larger job market (3,970 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,310)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Pontiac if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Detroit grew 6.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Pontiac over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+6.0%

$103,640 (2019) → $109,890 (2025)

Pontiac, MI

+4.6%

$94,498 (2024) → $98,853 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Detroit or Pontiac?

Detroit has a higher median construction manager salary at $113,648/year, compared to Pontiac at $102,234/year — a difference of $11,414 (11.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Pontiac?

Detroit construction managers earn $54.64/hr while Pontiac hygienists earn $49.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Pontiac as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Pontiac. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $113,310, Pontiac = $109,693), job availability (3,970 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Detroit vs Pontiac?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $66,354 in Detroit and $62,397 in Pontiac. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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