Elk River vs St. Cloud: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Elk River, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,754 | $115,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.21 | $55.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,997 | $79,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,925▲ | $87,938 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,389▲ | $136,576 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,768▲ | $163,817 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and St. Cloud is $2,332 (2.07%). St. Cloud's median is -3.23% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $100,771,St. Cloud spans $83,997. Elk River 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, St. Cloud ($131,329 effective) pays 14.73% more than Elk River ($114,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,768)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,086/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,329)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Elk River grew -1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$110,980 (2024) → $109,025 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$92,790 (2019) → $111,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Elk River or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Elk River to St. Cloud as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Elk River vs St. Cloud?
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