Grand Rapids vs Muskegon: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Muskegon, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Muskegon, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,871 | $106,150▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.90 | $51.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,027 | $67,502▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,598▲ | $83,067 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,518 | $143,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,384▲ | $171,946 |
| Total Employed | 1,290▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids and Muskegon are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Muskegon is $279 (0.26%). Muskegon's median is -10.74% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $109,357,Muskegon spans $104,444. Grand Rapids 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, Muskegon ($114,733 effective) pays 3.54% more than Grand Rapids ($110,806 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,384)
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Muskegon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,150/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,733)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Grand Rapids grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.0% growth in Muskegon over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$88,790 (2019) → $102,370 (2025)
Muskegon, MI
$92,470 (2019) → $102,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Muskegon, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Grand Rapids or Muskegon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Muskegon?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Muskegon as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Grand Rapids vs Muskegon?
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