Houma vs Ruston: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Houma, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,134 | $104,249▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.63 | $50.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,778▲ | $67,263 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,571▲ | $82,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,372 | $133,440▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,742▲ | $161,587 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Houma and Ruston are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houma and Ruston is $3,115 (3.08%). Ruston's median is -12.34% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $82,964,Ruston spans $94,324. Ruston 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, Houma ($118,837 effective) pays 2.94% more than Ruston ($115,447 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,742)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,837)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,249/year)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Houma grew -8.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.5% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Houma, LA
$107,210 (2019) → $97,790 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$81,624 (2024) → $100,802 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Houma or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Houma to Ruston as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Houma vs Ruston?
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