Huntsville vs Tuscaloosa: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Huntsville, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Tuscaloosa, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,314▲ | $95,943 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.75▲ | $46.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,824 | $65,268▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,044 | $79,478▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,633▲ | $114,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,649 | $172,070▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 450 |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tuscaloosa.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Tuscaloosa is $3,371 (3.51%). Huntsville's median is -16.49% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $100,825,Tuscaloosa spans $106,802. Tuscaloosa 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, Tuscaloosa ($109,372 effective) pays 2.50% more than Huntsville ($106,707 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,314/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Tuscaloosa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,070)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,372)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Huntsville grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Tuscaloosa over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$77,640 (2019) → $96,030 (2025)
Tuscaloosa, AL
$93,970 (2019) → $92,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Huntsville or Tuscaloosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Tuscaloosa?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Tuscaloosa as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Huntsville vs Tuscaloosa?
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