Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Independence, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,816 | $105,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.95 | $50.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,621▲ | $58,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,839 | $81,660▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,325 | $144,312▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,815 | $206,282▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 970▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $3,445 (3.38%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -11.49% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $94,194,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $147,302. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Independence ($114,016 effective) pays 0.82% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($113,094 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,016)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,282)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Independence grew 20.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.3% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Independence, KY
$81,505 (2024) → $98,449 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$74,650 (2019) → $101,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Independence or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Independence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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