Kent vs Seattle: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kent, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,209 | $164,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.62 | $79.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,028 | $113,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,077 | $137,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $198,667▲ | $192,837 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $240,574▲ | $228,941 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 4,010▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kent.
The salary gap between Kent and Seattle is $9,674 (6.23%). Seattle's median is +38.65% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $144,546,Seattle spans $115,386. Kent 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, Seattle ($148,365 effective) pays 2.66% more than Kent ($144,515 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kent if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($240,574)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,883/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,365)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Kent grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 56.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kent, WA
$137,231 (2024) → $150,076 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$101,890 (2019) → $159,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Kent or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kent to Seattle as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Kent vs Seattle?
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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