Construction Manager Pay

Kingsport vs Memphis: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Kingsport, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kingsport, TN
$120,981
$58.16/hr
Memphis, TN
$111,394
$53.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKingsport, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$120,981$111,394
Hourly Rate$58.16$53.56
Entry Level (P10)$79,365$67,999
25th Percentile$86,811$84,256
75th Percentile$156,671$138,593
Top Earner (P90)$175,276$173,973
Total Employed280670
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kingsport ($120,981) and Memphis ($111,394) construction manager salaries.KingsportMemphisMedian Salary$120,981$111,394Entry Level (P10)$79,365$67,999Top Earner (P90)$175,276$173,973US Median $118,923

Verdict

Kingsport, TN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.

The salary gap between Kingsport and Memphis is $9,587 (8.61%). Kingsport's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $95,911,Memphis spans $105,974. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.

Kingsport
P10 (Entry)$79,365
P25$86,811
Median$120,981
P75$156,671
P90 (Top)$175,276
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$67,999
P25$84,256
Median$111,394
P75$138,593
P90 (Top)$173,973

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kingsport ($139,948 effective) pays 15.81% more than Memphis ($120,845 effective).

Kingsport
Nominal: $120,981
CoL Index: 86.447
Adjusted: $139,948
Memphis
Nominal: $111,394
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $120,845

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kingsport if…

  • Higher median salary ($120,981/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($175,276)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,948)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Larger job market (670 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Kingsport grew 71.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Kingsport, TN

+71.2%

$68,330 (2019) → $116,980 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+47.8%

$72,870 (2019) → $107,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Kingsport or Memphis?

Kingsport has a higher median construction manager salary at $120,981/year, compared to Memphis at $111,394/year — a difference of $9,587 (8.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Memphis?

Kingsport construction managers earn $58.16/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $53.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kingsport to Memphis as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kingsport and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kingsport = $139,948, Memphis = $120,845), job availability (280 vs 670 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Kingsport vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $79,365 in Kingsport and $67,999 in Memphis. The Kingsport area offers higher starting salaries.
MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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