Lake Havasu City vs Surprise: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Lake Havasu City, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,858▲ | $105,095 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.22▲ | $50.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,197▲ | $64,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,341▲ | $81,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,705 | $134,523▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,824 | $162,898▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City, AZ offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Lake Havasu City and Surprise is $9,763 (9.29%). Lake Havasu City's median is -3.42% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Havasu City spans $87,627,Surprise spans $97,941. Surprise 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, Lake Havasu City ($122,062 effective) pays 14.40% more than Surprise ($106,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,858/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,062)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,898)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Lake Havasu City grew 42.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$77,940 (2019) → $111,060 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$103,202 (2024) → $101,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Lake Havasu City or Surprise?
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Related Comparisons
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