Lawrence vs Manhattan: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Lawrence, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,821▲ | $115,169 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.49▲ | $55.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,230▲ | $77,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,251 | $101,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,751▲ | $131,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,659 | $164,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Manhattan are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Manhattan is $10,652 (9.25%). Lawrence's median is +5.80% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $83,429,Manhattan spans $86,273. Manhattan 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, Lawrence ($139,425 effective) pays 9.15% more than Manhattan ($127,736 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,821/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,425)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,107)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Lawrence grew 55.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$78,240 (2019) → $121,660 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$79,520 (2020) → $111,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Lawrence or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Manhattan as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Lawrence vs Manhattan?
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