Lexington vs Louisville: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,258 | $111,890▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.13 | $53.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,167 | $64,896▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,020 | $81,534▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,108▲ | $143,219 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,522▲ | $173,430 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Lexington and Louisville are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville is $7,632 (7.32%). Louisville's median is -5.91% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $164,355,Louisville spans $108,534. Lexington 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, Louisville ($125,297 effective) pays 11.63% more than Lexington ($112,239 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,522)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,890/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,297)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Lexington grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$80,120 (2019) → $100,810 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$89,570 (2024) → $108,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Lexington or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Lexington vs Louisville?
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