Los Angeles vs Poway: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Poway, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Poway, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,183▲ | $128,459 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.48▲ | $61.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,320 | $78,557▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,278▲ | $103,176 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,929▲ | $164,067 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,592▲ | $199,111 |
| Total Employed | 10,120▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Poway.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Poway is $7,724 (6.01%). Los Angeles's median is +14.51% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $141,272,Poway spans $120,554. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($119,915 effective) pays 5.58% more than Poway ($113,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,183/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,592)
- ✓Larger job market (10,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,915)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Poway if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Los Angeles grew 11.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.3% growth in Poway over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,110 (2019) → $131,680 (2025)
Poway, CA
$150,279 (2024) → $124,211 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Los Angeles or Poway?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Poway?
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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