Madison vs South Milwaukee: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Madison, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,939▲ | $117,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.59▲ | $56.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,192▲ | $73,091 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,203▲ | $90,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,145▲ | $146,668 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,085 | $181,487▲ |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Madison and South Milwaukee is $6,851 (5.85%). Madison's median is +4.22% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $99,893,South Milwaukee spans $108,396. South Milwaukee 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, Madison ($127,395 effective) pays 1.62% more than South Milwaukee ($125,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,939/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,395)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose South Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,487)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Madison grew 4.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$115,150 (2019) → $119,840 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$95,832 (2024) → $113,216 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Madison or South Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and South Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to South Milwaukee as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Madison vs South Milwaukee?
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