Manchester vs Waterbury: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Manchester, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,577▲ | $130,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.19▲ | $62.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,736 | $86,707▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,731▲ | $102,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,539▲ | $164,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,145▲ | $180,995 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Manchester and Waterbury is $4,875 (3.73%). Manchester's median is +14.00% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $129,409,Waterbury spans $94,288. Manchester 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, Waterbury ($130,993 effective) pays 4.25% more than Manchester ($125,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,577/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,145)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,993)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Manchester grew -3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Manchester, CT
$136,021 (2024) → $131,094 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$115,190 (2019) → $126,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Manchester or Waterbury?
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Should I relocate from Manchester to Waterbury as a construction manager?
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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