Construction Manager Pay

Mequon vs Milwaukee: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Mequon, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mequon, WI
$115,179
$55.37/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$123,246
$59.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMequon, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$115,179$123,246
Hourly Rate$55.37$59.25
Entry Level (P10)$77,969$79,809
25th Percentile$93,655$103,461
75th Percentile$144,512$143,878
Top Earner (P90)$173,126$174,780
Total Employed51,680
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mequon ($115,179) and Milwaukee ($123,246) construction manager salaries.MequonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$115,179$123,246Entry Level (P10)$77,969$79,809Top Earner (P90)$173,126$174,780US Median $118,923

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.

The salary gap between Mequon and Milwaukee is $8,067 (7.00%). Milwaukee's median is +3.64% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mequon spans $95,157,Milwaukee spans $94,971. Mequon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mequon
P10 (Entry)$77,969
P25$93,655
Median$115,179
P75$144,512
P90 (Top)$173,126
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$79,809
P25$103,461
Median$123,246
P75$143,878
P90 (Top)$174,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($127,140 effective) pays 3.10% more than Mequon ($123,318 effective).

Mequon
Nominal: $115,179
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $123,318
Milwaukee
Nominal: $123,246
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $127,140

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mequon if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,246/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($174,780)
  • Larger job market (1,680 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,140)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Mequon grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Mequon, WI

+18.1%

$94,270 (2024) → $111,370 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+4.6%

$113,880 (2019) → $119,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Mequon or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median construction manager salary at $123,246/year, compared to Mequon at $115,179/year — a difference of $8,067 (7.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mequon and Milwaukee?

Mequon construction managers earn $55.37/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $59.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mequon to Milwaukee as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mequon and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mequon = $123,318, Milwaukee = $127,140), job availability (5 vs 1,680 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Mequon vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $77,969 in Mequon and $79,809 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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