New Haven vs Shelton: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between New Haven, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,673▲ | $133,406 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.19▲ | $64.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,044▲ | $82,903 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,085▲ | $102,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,999 | $170,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,654 | $206,779▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 10 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between New Haven and Shelton is $4,267 (3.20%). New Haven's median is +15.77% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $101,610,Shelton spans $123,876. Shelton 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, New Haven ($131,670 effective) pays 6.50% more than Shelton ($123,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,673/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,670)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,779)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in New Haven grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Shelton over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$115,950 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$133,534 (2024) → $128,994 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: New Haven or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Shelton?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Shelton as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in New Haven vs Shelton?
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