New London vs Waterbury: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between New London, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New London, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,612▲ | $130,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.16▲ | $62.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,984▲ | $86,707 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,938▲ | $102,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,143▲ | $164,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,299▲ | $180,995 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 310▲ |
Verdict
New London, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New London and Waterbury is $6,910 (5.29%). New London's median is +15.72% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New London spans $123,315,Waterbury spans $94,288. New London 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 2.71% more than New London ($127,537 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New London if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,612/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,299)
- ✓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 New London grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New London, CT
$129,902 (2024) → $133,061 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$115,190 (2019) → $126,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New London, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: New London or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between New London and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from New London to Waterbury as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in New London vs Waterbury?
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