Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,794▲ | $107,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.52▲ | $51.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,678▲ | $69,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,718▲ | $82,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,590▲ | $137,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,248▲ | $166,657 |
| Total Employed | 3,020▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $16,273 (15.13%). Raleigh's median is +4.10% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $108,570,Wake Forest spans $97,509. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($126,118 effective) pays 9.79% more than Wake Forest ($114,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,248)
- ✓Larger job market (3,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,118)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Raleigh grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,610 (2019) → $119,700 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$90,437 (2024) → $103,965 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
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Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Raleigh vs Wake Forest?
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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