Raleigh vs Wilmington: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,794▲ | $107,360 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.52▲ | $51.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,678▲ | $68,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,718▲ | $86,139 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,590▲ | $142,192 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,248▲ | $177,769 |
| Total Employed | 3,020▲ | 830 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $16,434 (15.31%). 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,Wilmington spans $109,233. Wilmington 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, Raleigh ($126,118 effective) pays 13.27% more than Wilmington ($111,344 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 Wilmington 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 8.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,610 (2019) → $119,700 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$95,900 (2019) → $103,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
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Related Comparisons
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