Richmond vs Suffolk: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,124▲ | $102,621 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.86▲ | $49.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,302▲ | $65,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,794▲ | $80,773 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,230▲ | $131,355 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,504▲ | $159,062 |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $11,503 (11.21%). Richmond's median is -4.04% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $116,202,Suffolk spans $93,512. Richmond 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, Richmond ($116,622 effective) pays 17.28% more than Suffolk ($99,439 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,124/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,504)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,622)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Richmond grew 40.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.1% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$78,400 (2019) → $110,350 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$111,616 (2024) → $99,227 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Richmond or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Richmond vs Suffolk?
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