Sacramento vs Fresno: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Sacramento, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,867▲ | $122,553 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.36▲ | $58.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,043▲ | $77,596 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,802▲ | $99,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,478▲ | $151,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,475▲ | $182,040 |
| Total Employed | 2,760▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Fresno is $11,314 (9.23%). Sacramento's median is +12.57% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $123,432,Fresno spans $104,444. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($125,496 effective) pays 4.61% more than Fresno ($119,964 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,867/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,475)
- ✓Larger job market (2,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,496)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Sacramento grew 25.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Fresno over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$102,820 (2019) → $129,440 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$92,290 (2019) → $118,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Sacramento or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Fresno?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Fresno as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Sacramento vs Fresno?
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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