Salem vs Worcester: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,855 | $145,377▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.31 | $69.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,354 | $103,089▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,626 | $126,658▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,114▲ | $170,540 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,574 | $214,503▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $9,522 (7.01%). Worcester's median is +22.24% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $121,220,Worcester spans $111,414. Salem 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, Worcester ($141,799 effective) pays 13.25% more than Salem ($125,212 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,503)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,799)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Salem grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$141,132 (2024) → $131,362 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$86,580 (2019) → $140,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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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