San Diego vs Fresno: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,766▲ | $122,553 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.23▲ | $58.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,104▲ | $77,596 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,016▲ | $99,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,854▲ | $151,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,476▲ | $182,040 |
| Total Employed | 3,800▲ | 910 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Diego and Fresno is $15,213 (12.41%). San Diego's median is +15.84% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $130,372,Fresno spans $104,444. San Diego 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, San Diego ($123,130 effective) pays 2.64% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,476)
- ✓Larger job market (3,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,130)
- ✓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 San Diego grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$101,020 (2019) → $133,210 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$92,290 (2019) → $118,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: San Diego or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Fresno as a construction manager?
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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