Shelton vs Waterbury: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Shelton, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shelton, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,406▲ | $130,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.14▲ | $62.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,903 | $86,707▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,962▲ | $102,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,759▲ | $164,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,779▲ | $180,995 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Shelton and Waterbury is $2,704 (2.07%). Shelton's median is +12.18% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shelton spans $123,876,Waterbury spans $94,288. Shelton 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, Waterbury ($130,993 effective) pays 5.95% more than Shelton ($123,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,406/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,779)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,993)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Shelton grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Shelton, CT
$133,534 (2024) → $128,994 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$115,190 (2019) → $126,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shelton, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Shelton or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shelton and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Shelton to Waterbury as a construction manager?
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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