Tempe vs Tucson: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Tempe, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tempe, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,768▲ | $102,117 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.85▲ | $49.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,420 | $72,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,571 | $91,030▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,383▲ | $131,012 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,940 | $165,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 43 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Tempe and Tucson are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tempe and Tucson is $3,651 (3.58%). Tempe's median is -11.06% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tempe spans $97,520,Tucson spans $92,892. Tempe 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, Tempe ($107,379 effective) pays 1.89% more than Tucson ($105,388 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,768/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,379)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,596)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Tempe grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Tempe, AZ
$103,862 (2024) → $102,270 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$82,110 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Tempe or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tempe and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Tempe to Tucson as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Tempe vs Tucson?
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