Waterbury vs West Haven: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Waterbury, CT and West Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waterbury, CT | West Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,702 | $131,393▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.84 | $63.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,707▲ | $82,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,158 | $102,487▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,086 | $168,183▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,995 | $203,659▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Waterbury and West Haven is $691 (0.53%). West Haven's median is +10.49% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waterbury spans $94,288,West Haven spans $120,976. West Haven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($130,993 effective) pays 7.57% more than West Haven ($121,773 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,993)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose West Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,393/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,659)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Waterbury grew 9.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.6% growth in West Haven over the same period.
Waterbury, CT
$115,190 (2019) → $126,380 (2025)
West Haven, CT
$131,822 (2024) → $127,048 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waterbury, CT
West Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Waterbury or West Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waterbury and West Haven?
Should I relocate from Waterbury to West Haven as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Waterbury vs West Haven?
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