Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $63.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $63.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,680 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $63.04, construction managers in Costa Mesa, CA, enjoy a competitive advantage over their counterparts nationally, who earn a median hourly rate of $57.17. This substantial hourly rate reflects not only the local market's demand for skilled professionals amidst the current construction boom, particularly in mega-projects like data centers and EV battery plants, but also suggests ample earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers. A construction manager working three days a week could earn a substantial income, translating to a comfortable lifestyle in Costa Mesa. The hourly wage range for this profession stretches from $37.84 for entry-level positions up to $97.72 for seasoned professionals, providing significant room for growth and specialization in various roles, from on-site supervision and hybrid work in BIM coordination to project closeout and commissioning tasks.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.84 | $302.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.89 | $383.15 |
| Median (P50) | $63.04 | $504.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.70 | $645.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.72 | $781.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $63.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.04/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,654. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,521.79 | $10,928 | $131,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,513.08 | $6,557 | $78,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,008.72 | $4,371 | $52,453 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Costa Mesa) | $63.04 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.88 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $46.55 |
| Cost Estimator (National Avg) | $37.53 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Construction (National Avg) | $38.11 |
Construction Managers in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $131,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 0.50% above the California state average of $130,488.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.04/hr = $78,680/year (purchasing power: $69,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,133/year (purchasing power: $115,945).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Costa Mesa grew 20.7% from $50.50/hr (2019) to $60.96/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem construction managers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Construction Manager in Costa Mesa
A part-time construction manager working 24 hours a week may take home a considerably reduced annual income compared to full-time peers, illustrating the trade-offs in this profession. For instance, while hourly rates for per-diem construction managers in Costa Mesa can range from $100 to $180 at the project management level, seeking opportunities outside traditional employment can lead to further financial rewards. Senior project executives may command rates of $150-$280 per hour, while specialized consultants focusing on mega-projects might bill $250-$500 hourly. It's essential to consider the types of employers — major general contractors like Bechtel and Turner Construction typically offer competitive hourly rates but may also require demanding schedules, while owner’s representative positions often strike a better balance between pay and lifestyle. Negotiating hourly rates can be effective when discussing benefits packages, as some may choose lower rates for health insurance stability. Understanding the unique local market dynamics can empower construction managers in Costa Mesa to optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in Costa Mesa?
Are construction managers in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time construction manager make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do construction managers earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for construction managers in Costa Mesa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Costa Mesa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov