Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $65.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Irvine, CA runs $65.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,352 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For construction managers in Irvine, California, the projected hourly pay is set at $65.19, which notably surpasses the national median of $57.17. This reflects not only the high cost of living in the region but also the intense competition and demand driven by the ongoing mega-project boom in sectors like data centers and electric vehicle production. This hourly rate positions these professionals favorably, especially when considering flexible work arrangements. Those working part-time, for example, can expect to earn substantial wages even if they are on-site for only three days a week. In Irvine, entry-level construction managers start at around $39.02 per hour, while those at the pinnacle of the profession can earn as much as $101.03 per hour.
About the Irvine 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) | $39.02 | $312.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.78 | $398.21 |
| Median (P50) | $65.19 | $521.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.43 | $667.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.03 | $808.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $65.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.19/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,586 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,223. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,607.43 | $11,299 | $135,586 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.46 | $6,779 | $81,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.97 | $4,520 | $54,234 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Irvine) | $65.19 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $135,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 3.90% above the California state average of $130,489.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.19/hr = $81,352/year (purchasing power: $71,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,586/year (purchasing power: $119,882).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Irvine grew 20.7% from $52.22/hr (2019) to $63.03/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.41/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
Looking at the various employment opportunities in Irvine, part-time construction managers may find significant earning potential, bringing home a substantial income even while working fewer hours. Generally, a 24-hour workweek can still yield impressive earnings throughout the year, especially when the industry increasingly adapts to per-diem roles. In fact, many consultative positions charge hourly rates ranging widely from $100 to $400, depending on the complexity and scope of the projects. General contractors like Bechtel and Turner Construction may offer more stable roles, often with associated benefits, yet many skilled managers opt for freelance opportunities that allow for flexible schedules. Ultimately, while higher hourly rates often come without benefits, seasoned construction managers recognize the trade-offs in work-life balance, needing to leverage negotiation strategies to navigate their worth in the competitive Irvine market.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Irvine in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in Irvine?
Are construction managers in Irvine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time construction manager make per year in Irvine?
Do construction managers earn more per hour working part-time in Irvine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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