Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $58.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Chicago, IL runs $58.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,782 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, construction managers in Chicago, IL, can expect a median hourly pay of $58.32, surpassing the national hourly median of $57.17. This rate reflects the regional demand for project management expertise on construction sites, particularly amid the current boom in mega-projects like data centers and electric vehicle plants. For those in part-time roles working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial potential earnings while allowing for a work-life balance that may not be feasible in full-time positions. Construction managers often operate from various settings, including jobsite offices, corporate offices of general contractors, and even remote locations, which enables flexibility in their schedules. The hourly compensation also varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $27.59 and top earners reaching up to $88.57, demonstrating a clear trajectory for career advancement in this field.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.59 | $220.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.93 | $327.47 |
| Median (P50) | $58.32 | $466.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.40 | $603.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.57 | $708.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $58.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.32/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $121,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,982. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,332.74 | $10,109 | $121,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,399.64 | $6,065 | $72,782 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $933.10 | $4,043 | $48,521 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Chicago) | $58.32 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $121,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.99% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 12.70% above the Illinois state average of $107,623.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.32/hr = $72,782/year (purchasing power: $70,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,303/year (purchasing power: $117,093).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Chicago grew 27.7% from $44.17/hr (2019) to $56.39/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.31/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time construction managers bringing home steady income from three-day work weeks typically see significant annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate results in earnings that can provide a comfortable lifestyle without the commitment of a full 40-hour work week. Conversely, per-diem construction managers and those working under 1099 contracts often charge between $100-$180 per hour at the project management level, with experienced professionals in executive roles seeing rates climb to $200-$400 per hour. The variability in pay depending on employer type is pronounced in Chicago, with larger general contractors like Bechtel and Turner Construction typically offering lower hourly rates (around $58-$70) coupled with full benefits, while specialized contractors and boutique firms may offer higher rates but fewer perks. As construction managers navigate job offers, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of health insurance against hourly pay, and to negotiate effectively by showcasing experience, qualifications such as CMAA CCM or PMP, and the allure of major projects requiring skilled oversight.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in Chicago?
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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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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