Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Merrillville, IN: $50.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Merrillville, IN runs $50.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Merrillville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,521 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, construction managers in Merrillville, Indiana, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $50.10. This figure is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $57.17, reflecting the specific economic landscape of the region. For those working part-time, such as in positions that demand a commitment of three days a week, the potential earnings can still be substantial while allowing for flexibility. Construction managers often find themselves in diverse environments, from on-site project management trailers to corporate offices focused on preconstruction and estimating phases. The hourly rates span from $31.13 for entry-level roles to as high as $77.64 for top-tier professionals, emphasizing the varying demands and responsibilities within the field. These estimates are derived from projected annual data, giving professionals a comprehensive outlook on their earning potential based on part-time or per-diem arrangements in Merrillville.
About the Merrillville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.13 | $249.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.66 | $309.27 |
| Median (P50) | $50.10 | $400.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.12 | $512.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.64 | $621.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrillville
Based on $50.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.10/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrillville, IN can expect to earn approximately $104,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,116. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merrillville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrillville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.87 | $8,683 | $104,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,202.32 | $5,210 | $62,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.55 | $3,473 | $41,680 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Merrillville) | $50.10 |
| 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 Merrillville, IN earn a median of $104,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 4.10% below the Indiana state average of $108,645.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.10/hr = $62,521/year (purchasing power: $68,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,201/year (purchasing power: $114,130).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Merrillville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Merrillville grew 20.7% from $40.13/hr (2019) to $48.44/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.81/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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville
When considering part-time opportunities, a construction manager working 24 hours a week could take home a sizable income annually, though still less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles or agency positions present an alternative avenue, with billing rates commonly ranging from $100 to $280 per hour, depending on experience and responsibilities. Notably, specialized roles in high-demand sectors, like data centers and semiconductor projects, can command rates between $250 and $500 per hour. Hourly rates, however, can fluctuate based on employer type, with general contractors often paying premium rates to attract skilled manpower, while self-employed managers might accept lower wages in exchange for benefits and greater work-life balance. Negotiating hourly pay requires an understanding of the market and clarity on what compensation packages include, as some may favor higher pay without benefits, while others may choose stability with full healthcare coverage. As Merrillville continues to see growth in construction projects, awareness of these dynamics will be key for those entering or advancing in the field.
More salary data for Merrillville, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Merrillville in 2026?
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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 Merrillville. 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 Merrillville 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