Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $66.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Arlington, MA runs $66.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,896 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Arlington, Massachusetts, the construction manager hourly pay stands at a projected median of $66.78 in 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national hourly median of $57.17, reflecting Arlington's strong demand for these professionals in today's booming construction environment. For part-time construction managers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to significant income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle, often being employed in dynamic settings such as project management trailers or corporate offices. The hourly range for this role varies from $40.93 for entry-level positions to $103.50 for the top earners, indicating that even newcomers can expect a respectable entry point into the industry. These estimates derive from annual salary data, providing a reliable insight into the hourly financial landscape for construction managers in this region.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.93 | $327.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.12 | $408.96 |
| Median (P50) | $66.78 | $534.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.48 | $683.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.50 | $828.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $66.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.78/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $138,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,134. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,671.13 | $11,575 | $138,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,602.68 | $6,945 | $83,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,068.45 | $4,630 | $55,560 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Arlington) | $66.78 |
| 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 Arlington, MA earn a median of $138,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $141,011.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.78/hr = $83,339/year (purchasing power: $76,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,899/year (purchasing power: $128,017).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Arlington grew 20.7% from $53.49/hr (2019) to $64.57/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.06/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
The earning potential for a construction manager working part-time, for instance, a 24-hour week, can result in annual take-home income of approximately $83,000, compared to those working full-time who may earn significantly more. Many professionals in this trade opt for per-diem work, billing anywhere from $100-$180 per hour as project managers, potentially increasing their earnings even further without the constraints of a traditional employment structure. Roles in niche areas, such as senior consulting or specialized mega-project roles, command even higher rates—from $150 to $500 per hour—highlighting the range of opportunities available in Arlington. Various employers contribute to the variation in hourly rates; general contractors generally offer competitive pay with benefits, while self-employed managers might enjoy higher flexibility but fewer perks. In negotiating hourly rates, construction managers in Arlington should weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against potentially higher pay that comes without benefits, allowing for a thoughtful approach to career advancement in this robust market.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Arlington 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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