Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $64.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Clifton, NJ runs $64.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clifton, New Jersey, the construction manager hourly pay stands at a competitive $64.65, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $57.17. This attractive rate is particularly beneficial for part-time workers, who might typically engage in positions requiring 24 hours per week; at this rate, those managers can still take home a substantial income while enjoying a better work-life balance. For per-diem roles, which are common in this sector, the variation in pay can accommodate a wide range. Entry-level construction managers might start around $41.11 per hour, while seasoned professionals could earn as much as $100.20 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the projects they oversee. Such flexibility allows construction managers to thrive in various settings, whether they are stationed on-site at project management trailers, consulting remotely with BIM coordination, or participating actively in project closeout and commissioning meetings.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.11 | $328.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.75 | $405.99 |
| Median (P50) | $64.65 | $517.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.75 | $661.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.20 | $801.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $64.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.65/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $134,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,577. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,585.91 | $11,206 | $134,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,551.55 | $6,723 | $80,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,034.37 | $4,482 | $53,787 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Clifton) | $64.65 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $134,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $137,066.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.65/hr = $80,681/year (purchasing power: $70,035).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,468/year (purchasing power: $116,725).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Clifton grew 20.7% from $51.78/hr (2019) to $62.51/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.86/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
Part-time construction managers working 24 hours each week can expect to earn approximately $80,000 annually, a respectable figure that highlights the potential for a lucrative income without full-time commitment. The per-diem landscape within this profession varies dramatically, with hourly rates for project management roles often billed between $100 and $180, while more senior positions in project executive consulting can demand $150-$280 per hour. Notably, specialized consultants focused on mega-projects like data centers can command rates as high as $250-$500 per hour, reflecting a booming market for construction management expertise in Clifton. Employers also impact hourly compensation significantly; general contractors may offer steady pay but with rigorous hours typical of firms like Bechtel and Turner Construction. In contrast, real estate developers or program management firms might provide a better work-life balance with competitive rates. Although some managers may settle for a lower hourly wage in exchange for health benefits, others pursue higher earnings without them. Navigating these options requires negotiation acumen tailored to Clifton’s unique employment landscape, particularly in an era of escalating project demands.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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