Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $51.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Burlington, NC runs $51.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,831 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the construction manager hourly pay stands at a median of $51.95, which is notably lower than the national median of $57.17 per hour. This difference highlights the local market dynamics, potentially influenced by factors such as the cost of living index at 93.196, which sits below the national average. For part-time construction managers, working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a manageable income that accommodates flexibility in their schedules, particularly during project closeout or commissioning meetings. Additionally, the hourly range for construction managers in Burlington spans from $35.67 at entry-level positions to $80.46 for top earners, providing opportunities for a wide variety of professionals, from those managing smaller projects to seasoned experts overseeing significant undertakings.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.67 | $285.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.86 | $342.86 |
| Median (P50) | $51.95 | $415.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.20 | $521.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.46 | $643.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $51.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.95/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $108,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,337. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,077.91 | $9,004 | $108,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,246.75 | $5,403 | $64,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.17 | $3,602 | $43,221 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Burlington) | $51.95 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $108,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.15% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $109,024.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.95/hr = $64,831/year (purchasing power: $69,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,052/year (purchasing power: $115,940).
CoL index: 93.196 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Burlington grew 16.0% from $43.32/hr (2019) to $50.23/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.72/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
In terms of earnings, those working part-time as construction managers in Burlington can expect to bring home substantial income without the full-time commitment. Working just 24 hours a week, they would still earn commendable amounts annually, establishing a practical balance between work and lifestyle. Moreover, many construction managers engage in per-diem contracts or locum positions, often billing between $100 to $180 hourly at the project manager level. Senior project consultants in specialized areas can command fees that range dramatically higher, reflecting the current market boom in mega-projects such as data centers and electric vehicle plants. The diversity of employer types in Burlington—from top-ranked general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska to boutique construction management firms—also contributes to variations in pay. While higher hourly pay with fewer benefits might entice some, others may prefer a more stable salary from larger firms that offer comprehensive health insurance. To negotiate effectively, construction managers in the area should consider their flexibility versus pay rate and seek opportunities that align with their career goals and personal financial needs.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
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 Burlington. 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