Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $52.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Gastonia, NC runs $52.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,102 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gastonia, North Carolina, the projected construction manager hourly pay stands at $52.17, which is notably lower than the national median of $57.17. For those considering part-time work, such as 24 hours a week, the earnings can still be significant, making it an attractive option for experienced professionals seeking flexibility. Common settings for construction managers include project management trailers on job sites, corporate offices for preconstruction estimating, and on-site supervision roles representing owners. The full hourly range in this profession extends from $32.06 for entry-level positions up to $80.85 for those at the top of their game, reflecting the diversity of experience and responsibilities that different roles entail. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures and provide a clear picture of compensation expectations within the field in Gastonia.
About the Gastonia Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.06 | $256.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.16 | $321.26 |
| Median (P50) | $52.17 | $417.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.77 | $534.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.85 | $646.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $52.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.17/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $108,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,598. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,086.60 | $9,042 | $108,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.96 | $5,425 | $65,102 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.64 | $3,617 | $43,401 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Gastonia) | $52.17 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $108,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 0.50% below the North Carolina state average of $109,047.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.17/hr = $65,102/year (purchasing power: $69,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,503/year (purchasing power: $115,922).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Gastonia grew 20.7% from $41.79/hr (2019) to $50.44/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.95/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
Part-time construction managers focusing on a three-day workweek could earn approximately $40,000 annually, a substantial amount compared to those seeking full-time roles. The current boom market has also accelerated demand for per diem construction manager pay in Gastonia, with 1099 contractors typically billing anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour at a project manager level. Senior project executives can command $150 to $280 hourly, while specialized consultants for mega-projects may reach rates as high as $500 per hour. Rates vary widely depending on employer type, with top-tier general contractors often offering competitive hourly wages accompanied by full benefits, whereas boutique firms and independent contractors might pay more per hour, albeit without such advantages. Negotiating tips for hourly construction managers include emphasizing experience and certification credentials, aligning rates with industry standards, and considering overall compensation packages, which can significantly influence the appeal of lower hourly rates that come with health insurance and benefits.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Gastonia 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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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