Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $51.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Watertown, SD runs $51.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the projected construction manager hourly pay stands at $51.02, which reflects a competitive position in the market despite being 10.77% lower than the national average of $57.17. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time construction managers. Part-time professionals typically working three days a week would earn enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the area, while the per-diem opportunities available at construction site project management trailers or corporate offices further enhance earning potential. With an hourly range spanning from $32.91 at entry-level positions to $79.07 for top earners, construction managers in Watertown can find a suitable role that meets their needs and skills as they engage with various projects, including specialized roles in remote or hybrid settings.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.91 | $263.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.14 | $321.10 |
| Median (P50) | $51.02 | $408.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.30 | $522.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.07 | $632.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $51.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.02/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $106,116 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,221. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,040.68 | $8,843 | $106,116 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,224.41 | $5,306 | $63,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $816.27 | $3,537 | $42,446 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Watertown) | $51.02 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $106,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $110,308.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.02/hr = $63,669/year (purchasing power: $68,609).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,116/year (purchasing power: $114,349).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Watertown grew 20.7% from $40.87/hr (2019) to $49.33/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.76/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Analysis of the construction manager hourly rates in Watertown reveals a promising earning landscape, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. A construction manager working 24 hours a week could take home a substantial amount annually, even without the commitment of full-time hours. Many in this profession lean towards per-diem work, commonly billing anywhere from $100-$180 at the project management level, while senior consultants can command rates that significantly exceed those of full-time employees. Differences in employer types also lead to varied pay structures, with general contractors at the top of the ENR list offering competitive salaries and benefits, while specialized and boutique firms may present lower hourly rates but provide greater scheduling flexibility. Moreover, managers often must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus moderate pay with comprehensive packages. Negotiation skills can play a pivotal role in securing favorable terms, given the area's unique market dynamics as it adapts to the ongoing megaproject boom driven by developments in data centers and semiconductor fabs.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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