Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $77.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Bellingham, WA runs $77.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,163 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, construction managers earn a median hourly rate of $77.85, significantly higher than the national average of $57.17. This premium reflects the area's growing demand for skilled professionals in construction management, fueled by a booming market, especially in mega-project sectors such as data centers and semiconductor manufacturing. For those looking at part-time opportunities—such as three days a week—this rate translates into a compelling earning potential, making these roles attractive for individuals seeking balance between work and personal life. Additionally, per-diem arrangements in the area offer flexibility, with typical rates for construction managers ranging from entry-level positions at around $50.61 up to top earners who can make around $104.93 per hour, as reported in the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.61 | $404.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.27 | $522.15 |
| Median (P50) | $77.85 | $622.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.76 | $702.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.93 | $839.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $77.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.85/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $161,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,425. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,114.18 | $13,495 | $161,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,868.51 | $8,097 | $97,163 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,245.67 | $5,398 | $64,775 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Bellingham) | $77.85 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $161,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.17% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 4.20% above the Washington state average of $155,408.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.85/hr = $97,163/year (purchasing power: $94,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,938/year (purchasing power: $156,713).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+91.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Bellingham grew 78.8% from $42.10/hr (2019) to $75.28/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.52/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Part-time construction managers working a 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $96,543 annually, which underscores the financial viability of such roles compared to full-time positions. Many professionals in the field opt for per-diem or agency work, which can yield even higher hourly rates, typically between $100 and $180 for project managers, escalating to $200-$400 for owner’s representatives or specialized consultants. In Bellingham, employer types also significantly impact hourly rates; firms like Bechtel and Turner Construction frequently offer competitive pay and full benefits, albeit often requiring longer hours and travel. Conversely, many construction managers might accept slightly lower hourly pay for roles with benefits, reflecting a strategic trade-off in job satisfaction and financial security. Those engaged in negotiations should emphasize their qualifications, considering the ongoing skills demand and the competitive environment in Bellingham and WA as a whole.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Bellingham 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 Bellingham. 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