Construction Manager Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $39.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in Charleston, WV runs $39.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,059 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, construction managers in Charleston, West Virginia, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.31, significantly lower than the national median of $57.17. This salary distribution facilitates diverse work arrangements, allowing part-time professionals and per-diem workers to thrive in roles such as project management at construction site offices or corporate environments focused on preconstruction and estimating. The hourly wage range encompasses entry-level positions starting around $27.36 to seasoned experts commanding rates as high as $65.31. These figures stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highlighting a competitive environment for construction management talent in Charleston, where demand remains robust amid the ongoing construction boom in both infrastructure and mega-projects.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.36 | $218.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.14 | $257.14 |
| Median (P50) | $39.31 | $314.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.39 | $387.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.31 | $522.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $39.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.31/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $81,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,172. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,572.40 | $6,814 | $81,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $943.44 | $4,088 | $49,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.96 | $2,725 | $32,706 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (Charleston) | $39.31 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $81,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.25% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 20.40% below the West Virginia state average of $102,705.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.31/hr = $49,059/year (purchasing power: $55,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,765/year (purchasing power: $92,163).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in Charleston grew -2.7% from $39.06/hr (2019) to $38.01/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.65/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For a construction manager working part-time, typically on a 3-day week schedule amounting to approximately 24 hours, annual earnings can be modest compared to a full-time role. While part-time professionals take home reduced overall compensation, per-diem construction manager pay in Charleston can elevate earnings significantly, especially as many consultants may bill hourly at rates between $100 and $180 for project management roles. Senior management might earn $150-$280 per hour, while specialized roles, such as mega-project consultants in data centers or semiconductor manufacturing, could see rates soar to $250-$500 hourly. Compensation can vary greatly depending on the employer type, as general contractors and developers provide stability with benefits, whereas boutique firms or self-employed contracts might offer higher hourly rates but less security. Those considering a career pivot from general contracting to an owner's representative role may find that managing these negotiations effectively could lead to better lifestyle choices alongside competitive compensation.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in Charleston?
Are construction managers in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time construction manager make per year in Charleston?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in West Virginia
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 Charleston. 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