Construction Manager Salary in Pasadena, CA: $131,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Pasadena, CA earns a median $131,520/year (≈ $63.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $116,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the construction manager salary reflects the robust demand driven by an influx of mega-projects, particularly in data centers and semiconductor fabs. For 2026, the median annual pay is projected at $131,520, significantly higher than the national average of $118,923. Compensation ranges widely in the local market, with entry-level positions beginning around $79,540 and experienced managers earning up to $203,856. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight Pasadena's competitive landscape for experienced construction professionals, where specialized expertise in large-scale projects can lead to lucrative career opportunities.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,540 | $38.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,363 | $48.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,520 | $63.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,346 | $80.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,856 | $98.01 |
Median Salary Position
10.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,316 (2026 est.). At $131,520, the local median is 10.59% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Construction Manager Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $131,520/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,476 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +10.59% more |
Construction Managers in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $131,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.59% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 0.80% above the California state average of $130,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,520 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,286 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,351
2025 BLS Actual
$127,171
2026 Current Est.
$131,520
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,474 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,018 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $105,351 (2019) to $127,171 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,018 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,667 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,540 – $100,363 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,363 – $131,520 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,520 – $168,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,346 – $203,856 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Pasadena
The local job market comprises approximately 35 construction managers in Pasadena, making the sector relatively tight-knit amidst a cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates higher-than-average living expenses. Employers such as Bechtel and Turner Construction, recognized on the ENR's top contractor list, are among those offering the most competitive pay packages. The pay disparity between $79,540 and $203,856 often stems from factors such as project complexity and size, with mega-projects yielding higher salaries for project managers overseeing critical initiatives. To maximize compensation in this market, aspiring construction managers should consider gaining experience with top-tier general contractors or exploring owner’s representative roles, which can offer improved work-life balance while maintaining competitive pay. Networking and professional certifications like CMAA CCM can significantly enhance marketability and earning potential within Pasadena's dynamic construction environment.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $127,171 for construction managersin the Pasadena metropolitan area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasadena 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