Construction Manager Salary in Boulder, CO: $130,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Boulder, CO earns a median $130,775/year (≈ $62.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $124,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.5% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for construction managers in 2026 is $130,775, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape that is approximately 9.97% higher than the national median of $118,923. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, from $84,546 at the 10th percentile to $226,614 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities based on experience and project management complexity. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflecting trends unique to the area's thriving construction sector. As the demand for construction professionals grows, particularly due to the ongoing mega-project boom, Boulder's job market presents lucrative avenues for both general contractors and owner's representatives alike.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,546 | $40.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,755 | $48.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,775 | $62.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,532 | $77.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,614 | $108.95 |
Median Salary Position
9.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,068 (2026 est.). At $130,775, the local median is 9.97% above the national median of $118,923.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Construction Manager Pay Compares
Boulder median: $130,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $116,244 | +12.50% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +9.97% more |
Construction Managers in Boulder, CO earn a median of $130,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.97% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 12.50% above the Colorado state average of $116,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,775 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,308 — a 4.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,250
2025 BLS Actual
$126,450
2026 Current Est.
$130,775
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,247 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 37.1% from $92,250 (2019) to $126,450 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,247 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,997 (46.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $84,546 – $101,755 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,755 – $130,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,775 – $161,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,532 – $226,614 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Boulder
While 480 construction managers are currently employed in Boulder, the rising cost of living, indexed at 105.202, necessitates a careful evaluation of take-home purchasing power. Major employers within the area include established general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska USA, known for offering competitive compensation packages, often augmented by project bonuses tied to profitability. The salary disparity—ranging from entry-level positions to those leading complex mega-projects—arises from several factors, including project scale, contractor tier, and specific industry demand such as healthcare or data centers. To maximize earnings in Boulder, construction managers should consider pursuing additional credentials like PMP or LEED AP, aligning with roles that offer premium pay for high-stakes projects or transitioning to owner’s rep positions that typically provide a better work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 $126,450 for construction managersin the Boulder 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
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