Construction Manager Salary in Ruston, LA: $104,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Ruston, LA earns a median $104,249/year (≈ $50.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $115,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the surge in construction related to mega-projects such as data centers, semiconductor fabrication plants, and electric vehicle battery facilities has led to a significant elevation in the earning potential for construction managers. The projected median annual salary in 2026 is $104,249, positioning it notably below the national median of $118,923. In this dynamic environment, salaries range from $67,263 for entry-level positions to $161,587 for those at the peak of the profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, illustrate the competitive nature of the local market, particularly for managers handling large and complex projects that are now becoming commonplace in Ruston.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,263 | $32.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,033 | $39.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,249 | $50.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,440 | $64.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,587 | $77.69 |
Median Salary Position
12.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,324 (2026 est.). At $104,249, the local median is 12.34% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Construction Manager Pay Compares
Ruston median: $104,249/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $108,367 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -12.34% less |
Construction Managers in Ruston, LA earn a median of $104,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.34% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $108,367.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $104,249 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $115,447 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,506
2025 BLS Actual
$100,802
2026 Current Est.
$104,249
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,959 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,624 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $83,506 (2019) to $100,802 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,309 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $67,263 – $82,033 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,033 – $104,249 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,249 – $133,440 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,440 – $161,587 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Ruston
With only four construction managers currently employed in Ruston, the job market remains specialized, reflecting a lower overall employment density in this area. The cost of living index stands at 90.3, indicating that housing and living expenses are more affordable compared to national averages. This scenario allows for a greater purchasing power for local salaries, even though pay scales may lag behind larger markets. Companies such as Bechtel and Skanska USA are known for offering higher compensation among general contractors, while specialized contractors in mechanical and electrical fields can also present lucrative opportunities. The disparity in earnings often hinges on factors such as the size of the project managed, the complexity involved, and whether the role is situated within a general contractor framework or as an owner’s rep. To maximize compensation in Ruston, professionals should consider actively seeking positions with top-tier contractors, negotiating project bonus structures, and potentially pursuing opportunities in larger urban hubs if flexibility allows.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 $100,802 for construction managersin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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