Construction Manager Salary in Cambridge, MA: $157,956 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Cambridge, MA earns a median $157,956/year (≈ $75.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $145,582 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the construction manager salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reaches a median of $157,956, showing a marked increase over national averages, which sit at $118,923. This salary reflects the robust local market fortified by prestigious general contractors that often appear on top ENR lists, like Bechtel and Skanska USA. With a salary range spanning from $91,615 to $244,832, construction managers in Cambridge operate in a high-demand environment shaped by factors like project complexity and company tier. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data highlight the competitive nature of the market, indicating potential for substantial earnings connected to the booming construction sector in the area.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,615 | $44.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,482 | $56.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,956 | $75.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,184 | $97.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,832 | $117.71 |
Median Salary Position
32.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,217 (2026 est.). At $157,956, the local median is 32.82% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Construction Manager Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $157,956/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $141,033 | +12.00% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +32.82% more |
Construction Managers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $157,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.82% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 12.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $141,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,956 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,582 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,527
2025 BLS Actual
$152,733
2026 Current Est.
$157,956
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,349 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,956 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,359 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $126,527 (2019) to $152,733 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,832 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $91,615 – $116,482 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,482 – $157,956 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,956 – $202,184 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,184 – $244,832 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Cambridge
Within Cambridge, the job market for construction managers remains active, with a workforce of 22 professionals currently in the field. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are higher than the national average, higher living costs may impact real purchasing power. Companies such as Turner Construction and Whiting-Turner offer competitive salaries, especially for those in management roles on large-scale projects. The disparity in pay often hinges on variables such as project size, the prestige of the employer, and the specific demands of the role. Construction managers aiming to maximize their earning potential should consider targeting opportunities with top-tier GCs or transitioning to higher-margin owner’s rep roles, where the balance between compensation and work-life quality can be more favorable. Overall, understanding the nuances of the local market can significantly inform career strategies in Cambridge, MA.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
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 $152,733 for construction managersin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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