Construction Manager Salary in Waltham, MA: $137,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Waltham, MA earns a median $137,203/year (≈ $65.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $126,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, construction managers in Waltham, Massachusetts are projected to earn a median annual salary of $137,203, marking a notable increase compared to the national median of $118,923. The salary range for this role spans from $85,392 at the lower end (P10) to $212,665 at the higher end (P90). These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflect the booming construction landscape in Waltham, particularly driven by significant investments in mega-projects like data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and electric vehicle battery plants. With an eye on the local market's trajectory, the strength of these projects supports demand for skilled construction managers and underscores the competitive compensation trends in the area.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,392 | $41.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,307 | $51.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,203 | $65.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,620 | $84.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,665 | $102.24 |
Median Salary Position
15.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,273 (2026 est.). At $137,203, the local median is 15.37% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Construction Manager Pay Compares
Waltham median: $137,203/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $141,010 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | +15.37% more |
Construction Managers in Waltham, MA earn a median of $137,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.37% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $141,010.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,203 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $126,454 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$109,903
2025 BLS Actual
$132,666
2026 Current Est.
$137,203
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,903 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,666 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $109,903 (2019) to $132,666 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,993 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $85,392 – $106,307 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,307 – $137,203 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,203 – $175,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,620 – $212,665 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Waltham
The local job market for construction managers in Waltham currently employs 11 professionals, a figure that reflects both the area’s growth and the specialized nature of its projects. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, professionals must consider how wages align with their purchasing power, especially as many roles come with varying demands and benefits. Employers such as Bechtel, Turner Construction, and specialty contractors within the electrical and structural trades tend to offer some of the highest salaries. Factors influencing pay disparity include project size and complexity, with mega-projects often pushing compensation over $200,000. Additionally, travel requirements for larger general contractors can add premiums to base pay. To maximize earnings, professionals should focus on expanding their skills in high-demand areas and strategically consider opportunities with owners' reps or top-tier general contractors, enabling better compensation while negotiating benefits and work-life balance.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make in Waltham, MA in 2026?
Is Waltham, MA a good place to work as a construction manager?
Can construction managers make $100K in Waltham?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted construction manager salary in Waltham?
How much does a construction manager make per hour in Waltham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $132,666 for construction managersin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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