Construction Manager Salary in Columbus, MS: $95,836 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Columbus, MS earns a median $95,836/year (≈ $46.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $111,827 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, construction managers in Columbus, Mississippi, can expect a median annual salary of $95,836. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $118,923, reflecting local economic conditions and the market dynamics at play. Salaries in Columbus range from $58,142 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $144,931 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial variability in pay depending on experience and project scope. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parity, underscore the impact of the ongoing mega-project boom in the area, particularly in data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and electric vehicle battery production. As demand for skilled managers grows in this thriving sector, the implications for job opportunities in Columbus are promising.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,142 | $27.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,657 | $37.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,836 | $46.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,073 | $58.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,931 | $69.67 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,789 (2026 est.). At $95,836, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Construction Manager Pay Compares
Columbus median: $95,836/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $101,953 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -19.41% less |
Construction Managers in Columbus, MS earn a median of $95,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $101,953.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $95,836 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,827 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,767
2025 BLS Actual
$92,667
2026 Current Est.
$95,836
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,314 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,692 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,836 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,114 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $76,767 (2019) to $92,667 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,114 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,347 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $58,142 – $78,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,657 – $95,836 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,836 – $121,073 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,073 – $144,931 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Columbus
The job market for construction managers in Columbus is somewhat limited, with only six professionals currently employed in this role. This scarcity may contribute to upward pressure on salaries, but it’s essential to consider the local cost of living index, which stands at 85.7, indicating a below-average cost structure relative to the national standard. For those seeking higher wages, aligning with top ENR-ranked general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska USA could be advantageous. Project size and complexity often drive the disparity in compensation, with larger projects typically offering higher salaries and additional bonuses tied to profitability. To maximize earning potential, construction managers should focus on securing roles with established firms and consider the transition to owner's representative positions, which might provide a better work-life balance while still offering competitive compensation. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for anyone assessing construction manager pay in Columbus, MS.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make in Columbus, MS in 2026?
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Can construction managers make $100K in Columbus?
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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 $92,667 for construction managersin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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