Construction Manager Salary in University City, MO: $110,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in University City, MO earns a median $110,707/year (≈ $53.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $123,557 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Construction managers in University City, Missouri can expect a projected median annual salary of $110,707 in 2026. This figure positions them slightly below the national median of $118,923, illustrating a competitive regional pay structure that still offers substantial room for growth. The salary range is particularly noteworthy, stretching from $67,891 at the lower end to $171,595 for those at the top of the market. These estimates account for local economic conditions and reflect 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parity. This compensation landscape suggests that while University City may offer lower average salaries compared to the highest-paying areas in the country, its job market remains robust and presents significant opportunities for construction managers, especially as demand grows in various sectors, including healthcare and data centers.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,891 | $32.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,860 | $40.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,707 | $53.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,705 | $68.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,595 | $82.50 |
Median Salary Position
6.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,704 (2026 est.). At $110,707, the local median is 6.91% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Construction Manager Pay Compares
University City median: $110,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $112,279 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -6.91% less |
Construction Managers in University City, MO earn a median of $110,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $112,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $110,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $123,557 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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
$88,679
2025 BLS Actual
$107,046
2026 Current Est.
$110,707
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,466 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,334 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,493 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $88,679 (2019) to $107,046 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,493 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,814 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $67,891 – $84,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,860 – $110,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,707 – $141,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,705 – $171,595 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in University City
With only six construction managers currently employed in the area, competition for positions may be minimal yet strategic in this market. The cost of living index in University City stands at 89.6, indicating a lower-than-average living expense, which can enhance purchasing power for construction managers. Employers range from renowned general contractors like Skanska USA and Turner Construction to specialized firms and real estate developers who often pay well for in-house owner's representatives. The disparity in compensation often results from project size, complexity, and the tier of general contractor, where top ENR firms tend to offer the highest salaries. Maximizing pay in University City typically entails seeking roles in larger, more complex projects that may come with travel premiums or performance bonuses while also considering the lifestyle trade-offs associated with different career paths, such as GC versus owner's rep roles.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make in University City, MO in 2026?
Is University City, MO a good place to work as a construction manager?
Can construction managers make $100K in University City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted construction manager salary in University City?
How much does a construction manager make per hour in University City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 $107,046 for construction managersin the University City 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 University City 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