Construction Manager Salary in New Brunswick, NJ: $137,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in New Brunswick, NJ earns a median $137,522/year (≈ $66.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in New Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $119,377 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, construction managers in New Brunswick, NJ, can expect a median salary of $137,522, reflecting a competitive pay structure that outpaces the national median of $118,923 by 15.64%. The anticipated pay range spans from $81,417 at the lower end (P10) to $213,159 at the upper end (P90), showcasing diverse earning potential based on experience and project complexity. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local cost of living, suggest that while opportunities abound, professionals must weigh the benefits of different career paths. The choice between working as a general contractor project manager and an owner’s representative represents a strategic career pivot, influencing lifestyle and compensation patterns in the region.
About the New Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,417 | $39.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,425 | $49.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,522 | $66.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,028 | $84.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,159 | $102.48 |
Median Salary Position
15.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, NJ, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,742 (2026 est.). At $137,522, the local median is 15.64% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Brunswick Construction Manager Pay Compares
New Brunswick median: $137,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $136,974 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +15.64% more |
Construction Managers in New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $137,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $136,974.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,522 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,377 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,158
2025 BLS Actual
$132,974
2026 Current Est.
$137,522
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,379 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,356 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,351 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Brunswick metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $110,158 (2019) to $132,974 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,067 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Brunswick 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) | $81,417 – $103,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,425 – $137,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,522 – $176,028 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,028 – $213,159 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in New Brunswick
The job market for construction managers in New Brunswick is relatively stable, with only eight professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living, indicated by a cost of living index of 115.2, implies that while salaries are relatively robust, they must effectively support household expenses in a slightly above-average economic environment. General contractors, particularly those in the ENR top-100 category like Bechtel and Turner Construction, tend to offer the most lucrative positions, often accompanied by extensive benefits and bonuses linked to project performance. In contrast, project managers in specialized areas—such as healthcare and data centers—may command higher salaries due to the complexity of their assignments. Compensation disparities arise from factors such as project size, bonus structures, and whether roles are tied to owner representatives or general contractors. To maximize pay, aspiring construction managers should focus on gaining experience in high-demand sectors and aligning with reputable firms known for competitive payouts.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make in New Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can construction managers make $100K in New Brunswick?
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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 $132,974 for construction managersin the New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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