Construction Manager Salary in Cortland, NY: $121,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Cortland, NY earns a median $121,463/year (≈ $58.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $104,800 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, NY, the booming demand for construction managers is largely fueled by the surge in mega-projects such as data centers and electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities. With a projected median annual salary of $121,463 in 2026, professionals in this field can expect earnings that surpass the national benchmark by 2.14%. Local estimates indicate a salary range for construction managers from $79,725 at the 10th percentile to $186,481 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and project management complexity. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parities, encapsulate the lucrative opportunities available amidst Cortland's evolving construction landscape, particularly as large-scale ventures continue to reshape the local economy.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,725 | $38.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,563 | $46.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,463 | $58.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,472 | $74.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,481 | $89.65 |
Median Salary Position
2.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,756 (2026 est.). At $121,463, the local median is 2.14% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cortland Construction Manager Pay Compares
Cortland median: $121,463/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $131,881 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | +2.14% more |
Construction Managers in Cortland, NY earn a median of $121,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.14% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $131,881.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $121,463 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,800 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,295
2025 BLS Actual
$117,446
2026 Current Est.
$121,463
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,617 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $97,295 (2019) to $117,446 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,617 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,322 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $79,725 – $96,563 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,563 – $121,463 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,463 – $155,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,472 – $186,481 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Cortland
The job market in Cortland currently accommodates only four construction managers, underscoring a competitive environment where high demand meets limited supply. While the area has a cost-of-living index of 115.9, which surpasses the national average, this increases the necessity for construction managers to maximize their take-home pay. Companies such as Bechtel and Skanska USA often offer the highest compensation packages, reflecting their standing in the top ENR rankings. The disparity in construction manager pay hinges on project scale, with larger projects tailored for mega-project leaders potentially exceeding $200,000 in base salary. Additionally, those looking to enhance their earnings can pursue roles with general contractors that incorporate project bonuses linked to profitability and consider travel assignments that may offer higher pay. Transitioning to owner’s representative roles can also provide a better work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation in the Cortland market.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 $117,446 for construction managersin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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