Construction Manager Salary in Cary, NC: $123,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Cary, NC earns a median $123,204/year (≈ $59.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $131,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $123,204 in 2026, construction managers in Cary, North Carolina, can expect competitive compensation, especially when compared to the national median of $118,923. The salary range reflects the diverse opportunities in this market, from entry-level positions starting at $77,433 to highly experienced roles earning up to $190,967. These figures stem from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. The unique dynamics of Cary's employment market highlight not only the demand for skilled professionals but also the appeal of different career paths within construction management, particularly the comparison between general contracting project management and owner's representation roles.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,433 | $37.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,347 | $46.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,204 | $59.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,701 | $75.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,967 | $91.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,534 (2026 est.). At $123,204, the local median is 3.6% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Construction Manager Pay Compares
Cary median: $123,204/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $109,030 | +13.00% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +3.60% more |
Construction Managers in Cary, NC earn a median of $123,204 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 13.00% above the North Carolina state average of $109,030.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $123,204 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,628 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,690
2025 BLS Actual
$119,130
2026 Current Est.
$123,204
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,679 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,204 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $98,690 (2019) to $119,130 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,728 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $77,433 – $96,347 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,347 – $123,204 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,204 – $157,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,701 – $190,967 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Cary
In Cary, the job market is vibrant, with around 44 construction managers employed in the region. The cost of living index, standing at 93.6, suggests that take-home purchasing power is favorable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle relative to expenses. Major employers such as Bechtel, Turner Construction, and Skanska USA often offer the most lucrative positions, driven by the size and complexity of projects, particularly in sectors like healthcare and data centers. The pay gap within the industry largely arises from factors such as project scale, general contractor tier, and bonus structures linked to profitability. For construction managers looking to maximize their pay in this competitive market, it’s advisable to consider development roles or specialize in sectors with higher demand. Well-timed transitions to general contracting firms from owner's rep positions can yield substantial salary increases, providing a strategic path tailored to individual career aspirations.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
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 $119,130 for construction managersin the Cary 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 Cary 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