Construction Manager Salary in Norfolk, VA: $110,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Norfolk, VA earns a median $110,463/year (≈ $53.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $107,038 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The booming construction landscape in Norfolk, VA, which is being fueled by significant investments in mega-projects like data centers and EV battery plants, is reflected in the 2026 projected median salary of $110,463 for construction managers. The salary range for this position varies widely, with the lower end at $64,069 and the upper premium tier reaching $171,218. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. As Norfolk continues to evolve as a hub for large-scale construction, particularly with complex projects, the demand for skilled construction managers is becoming increasingly critical, enhancing the overall salary outlook in the area.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,069 | $30.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,197 | $39.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,463 | $53.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,393 | $67.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,218 | $82.31 |
Median Salary Position
7.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,149 (2026 est.). At $110,463, the local median is 7.11% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Construction Manager Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $110,463/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,407 | +5.80% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | -7.11% less |
Construction Managers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $110,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 5.80% above the Virginia state average of $104,407.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $110,463 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,038 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,484
2025 BLS Actual
$106,810
2026 Current Est.
$110,463
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,855 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $88,484 (2019) to $106,810 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,757 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $64,069 – $81,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,197 – $110,463 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,463 – $141,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,393 – $171,218 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Norfolk
Among the 54 construction managers currently employed in Norfolk, the cost of living index at 103.2 suggests that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, they remain manageable for the compensation levels in the industry. Top employers in the region, including renowned general contractors like Bechtel and Whiting-Turner, tend to offer the highest pay, particularly for those managing larger projects that attract bonuses tied to profitability. Variations in construction manager pay in Norfolk are influenced by factors such as project size, general contractor reputation, and the complexity of projects. Construction managers are advised to navigate this competitive landscape strategically—pursuing roles with higher-tier GCs or transitioning to owner's representative positions can significantly enhance career satisfaction and financial rewards, ensuring they maximize their earning potential in this rapidly growing market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
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 $106,810 for construction managersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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