Construction Manager Salary in Suffolk, VA: $102,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Suffolk, VA earns a median $102,621/year (≈ $49.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $99,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, construction managers can expect a median annual salary of $102,621 in 2026, which is about 13.71% lower than the national median of $118,923. The salary range in the area spans from $65,550 at the 10th percentile to $159,062 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variability in compensation based on experience, project size, and employer type. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, indicate a competitive but context-specific payout for construction management roles. As the demand for expertise grows in response to mega-projects like data centers and semiconductor plants, the evolving job market in Suffolk presents unique opportunities for career advancement.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,550 | $31.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,773 | $38.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,621 | $49.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,355 | $63.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,062 | $76.47 |
Median Salary Position
13.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,512 (2026 est.). At $102,621, the local median is 13.71% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Construction Manager Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $102,621/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,395 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -13.71% less |
Construction Managers in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $102,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.71% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $104,395.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,621 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,439 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,202
2025 BLS Actual
$99,227
2026 Current Est.
$102,621
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,858 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,616 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $82,202 (2019) to $99,227 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,928 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $65,550 – $80,773 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,773 – $102,621 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,621 – $131,355 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,355 – $159,062 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Suffolk
Currently, the local job market employs 15 construction managers, illustrating a relatively niche but focused labor sector. With a cost-of-living index at 103.2, take-home purchasing power is somewhat above the national average, which is critical when considering salary discussions. Major players such as Bechtel and Turner Construction, among the top-ranked general contractors, often offer higher pay and comprehensive benefits, albeit with associated demands like longer hours and frequent travel. Factors that influence the wage spread include the complexity of projects, with higher salaries aligning with mega-project management and robust bonus structures tied to project profitability. For those keen on maximizing their pay in Suffolk, pursuing in-demand specialization—such as healthcare or data center projects—and considering transitions into owner's representative roles can be key strategies to navigate the competitive landscape effectively.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $99,227 for construction managersin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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