Construction Manager Salary in University Place, WA: $152,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in University Place, WA earns a median $152,476/year (≈ $73.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $141,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, construction managers in University Place, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $152,476, which positions them 28.21% above the national average of $118,923. Salary projections for this role show a broad range, with entry-level positions starting at $92,319 and experienced managers potentially earning up to $236,338. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. University Place's construction market benefits from a solid demand for experienced managers, particularly as mega-projects in sectors such as technology and green energy drive the hiring landscape.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,319 | $44.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,882 | $55.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,476 | $73.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,309 | $93.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,338 | $113.63 |
Median Salary Position
28.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,019 (2026 est.). At $152,476, the local median is 28.21% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Construction Manager Pay Compares
University Place median: $152,476/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $155,429 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | +28.21% more |
Construction Managers in University Place, WA earn a median of $152,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.21% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $155,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,476 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,970 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,137
2025 BLS Actual
$147,434
2026 Current Est.
$152,476
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,137 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,599 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,691 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $122,137 (2019) to $147,434 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,691 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,554 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $92,319 – $115,882 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,882 – $152,476 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,476 – $194,309 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,309 – $236,338 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in University Place
Currently, the city employs six construction managers, which highlights a competitive environment for skilled professionals. The cost of living in University Place stands at 107.4, suggesting that potential earnings may be impacted by local expenses. Employers such as Bechtel and Turner Construction, recognized on the ENR top-100 list, generally offer the most competitive packages. Pay disparities can be attributed to variances in project scale and complexity, which often dictate compensation levels. Managers overseeing larger, intricate projects can command higher base salaries, while those involved in smaller-scale developments may see lower pay. To maximize earnings, candidates should consider pursuing roles with top-tier general contractors or transitioning to owners' representative positions for potentially better lifestyle options while maintaining competitive compensation.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $147,434 for construction managersin the University Place 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 University Place 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