Construction Manager Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $117,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $117,088/year (≈ $56.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $125,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the thriving job market of South Milwaukee, WI, the median construction manager salary is projected to reach $117,088 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive range, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $73,091 and experienced managers earning as much as $181,487. With the ongoing mega-project boom centered on data centers, semiconductor fabrication plants, and EV battery facilities, the demand for skilled construction managers continues to grow. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data account for local market fluctuations, providing a realistic picture of compensation trends in this vibrant sector. As major projects ramp up, opportunities for construction managers are poised to increase, expanding the local employment landscape significantly.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,091 | $35.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,350 | $43.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,088 | $56.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,668 | $70.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,487 | $87.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,396 (2026 est.). At $117,088, the local median is 1.54% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Construction Manager Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $117,088/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $123,251 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -1.54% less |
Construction Managers in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $117,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $123,251.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $117,088 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $125,362 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,790
2025 BLS Actual
$113,216
2026 Current Est.
$117,088
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,364 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,092 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $93,790 (2019) to $113,216 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,092 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,302 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $73,091 – $90,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,350 – $117,088 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,088 – $146,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,668 – $181,487 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in South Milwaukee
With only six construction managers currently employed in South Milwaukee, the tight labor market presents unique opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.4, indicating a favorable environment for take-home pay when compared to larger metropolitan areas. This reality enhances the purchasing power for professionals in the region. Among local employers, top-tier general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska USA often offer higher compensation alongside robust benefits, but the demands include considerable travel and extended hours. Alternatively, roles within real estate development and program management firms, such as Parsons and AECOM construction services, may provide enhanced work-life balance while still offering competitive pay. Gaps in compensation can be attributed to variations in project complexity, company stature, and bonus structures tied to project profitability. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing opportunities within mega-projects or transitioning to owner's rep roles are effective strategies tailored for South Milwaukee’s evolving market.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
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 $113,216 for construction managersin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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