Senior Construction Manager Salary in Benton, AR: $132,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $132,086/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $151,998 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Benton, Arkansas, offers promising opportunities for seasoned construction managers, with top earners in the profession expected to receive around $132,086 annually. This salary demonstrates a significant opportunity for growth, especially when one considers the gap between the median salary of $85,217 and the high end of the pay scale. The distinction between average and high salaries underscores the need for substantial experience, often over seven years, as well as expertise in specific segments of the construction industry. Reaching the top tier in Benton requires not just years of service but also specialization, strong leadership skills, and a robust network, as competition intensifies with the increasing complexity of modern construction projects.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $109,078 and $132,086 per year (2026 est.). This $80,997 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $85,217 sits 28.34% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $85,217 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,078 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $132,086 | $195,919 |
In Benton, experienced construction managers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Construction Manager Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $85,217 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $109,078–$132,086 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced construction managers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured construction managers in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Construction Managers in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Construction Manager Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #8 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $132,086).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Benton ($132,086) is 0.31% below the Arkansas average P90 ($132,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$111,099
2025 BLS Actual
$127,718
2026 Current Est.
$132,086
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,526 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,603 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $111,099 in 2019 to $127,718 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.42% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $136,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Maximizing Your Construction Manager Earnings in Benton
A multitude of factors influences senior construction manager pay in AR, especially in Benton, where specialization can lead to premium compensation. Professionals in healthcare construction or those managing data center projects often command higher salaries due to the intricate requirements and regulatory compliance involved. Meanwhile, compensation varies significantly depending on the type of employer; major general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska typically offer robust salary packages with bonuses, while specialty contractors may provide different financial incentives based on project-centric profitability. Career advancement opportunities remain accessible through well-defined paths from project manager to roles like operations director or even program manager, benefiting from additional credentials such as a Certified Construction Manager or a PMP certification. With construction activity driven by mega-projects and infrastructure initiatives, the overall job market in Benton remains strong, challenging experienced managers to adapt while simultaneously benefiting from complex, high-stakes projects that boost earnings potential.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Benton?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Benton?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Benton?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Benton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $127,718 for construction managers in the Benton metro area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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