Senior Construction Manager Salary in Hays, KS: $156,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $156,879/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $172,584 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
Senior construction managers in Hays can anticipate a competitive compensation landscape in 2026, with the potential top-tier earnings rising significantly to $156,879. This figure represents the 90th percentile of salaries in the area, showcasing a notable contrast to the median annual salary of $101,212. The gap between these figures illustrates the premium that seasoned professionals earn, highlighting the importance of experience, specialization, and leadership skills in reaching these elevated income levels. Achieving such salary heights often requires not only years of experience but also advanced credentials and a track record of successfully managing complex projects, particularly in fields like healthcare and infrastructure that are increasingly demanding experienced oversight.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $129,551 and $156,879 per year (2026 est.). This $87,717 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $101,212 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,212 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,551 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $156,879 | $195,919 |
In Hays, 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 Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $101,212 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,551–$156,879 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays 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 Hays 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 Kansas 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 Hays
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #19 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $156,879).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Hays ($156,879) is 5.98% below the Kansas average P90 ($166,855).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,953
2025 BLS Actual
$151,691
2026 Current Est.
$156,879
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,953 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,244 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $131,953 in 2019 to $151,691 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 $162,244 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
Compensation for senior construction managers in Hays is influenced by multiple factors, including industry specialization and employer type. Niche areas such as healthcare construction, data centers, and industrial projects often command a price premium. General contractors, particularly those ranked among the ENR top 100 like Bechtel and Skanska USA, typically offer robust salary packages that include benefits and incentives based on project success. On the other hand, real estate developers and boutique firms may attract talent by offering more work-life balance, albeit sometimes with slightly lower base salaries. Moreover, career advancement paths, like transitioning from project manager to operations director, can significantly enhance earning potential. Advanced certifications such as the CMAA's CCM and PMP can also serve as leverage in salary negotiations, especially against the backdrop of a booming market for mega-projects in Kansas. Non-salary benefits, including project bonuses and travel compensation, further complicate the total compensation picture for senior professionals navigating these opportunities.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Hays?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Hays?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Hays?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Hays?
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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 $151,691 for construction managers in the Hays 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 Hays 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