Senior Construction Manager Salary in Salina, KS: $162,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Salina, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,134/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Salina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $178,365 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
For seasoned construction managers in Salina, Kansas, the 2026 projected median annual salary is $104,602, with the potential to earn significantly more. Top earners can reach up to $162,134 annually, highlighting a substantial gap between the median and high-tier salaries. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience—typically seven or more years—but also a solid track record in complex projects, particularly in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and commercial development. The experience premium, which distinguishes senior professionals from their less experienced counterparts, reflects the advanced skills and expertise necessary to handle large-scale and high-risk projects effectively in the competitive Kansas market.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Salina earn between $133,734 and $162,134 per year (2026 est.). This $92,493 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salina median of $104,602 sits 12.04% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Salina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,602 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,734 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,134 | $195,919 |
In Salina, 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 Salina
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $104,602 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salina employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Salina command premium compensation, often reaching the $133,734–$162,134 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salina 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 Salina 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 Salina
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalina ranks #14 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $162,134).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Salina ($162,134) is 2.83% below the Kansas average P90 ($166,855).
2019 BLS Actual
$136,373
2025 BLS Actual
$156,772
2026 Current Est.
$162,134
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,352 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,679 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Salina saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $136,373 in 2019 to $156,772 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 $167,679 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
Compensation for experienced construction managers in Salina varies notably based on specialization and employer type. Those engaged in high-demand sectors like commercial building, healthcare construction, and data center projects often command higher pay due to the complexities involved. Moreover, firms across different tiers present diverse salary structures; while top ENR-ranked general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska offer robust compensation but may require extensive travel and demanding hours, real estate developers and program management firms provide a more balanced lifestyle with competitive pay. Advancement paths are clear, with opportunities to progress from assistant project manager to senior project manager and ultimately to roles like operations director. Advanced credentials like CCM, PMP, and LEED AP can enhance earning potential, especially for candidates with a solid education in construction management or related fields. Additionally, non-salary benefits, including bonuses tied to project profitability and premiums for complex projects, significantly influence total compensation at the senior level in KS.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Salina in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Salina?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Salina?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Salina?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Salina?
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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 $156,772 for construction managers in the Salina 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 Salina 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