Senior Construction Manager Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $162,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Jacksonville, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,111/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Jacksonville's price premium (BEA RPP 92.1, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $176,045 in average-cost America. The 58% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

For experienced construction managers in Jacksonville, NC, the financial rewards can be substantial. In 2026, the median annual salary is anticipated to hit $102,303, with top earners (P90) reaching up to $162,111. This represents a significant experience premium, highlighting the lucrative gap between the average and higher-tier salaries within the local market. Achieving such top-tier pay often reflects a mix of extensive project experience, advanced credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation, and specialization in high-demand sectors such as healthcare or industrial construction. The rising need for skilled leaders is driven by Jacksonville's ongoing infrastructure projects and the booming data center sector, which further elevates the earning potential for senior construction managers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Jacksonville earn between $129,461 and $162,111 per year (2026 est.). This $95,477 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jacksonville median of $102,303 sits 13.98% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Jacksonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $102,303 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,461 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,111 | $195,919 |
In Jacksonville, experienced construction managers (P90) earn 58.46% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Construction Manager Pay in Jacksonville
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $102,303 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jacksonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Jacksonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,461–$162,111 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 North Carolina 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 Jacksonville
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJacksonville ranks #40 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $162,111).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Jacksonville ($162,111) is 11.42% below the North Carolina average P90 ($183,006).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,340
2025 BLS Actual
$156,750
2026 Current Est.
$162,111
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,655 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Jacksonville saw their compensation grow 19.3% from $131,340 in 2019 to $156,750 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 $167,655 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
To capitalize on the potential for senior construction manager pay in NC, it’s key to understand which specializations command premium salaries in Jacksonville. There is a growing demand for expertise in commercial construction, healthcare building projects, and industrial manufacturing, all of which tend to pay more given their complexity and scope. Compensation also varies significantly based on the type of employer. General contractors, especially those on the ENR top-100 list like Bechtel and Turner Construction, offer competitive salaries alongside robust benefits packages. Meanwhile, specialized contractors or program management firms may provide niche opportunities with varying compensation structures. Career progression is typical, with paths leading from assistant project manager to project executive and even into operations leadership. Additionally, advanced credentials such as a Bachelor’s in construction management or civil engineering, along with certifications like PMP or LEED AP, can greatly enhance earning potential and open doors to higher leadership roles. Non-salary compensation factors, like project size, bonus structures, and the nature of employment (general contractor vs. owner’s representative), also play a significant role in total earnings for senior-level professionals.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Jacksonville in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Jacksonville?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Jacksonville?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Jacksonville?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Jacksonville?
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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 $156,750 for construction managers in the Jacksonville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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