Senior Construction Manager Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $175,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Winston-Salem, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,188/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Winston-Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $187,167 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 professionals in Winston-Salem, the 2026 projected compensation landscape for experienced construction managers reveals significant earning potential. With top earners (P90) commanding salaries of $175,188 and those in the 75th percentile (P75) achieving $144,671, there is a distinct opportunity for growth for those who attain senior-level roles. The city's median annual salary of $113,025 reflects an experience premium, emphasizing the gulf that exists between average pay and the top-tier compensation available in this market. Achieving these higher salary brackets typically requires an extensive track record, specialized skills, and leadership capabilities that can navigate complex projects, showcasing the type of performance and dedication that employers prioritize.
Specialization plays a crucial role in determining senior construction manager pay in NC, especially in sectors such as healthcare construction, infrastructure, and data center projects. Construction managers with a focus on commercial and industrial sectors often find themselves in the highest demand, further driving salary potential. Employment types also influence compensation; top-tier general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska USA provide competitive pay but might demand longer hours and significant travel. In contrast, in-house owner's representatives or program managers can offer a more balanced lifestyle while maintaining competitive salaries. Pathways to leadership in this field are clear, often progressing from assistant project manager to project executive or operations director. Advanced credentials, such as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), combined with experience, significantly boost earning potential, particularly when managing larger projects or working with specialized firms in the Winston-Salem area. As the mega-project boom continues, those positioned in strategic roles can command salaries that reflect the complexity and scale of their responsibilities.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Winston-Salem earn between $144,671 and $175,188 per year (2026 est.). This $109,634 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winston-Salem median of $113,025 sits 4.96% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Winston-Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $113,025 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,671 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,188 | $195,919 |
In Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $113,025 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winston-Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Winston-Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $144,671–$175,188 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinston-Salem ranks #11 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $175,188).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Winston-Salem ($175,188) is 4.27% below the North Carolina average P90 ($183,006).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,353
2025 BLS Actual
$169,395
2026 Current Est.
$175,188
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,572 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,180 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Winston-Salem saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $147,353 in 2019 to $169,395 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 $181,180 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Winston-Salem in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Winston-Salem?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Winston-Salem?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Winston-Salem?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Winston-Salem?
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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 $169,395 for construction managers in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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