Senior Construction Manager Salary in Williston, ND: $161,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $161,819/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,890 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 Williston, North Dakota, experienced construction managers are well-positioned to reap significant financial rewards, especially those who have honed their expertise over 7 years or more. The projected 2026 data indicates that top earners can bring in an annual salary as high as $161,819, while the 75th percentile stands at $133,631. This represents a substantial experience premium compared to the median annual salary of $104,399. It takes a combination of complex project management, leadership skills, and possibly specialized credentials to reach the upper echelons of pay in this market. As the demand for construction expertise continues to rise—particularly with the ongoing mega-project boom—those equipped with advanced skills and a strong professional network are likely to capitalize on these lucrative opportunities.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $133,631 and $161,819 per year (2026 est.). This $94,696 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $104,399 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,399 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,631 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $161,819 | $195,919 |
In Williston, 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 Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $104,399 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $133,631–$161,819 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston 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 Williston 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 Dakota 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 Williston
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $161,819).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Williston ($161,819) is 5.24% below the North Dakota average P90 ($170,767).
2019 BLS Actual
$136,108
2025 BLS Actual
$156,468
2026 Current Est.
$161,819
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,108 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,096 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,353 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $136,108 in 2019 to $156,468 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 $167,353 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Compensation for senior construction managers in Williston varies significantly based on the type of employer and the specialization of projects. Areas such as healthcare construction, industrial projects, and data center developments are hotbeds for premium pay. Senior managers working with top-tier general contractors—like Bechtel or Turner Construction—often see higher salaries compared to their counterparts in boutique firms or real estate development roles. Advancement paths typically lead from assistant project manager all the way to operations director, while those on the superintendent track may transition into operations leadership. Credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering can enhance earning potential, and certifications like CCM and PMP are highly valued. Senior roles often come with perks such as bonuses tied to project success and added compensation for travel, reflecting the operating structure within the regional market landscape in ND.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Williston?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Williston?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Williston?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Williston?
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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 $156,468 for construction managers in the Williston 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 Williston 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