Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Carlsbad, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,126 | $106,443▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.54 | $51.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,249▲ | $66,891 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,963▲ | $83,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,892 | $136,247▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,145 | $164,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,210▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Carlsbad, NM offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $1,317 (1.25%). Carlsbad's median is -10.49% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $90,896,Carlsbad spans $98,096. Carlsbad has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carlsbad ($112,757 effective) pays 2.48% more than Albuquerque ($110,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,443/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,987)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,757)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Albuquerque grew 16.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$87,320 (2019) → $101,650 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$82,345 (2024) → $102,923 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Carlsbad?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Carlsbad as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Albuquerque vs Carlsbad?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov