Bowling Green vs Louisville: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,868 | $111,890▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.42 | $53.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,730 | $64,896▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,633 | $81,534▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,106 | $143,219▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,625▲ | $173,430 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Bowling Green and Louisville are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Louisville is $7,022 (6.70%). Louisville's median is -5.91% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $155,895,Louisville spans $108,534. Bowling Green has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($125,297 effective) pays 7.75% more than Bowling Green ($116,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,625)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,890/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,297)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Bowling Green grew 53.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$66,210 (2019) → $101,400 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$89,570 (2024) → $108,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Bowling Green or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Louisville as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Bowling Green vs Louisville?
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