Carol Stream vs Chicago: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,369 | $121,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.18 | $58.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,223▲ | $57,398 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,224 | $85,146▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,593 | $156,836▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,773 | $184,232▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 13,850▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Chicago is $16,922 (16.21%). Chicago's median is +1.99% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $100,550,Chicago spans $126,834. Chicago 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, Chicago ($117,082 effective) pays 8.93% more than Carol Stream ($107,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,232)
- ✓Larger job market (13,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,082)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Carol Stream grew -9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$111,092 (2024) → $100,918 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$91,860 (2019) → $117,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Carol Stream or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carol Stream and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Carol Stream to Chicago as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Carol Stream vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
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