Chicago vs Elmhurst: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Chicago, IL and Elmhurst, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Elmhurst, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,291▲ | $101,830 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.32▲ | $48.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,398 | $64,047▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,146▲ | $79,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,836▲ | $130,343 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,232▲ | $157,838 |
| Total Employed | 13,850▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmhurst.
The salary gap between Chicago and Elmhurst is $19,461 (19.11%). 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 Chicago spans $126,834,Elmhurst spans $93,791. Chicago 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, Chicago ($117,082 effective) pays 11.64% more than Elmhurst ($104,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Elmhurst if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Chicago grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.2% growth in Elmhurst over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$91,860 (2019) → $117,280 (2025)
Elmhurst, IL
$108,389 (2024) → $98,463 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Elmhurst, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Chicago or Elmhurst?
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Should I relocate from Chicago to Elmhurst as a construction manager?
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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