Cleveland vs Akron: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,909 | $106,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.44 | $51.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,563 | $65,072▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,201▲ | $80,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,456▲ | $130,454 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,316▲ | $166,651 |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 920 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Akron are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $1,231 (1.17%). Akron's median is -10.75% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $107,753,Akron spans $101,579. Cleveland 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, Akron ($113,677 effective) pays 1.77% more than Cleveland ($111,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,316)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,140/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,677)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Cleveland grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$84,600 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
Akron, OH
$92,270 (2019) → $102,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Cleveland or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Akron?
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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
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