Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,017▲ | $108,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.77▲ | $52.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,924▲ | $72,601 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,068▲ | $90,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,180 | $142,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,745 | $197,377▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $7,840 (7.25%). Columbia's median is -2.44% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $109,821,Hilton Head Island spans $124,776. Hilton Head Island 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, Columbia ($123,868 effective) pays 12.23% more than Hilton Head Island ($110,366 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,017/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,868)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,377)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Columbia grew 5.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$106,700 (2019) → $112,180 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$86,430 (2019) → $104,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Columbia vs Hilton Head Island?
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