Construction Manager Pay

Germantown vs Milwaukee: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

Compare construction manager salaries between Germantown, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Germantown, WI
$116,755
$56.14/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$123,246
$59.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGermantown, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$116,755$123,246
Hourly Rate$56.14$59.25
Entry Level (P10)$72,311$79,809
25th Percentile$94,266$103,461
75th Percentile$149,446$143,878
Top Earner (P90)$180,971$174,780
Total Employed61,680
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Germantown ($116,755) and Milwaukee ($123,246) construction manager salaries.GermantownMilwaukeeMedian Salary$116,755$123,246Entry Level (P10)$72,311$79,809Top Earner (P90)$180,971$174,780US Median $118,923

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.

The salary gap between Germantown and Milwaukee is $6,491 (5.56%). Milwaukee's median is +3.64% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Germantown spans $108,660,Milwaukee spans $94,971. Germantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Germantown
P10 (Entry)$72,311
P25$94,266
Median$116,755
P75$149,446
P90 (Top)$180,971
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$79,809
P25$103,461
Median$123,246
P75$143,878
P90 (Top)$174,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($127,140 effective) pays 1.71% more than Germantown ($125,005 effective).

Germantown
Nominal: $116,755
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $125,005
Milwaukee
Nominal: $123,246
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $127,140

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Germantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($180,971)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,246/year)
  • Larger job market (1,680 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,140)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Germantown grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Germantown, WI

+18.1%

$95,559 (2024) → $112,894 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+4.6%

$113,880 (2019) → $119,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Germantown or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median construction manager salary at $123,246/year, compared to Germantown at $116,755/year — a difference of $6,491 (5.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Milwaukee?

Germantown construction managers earn $56.14/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $59.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Germantown to Milwaukee as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Germantown and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Germantown = $125,005, Milwaukee = $127,140), job availability (6 vs 1,680 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Germantown vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $72,311 in Germantown and $79,809 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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