Construction Manager Pay

Madison vs Pewaukee: Construction Manager Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$123,939
$59.59/hr
Pewaukee, WI
$117,431
$56.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIPewaukee, WI
Median Salary$123,939$117,431
Hourly Rate$59.59$56.46
Entry Level (P10)$80,192$73,898
25th Percentile$103,203$91,045
75th Percentile$150,145$150,169
Top Earner (P90)$180,085$176,493
Total Employed8604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($123,939) and Pewaukee ($117,431) construction manager salaries.MadisonPewaukeeMedian Salary$123,939$117,431Entry Level (P10)$80,192$73,898Top Earner (P90)$180,085$176,493US Median $118,923

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pewaukee.

The salary gap between Madison and Pewaukee is $6,508 (5.54%). Madison's median is +4.22% compared to the US national median of $118,923.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $99,893,Pewaukee spans $102,595. Pewaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$80,192
P25$103,203
Median$123,939
P75$150,145
P90 (Top)$180,085
Pewaukee
P10 (Entry)$73,898
P25$91,045
Median$117,431
P75$150,169
P90 (Top)$176,493

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($127,395 effective) pays 1.33% more than Pewaukee ($125,729 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $123,939
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $127,395
Pewaukee
Nominal: $117,431
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $125,729

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,939/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($180,085)
  • Larger job market (860 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,395)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Pewaukee if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Madison grew 4.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Pewaukee over the same period.

Madison, WI

+4.1%

$115,150 (2019) → $119,840 (2025)

Pewaukee, WI

+18.1%

$96,113 (2024) → $113,548 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays construction managers more: Madison or Pewaukee?

Madison has a higher median construction manager salary at $123,939/year, compared to Pewaukee at $117,431/year — a difference of $6,508 (5.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Pewaukee?

Madison construction managers earn $59.59/hr while Pewaukee hygienists earn $56.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Pewaukee as a construction manager?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Pewaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $127,395, Pewaukee = $125,729), job availability (860 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level construction managers earn in Madison vs Pewaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) construction managers earn $80,192 in Madison and $73,898 in Pewaukee. The Madison 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