New Haven vs Waterbury: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,673▲ | $130,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.19▲ | $62.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,044▲ | $86,707 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,085▲ | $102,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,999▲ | $164,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,654▲ | $180,995 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 310 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $6,971 (5.33%). New Haven's median is +15.77% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $101,610,Waterbury spans $94,288. New Haven 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, New Haven ($131,670 effective) pays 0.52% more than Waterbury ($130,993 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,673/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,654)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,670)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in New Haven grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$115,950 (2019) → $133,120 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$115,190 (2019) → $126,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: New Haven or Waterbury?
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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