Orlando vs Tampa: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Orlando, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,704 | $124,931▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.71 | $60.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,868▲ | $65,361 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,372▲ | $87,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,431▲ | $161,335 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,880 | $220,243▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,340 | 4,760▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Tampa is $13,227 (11.84%). Tampa's median is +5.05% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $147,012,Tampa spans $154,882. Tampa 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, Tampa ($123,829 effective) pays 12.43% more than Orlando ($110,142 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,243)
- ✓Larger job market (4,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,829)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Orlando grew 37.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$78,580 (2019) → $108,010 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$82,970 (2019) → $120,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Orlando or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Tampa as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Orlando vs Tampa?
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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