Raleigh vs Wilson: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilson, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,794▲ | $104,545 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.52▲ | $50.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,678▲ | $68,003 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,718▲ | $82,929 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,590▲ | $133,818 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,248▲ | $162,045 |
| Total Employed | 3,020▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilson.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilson is $19,249 (18.41%). Raleigh's median is +4.10% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $108,570,Wilson spans $94,042. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($126,118 effective) pays 12.91% more than Wilson ($111,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,248)
- ✓Larger job market (3,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,118)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Raleigh grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Wilson over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$101,610 (2019) → $119,700 (2025)
Wilson, NC
$87,933 (2024) → $101,088 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilson, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Raleigh or Wilson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilson?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilson as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Raleigh vs Wilson?
Related Comparisons
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