Construction Manager Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $49.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a construction manager working in DeKalb, IL runs $49.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,146 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, construction managers command a median hourly pay of $49.80, which is significantly lower than the national median of $57.17. This rate reflects the local market conditions for this profession, where many construction managers find themselves working in various environments such as construction site project management offices, corporate offices for estimating and preconstruction, and even on-site supervision for owners. For those who take on part-time roles, such as working three days a week, or opt for per-diem positions, this hourly rate translates into a viable income depending on the number of hours worked each week. Entry-level positions can start at roughly $32.70, while experienced professionals can earn up to around $77.19, offering a considerable range for those in the field to progress based on talent and accountability.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Construction Manager Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.70 | $261.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.73 | $317.87 |
| Median (P50) | $49.80 | $398.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.34 | $506.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.19 | $617.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $49.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.80/hr, a construction manager working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $103,577 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,756. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,991.87 | $8,631 | $103,577 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.12 | $5,179 | $62,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.75 | $3,453 | $41,431 |
Compare CM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager (DeKalb) | $49.80 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.88 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $46.55 |
| Cost Estimator (National Avg) | $37.53 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Construction (National Avg) | $38.11 |
Construction Managers in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $103,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.90% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $107,676.
Construction Manager Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.80/hr = $62,146/year (purchasing power: $64,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,577/year (purchasing power: $106,671).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Construction Managers in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for construction managers in DeKalb grew 20.7% from $39.89/hr (2019) to $48.15/hr (2025). At a 3.42% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem construction managers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Construction Manager in DeKalb
For construction managers in DeKalb, part-time opportunities can lead to substantial earnings, even on a reduced schedule. For instance, a construction manager working 24 hours a week could potentially generate around $62,784 annually, which aligns well with their commitments while maintaining a better work-life balance compared to full-time roles. Conversely, per-diem construction manager pay in DeKalb offers an even greater upside; these professionals frequently bill at rates between $100 and $180 per hour for project management roles, climbing to $400 for specialized consulting. Employer types also influence hourly compensation—while general contractors like Bechtel and Turner Construction offer competitive pay, smaller firms might pay lower rates but provide benefits that can make those options appealing. Construction managers with the right credentials, like CMAA CCM or PMP certifications, often find themselves in a stronger negotiating position. Understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus steady full-time roles is essential for anyone entering or advancing in the DeKalb job market.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for construction managers in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time construction managers make in DeKalb?
Are construction managers in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time construction manager make per year in DeKalb?
Do construction managers earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for construction managers in DeKalb. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeKalb is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov