Construction Manager Salary in Van Buren, AR: $80,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Van Buren, AR earns a median $80,744/year (≈ $38.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Van Buren's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $92,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $80,744 in 2026, construction manager salaries in Van Buren, Arkansas, reflect the local economic landscape shaped by the ongoing mega-project boom, particularly in data centers and semiconductor fabrication facilities. These developments are attracting a need for experienced construction professionals, with salaries ranging from $54,088 at the lower end to $125,154 for those at the top of the pay scale. The figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the consistent demand for skilled construction managers, especially those familiar with large-scale projects, job prospects in Van Buren's market appear relatively robust.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,088 | $26.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,984 | $31.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,744 | $38.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,353 | $49.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,154 | $60.17 |
Median Salary Position
32.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Van Buren
In Van Buren, AR, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,066 (2026 est.). At $80,744, the local median is 32.1% below the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Van Buren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Van Buren Construction Manager Pay Compares
Van Buren median: $80,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Van Buren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $87,009 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $118,923 | -32.10% less |
Construction Managers in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $80,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.10% lower than the national median of $118,923 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $87,009.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Van Buren has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Van Buren, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A construction manager earning $80,744 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,678
2025 BLS Actual
$78,074
2026 Current Est.
$80,744
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,678 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Van Buren metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 20.7% from $64,678 (2019) to $78,074 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,828 (29.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,088 – $64,984 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,984 – $80,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,744 – $103,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,353 – $125,154 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Van Buren
The job market for construction managers in Van Buren currently employs five professionals, indicating a niche but potentially lucrative environment for those in the field. The local cost of living index stands at 86.9, considerably below the national average of 100, suggesting that construction manager pay in Van Buren may go further in terms of purchasing power compared to more expensive markets. Among the key employers, top general contractors like Bechtel or Skanska USA offer competitive compensation, while specialty contractors and program management firms can also provide attractive opportunities. The disparities in salaries often hinge on project size, complexity, and employer tier; mega-project managers commanding high salaries often exceed $200,000 with bonuses linked to project profitability. For those seeking to maximize earnings, targeting positions with top-ranked general contractors, pursuing roles on expansive projects, and considering opportunities on the owner’s representative side can be effective strategies in the Van Buren construction landscape.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,074 for construction managersin the Van Buren metropolitan area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Van Buren 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