Construction Manager Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $136,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time construction manager in Los Angeles, CA earns a median $136,183/year (≈ $65.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 11-9021). Once you factor in Los Angeles's price level (14% above national, BEA RPP 113.6), that paycheck buys what $119,915 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the projected median annual salary for construction managers in 2026 is $136,183, significantly higher than the national median of $118,923. This competitive pay range spans from $78,320 at the lower ten percentile to $219,592 for the highest earners. Such figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates for 2025, projected into 2026, highlight the attractive financial landscape for professionals in this sector. As the construction industry maintains momentum, candidates can expect better compensation as they make career moves—particularly when pivoting from general contractor project management roles to owner’s representative positions. This shift not only impacts salary but often aligns with a more balanced lifestyle amid the bustling job market in Los Angeles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,320 | $37.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,278 | $50.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,183 | $65.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,929 | $81.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,592 | $105.57 |
Median Salary Position
14.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, CA, the construction manager salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,272 (2026 est.). At $136,183, the local median is 14.51% above the national median of $118,923.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Angeles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Angeles Construction Manager Pay Compares
Los Angeles median: $136,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Angeles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,569 | +4.30% more |
| National Average | $118,923 | +14.51% more |
Construction Managers in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $136,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.51% higher than the national median of $118,923 and 4.30% above the California state average of $130,569.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Angeles has a cost of living 13.57% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Angeles, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.566 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,183 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,915 — a 11.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,110
2025 BLS Actual
$131,680
2026 Current Est.
$136,183
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,841 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the median construction manager salary grew 11.5% from $118,110 (2019) to $131,680 (2025). At a 3.42% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,731 (19.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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) | $78,320 – $104,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,278 – $136,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,183 – $169,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,929 – $219,592 |
CM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual construction manager compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Construction Manager Job Market in Los Angeles
The construction job market in Los Angeles is robust, with approximately 10,120 active construction managers enriching the sector. While salaries appear generous, the cost of living significantly affects purchasing power, as indicated by a cost-of-living index of 113.566, above the national average. Major employers, including top general contractors like Bechtel, Turner Construction, and AECOM, typically offer the highest pay, but candidates must be aware of the trade-offs involved, such as demanding hours and travel commitments. Specialization can also influence pay, with construction managers overseeing mega-projects, particularly in sectors like data centers and EV plants, commanding premium salaries. To maximize earnings in LA, professionals should consider focusing on large project management, developing niche expertise, and exploring opportunities with prestigious firms while balancing the dynamic demands of the construction landscape.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
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 $131,680 for construction managersin the Los Angeles 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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