What the numbers say
Wisconsin's median for Construction Managers came in at $113,170 in 2024, about 3% above the national median of $110,156. That is a modest premium, but the cost-of-living picture makes it more meaningful. Wisconsin's overall price index sits at 92.7, roughly 7% below the national baseline. In purchasing terms, that $113,170 goes further here than the same number would in most other states. We estimate the real-dollar equivalent at around $122,000 in national-baseline terms, which is a more comfortable lead over the US median than the headline figures suggest.
The spread between earners is wide. The bottom 10% of Construction Managers in Wisconsin earned $72,150, while the top 10% reached $170,150. That is a gap of nearly $98,000 within the same occupation and state. Senior managers overseeing large commercial or infrastructure projects tend to cluster at the higher end, while project coordinators and site supervisors in smaller residential work often land closer to the bottom decile. The mean wage of $120,310 runs above the median, which tells us the high earners pull the average up.
On the employment side, about 4,990 Construction Managers work in Wisconsin. BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 8.7% between 2024 and 2034, a rate it classifies as faster than average. Wisconsin's sustained infrastructure investment and ongoing residential and commercial construction activity align with that national trajectory, though local conditions can push the state figure in either direction over a ten-year window.
Salary distribution
Where Wisconsin construction managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $90,860 and $139,360, with a median of $113,170.
Construction Managers pay by experience level in Wisconsin
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Wisconsin over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Information Ordering
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Coordination
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Management of Personnel Resources
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- 02
Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
- 03
Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
- 04
Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
- 05
Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
- 06
Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
- 07
Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
- 08
Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+8.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for construction managers in major Wisconsin metropolitan areas.
- Milwaukee$111,300
Compare Construction Managers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Construction Managers in Wisconsin?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Construction Managers in Wisconsin is $113,170.
- How does Wisconsin compare to the national median for Construction Managers?
- The Wisconsin median is +2.7% versus the BLS national figure of $110,156.
- What is the salary range for Construction Managers in Wisconsin?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $72,150 and the 90th-percentile at $170,150, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Construction Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 8.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Construction Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.