Construction & Real Estate Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Construction Manager Salary in Arkansas

The median construction manager salary in Arkansas is $85,243 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $101,480.

Median Salary
$85,243
vs National
$-16,237
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Construction Manager Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for construction manager compensation. Construction Manager salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $85,243 per year, construction managers in Arkansas earn $16,237 less than the national median of $101,480.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $85,243 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $101,480 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: construction managers at the 10th percentile earn $50,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $147,000 — a $96,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $89,302.

Nationally, construction manager employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for construction managers across the country.

Construction Manager Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level construction manager earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,600 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,520
$-16,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,600
$-26,400 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $85,243 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $65,520
Median (50th) $85,243
75th Percentile $113,400
90th Percentile $147,000

Construction Manager Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for construction managers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Construction Manager in Arkansas

Education

Most construction manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Project ManagementBudgetingBlueprint ReadingBuilding CodesSchedulingContract Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, construction manager employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Construction Managers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $53,357 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Construction Manager Roles in Arkansas?

Get matched with recruiters hiring construction managers in Arkansas at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Construction Manager Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Construction Manager make in Arkansas? ▼
The median construction manager salary in Arkansas is $85,243 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $101,480. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $147,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Construction Manager make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,243, a construction manager in Arkansas earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for construction managers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for construction manager pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level construction managers earn $52,080, while senior professionals earn $138,600.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for construction manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for construction managers is Hawaii at $172,516. Arkansas's median of $85,243 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($88,288) and Oklahoma ($87,273).
What is the entry-level construction manager salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level construction manager in Arkansas earns approximately $52,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,600.
What city in Arkansas pays construction managers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for construction managers, with a median salary of $89,302. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.