As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Works Manager in the United States is $149,528 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Public Works Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Works Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public Works Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $146,596 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $175,907 |
| Public Wo... Level Public Works Manager | $148,580 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $192,892 |
| Governmen... Level Public Works Manager | $210,781 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Public Works Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 7.01% |
| Community Relations | 1.5% |
| Community Engagement | 1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Development
|
$159,995 |
7%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$158,500 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$157,004 |
5%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$155,509 |
4%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$155,509 |
4%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$155,509 |
4%
|
For Public Works Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Public Works Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Works Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $224,292 | $108.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $216,816 | $104.0 | 45% |
| MFG Durable | $209,339 | $101.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $194,386 | $93.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $186,910 | $90.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public Works Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Public Works Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,258 and $152,280).
Public Works Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 3.0% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 34.8% |
| Masters | 37.1% |
| Doctorate | 24.2% |
Understanding how a Public Works Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Public Works Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $110,497 in 2023 to around $108,745 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Works Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $110,497 |
| 2024 | $109,885 |
| 2025 | $108,745 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Public Works Manager roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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