Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Benton, AR: $51,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,089 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,791 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,217) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected annual salary of $51,089 for entry-level construction managers in Benton, Arkansas, new graduates can anticipate a robust start in their careers, despite it being nearly $34,000 lower than the city’s median salary of $85,217. This starting figure positions early-career professionals near the bottom of the salary scale, but growth potential exists as they advance from entry-level roles to higher pay brackets. According to a 2026 projection, entry-level managers may expect to reach $64,657 within a few years, ultimately benefiting from a sustained growth rate of 3.42% annually. Given Benton’s expanding market, particularly in the context of the ongoing mega-project boom—including data centers and electric vehicle plants—this environment is favorable for new graduates looking to break into construction management.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level construction managers in Benton, AR typically start between $51,089 and $64,657 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,997 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,217 — 28.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Arkansas of $42,000 represents just 82.21% of the starting construction manager pay ($51,089/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $51,089 to $64,657, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Benton is $80,997 ( 158.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,089, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,086.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,795
2025 BLS Actual
$49,400
2026 Current Est.
$51,089
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,795 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,567 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,707 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,837 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,795 in 2019 to $49,400 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,837. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Starting Your construction management Career in Benton
In Benton, various employers actively seek new talent, presenting solid job opportunities for aspiring construction managers. Major general contractors like Bechtel and Turner often recruit directly from universities, offering promising assistant project manager roles that can help build experience quickly. For those looking to enhance their value and starting construction manager salary in Benton, obtaining certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can be advantageous. Furthermore, many opportunities exist within real estate development firms and specialized contractors, although these positions may prefer candidates with several years of experience. During the first few years, newcomers can expect modest salary growth as they gain experience in a competitive but growing field, particularly with high-performing general contractors that typically necessitate intense work schedules. The prospect for transitioning to owner’s representative roles can also offer a better work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation.
More salary data for Benton, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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