Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $59,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Jonesboro, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,105 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jonesboro's local price level (BEA RPP 85.9 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,826 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jonesboro, AR, recent projections indicate that entry-level construction managers can expect a starting pay of approximately $59,105 for 2026. This figure represents a notable gap from the city's median salary of $89,117, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities that new graduates face in their early careers. Over their first few years, individuals in this role could see their earnings progress from this initial figure toward higher thresholds, such as the P25 salary of $76,345. Given the ongoing demand for construction management professionals fueled by local projects and initiatives, Jonesboro currently presents a favorable market for new grads entering this field, reinforcing the potential for growth and improved financial stability as they advance in their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jonesboro
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 Jonesboro
Entry-level construction managers in Jonesboro, AR typically start between $59,105 and $76,345 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,057 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,117 — 25.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Arkansas of $42,000 represents just 71.06% of the starting construction manager pay ($59,105/year) in Jonesboro. 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 Jonesboro
- 1Research the Jonesboro market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $59,105 to $76,345, 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 Jonesboro, 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 Jonesboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jonesboro'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 Jonesboro is $67,057 ( 113.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,105, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,162.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,450
2025 BLS Actual
$57,150
2026 Current Est.
$59,105
2019–2027 Growth
+21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,126 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Jonesboro, AR grew 13.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,450 in 2019 to $57,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,126. New graduates entering the Jonesboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
Employment opportunities for entry-level construction managers in Jonesboro are often tied to larger general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska, which actively seek candidates from local engineering programs for assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors may offer pathways through trade-specific avenues, while real estate developers typically require more experienced leaders. To enhance starting salaries, attaining credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields could be beneficial, especially as integrated certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) may elevate one's profile. With the ongoing mega-project boom underscoring a strong demand for skilled construction managers, individuals can anticipate realistic salary growth that aligns with the industry standard, allowing new professionals to cultivate meaningful career trajectories within the local context.
More salary data for Jonesboro, 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 Jonesboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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