Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Davis, CA: $77,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,400 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,435 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,311) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the construction management field in Davis, California can expect a starting salary around $77,400 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for the area, which stands at $126,311, indicating a sizable gap that new entrants will need to navigate as they progress in their careers. Over the first three to five years, ambitious construction managers may see their salaries grow towards the $97,056 mark at the P25 level, and potentially reach the median with experience and skill development. Given the ongoing mega-project boom in California—driven by projects such as data centers, semiconductor fabs, and electric vehicle plants—Davis remains a promising market for new graduates seeking entry-level opportunities in construction management.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
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 Davis
Entry-level construction managers in Davis, CA typically start between $77,400 and $97,056 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $118,382 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,311 — 6.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in California of $85,000 represents just 109.82% of the starting construction manager pay ($77,400/year) in Davis. 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 Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $77,400 to $97,056, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, 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 Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Davis is $118,382 ( 152.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,400, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,782.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,289
2025 BLS Actual
$74,840
2026 Current Est.
$77,400
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,488 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,245 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,047 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,289 in 2019 to $74,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,047. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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 Davis
In this competitive environment, large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, Turner, and Whiting-Turner are key employers actively seeking new talent through campus recruiting efforts. Positions typically start as assistant project managers, offering valuable experience. To boost starting construction manager pay in CA, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant credentials such as a bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering, and consider pursuing certifications like CCM, PMP, or LEED AP. As they settle into their careers, entry-level professionals should anticipate tackling challenging roles that may require intense workloads, especially in top-ranked firms where travel is common. Meanwhile, transitioning to owner's representative positions after a few years can yield more favorable work-life balance alongside competitive compensation. Expecting realistic salary growth during the first three years will pave the way for a successful career in the evolving construction landscape in Davis.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
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 Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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