Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $68,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Daytona Beach, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,537 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daytona Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,993 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,305) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates aiming for a career as a construction manager, the entry-level landscape in Daytona Beach, FL, presents a promising yet competitive outlook. In 2026, starting salaries are expected to be around $68,537, creating a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $110,305 for construction managers in the area. This may seem daunting initially; however, new professionals can advance to salaries of approximately $85,466 with experience gained over the first few years. The construction market in Daytona Beach is currently thriving, particularly due to ongoing mega-projects like data centers and electric vehicle plants, which fuels demand for skilled workers. As the market grows, the growth trajectory for entry-level roles offers hope for new graduates eager to step into this rewarding field.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daytona Beach
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 Daytona Beach
Entry-level construction managers in Daytona Beach, FL typically start between $68,537 and $85,466 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,435 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,305 — 7.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Florida of $50,000 represents just 72.95% of the starting construction manager pay ($68,537/year) in Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach
- 1Research the Daytona Beach market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $68,537 to $85,466, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daytona Beach, 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 Daytona Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Daytona Beach's moderate 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 Daytona Beach is $102,435 ( 149.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,537, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,972.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,386
2025 BLS Actual
$66,271
2026 Current Est.
$68,537
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,386 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,089 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,104 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,019 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,271 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,881 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Daytona Beach, FL grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,386 in 2019 to $66,271 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,881. New graduates entering the Daytona Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
When considering a career launch in construction management, understanding the employing landscape in Daytona Beach is key. Large general contractors such as Bechtel and Skanska often hire recent graduates for assistant project manager roles through partnerships with local universities. Apprenticeships and positions within specialty contractors can serve as viable entry points, though these often lead to trade-specific job paths. Graduates with a Bachelor’s in construction management or civil engineering will find that credentials, such as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or OSHA 30 certification, can boost their starting pay in Florida. The ongoing expansion within the sector emphasizes the need for experienced managers, with opportunities to transition to roles as an owner's representative offering often better work-life balance compared to general contractor positions. In the first few years, realistic salary growth could see new entrants gradually approaching median earnings as they gain experience, making careers in construction management both lucrative and fulfilling in Daytona Beach.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Daytona Beach in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Daytona Beach?
Is construction management school worth it in Daytona Beach?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Daytona Beach?
How do I become a construction manager in Florida?
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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 Daytona Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daytona Beach 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