Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in DeLand, FL: $68,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the DeLand, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,519 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out DeLand's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,975 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,039) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in DeLand, FL can expect to earn substantially less than experienced counterparts, with starting positions offering salaries around $68,519. This figure represents a significant gap from the city’s overall median salary of $103,039 for construction managers. However, the initial pay should be viewed within a strategic career context. With career experience typically advancing salaries from the entry-level range through to approximately $83,161 by the 25th percentile and beyond the median as professionals hone their skills, the first few years in this role can serve as a solid foundation for future earnings. Given DeLand’s current dynamics and growing opportunities within the construction sector, there is a favorable environment for new graduates eager to secure a foothold in this profession.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in DeLand
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 DeLand
Entry-level construction managers in DeLand, FL typically start between $68,519 and $83,161 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,193 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,039 — 13.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Florida of $50,000 represents just 72.97% of the starting construction manager pay ($68,519/year) in DeLand. 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 DeLand
- 1Research the DeLand market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $68,519 to $83,161, 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 DeLand, 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 DeLand for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5DeLand'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 DeLand is $91,193 ( 133.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,519, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,712.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,371
2025 BLS Actual
$66,253
2026 Current Est.
$68,519
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,862 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in DeLand, FL grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,371 in 2019 to $66,253 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,862. New graduates entering the DeLand job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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 DeLand
Employers in DeLand that are likely to hire new graduates include large general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska, which often recruit fresh talent for assistant project management roles within their established campus recruitment efforts. Additionally, specialty contractors may take new entrants through trade-specific career paths, while real estate developers generally prefer candidates with significant experience from general contractor roles. To maximize starting pay in Florida, a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related discipline is crucial. Credentials such as CCM or PMP can also enhance prospects significantly. Given the active market driven by a mega-project boom—particularly in sectors like data centers and EV battery plants—entry-level professionals can anticipate a steady growth trajectory within their first three years in DeLand, creating potential for salary advancements as they gain experience in an industry that increasingly values effective project oversight and execution.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
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 DeLand. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeLand 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