Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Augusta, GA: $75,931 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,931 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,621 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates seeking entry-level positions as construction managers in Augusta, Georgia, can expect a starting salary of approximately $75,931 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city's median annual pay of $111,807. While the gap between entry-level and median salaries might seem significant, there is a clear growth trajectory for early-career professionals. With time and experience, new construction managers can anticipate moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $102,944 within their first few years. This substantial growth potential, combined with a projected annual growth rate of 3.42%, makes Augusta a viable market for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers in construction management.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level construction managers in Augusta, GA typically start between $75,931 and $102,944 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,464 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,807 — 5.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Georgia of $55,000 represents just 72.43% of the starting construction manager pay ($75,931/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $75,931 to $102,944, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta'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 Augusta is $120,464 ( 158.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,931, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,395.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,650
2025 BLS Actual
$73,420
2026 Current Est.
$75,931
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,931 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,528 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew 34.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,650 in 2019 to $73,420 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,528. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
In Augusta, various employers actively seek new graduates for construction management roles. Major general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner often recruit candidates through university campus pipelines specifically for assistant project management roles. While large general contractors might offer entry-level positions with intensive travel demands and longer hours, opportunities on the developer side—such as owner's representative roles—tend to provide a more favorable work-life balance and comparable compensation. Credentials also play a crucial role in accelerating starting pay in Georgia; a Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture can set candidates apart. Additionally, pursuing certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can support career advancement. For entry-level professionals, realistic salary growth during the first three years can lead to salaries that approach the mid-range, reflecting the ongoing demand fueled by the mega-project boom in data centers and semiconductor fabs.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
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 Augusta. 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