Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Hilo, HI: $85,350 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,350 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,542 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,629) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into construction management roles in Hilo can expect to earn an entry-level construction manager salary starting at around $85,350 annually. This figure represents a substantial entry point into the field, but it does fall short of the city’s median salary of $134,629, showing a considerable gap that new professionals can work to bridge over time. As recent graduates gain experience, they can anticipate moving through salary tiers with growth opportunities leading to figures around $105,153 within the first few years, eventually reaching the median as they establish themselves in the industry. This trajectory suggests that the Hilo market presents promising prospects for new construction managers, especially amid a booming economy driven by the demand for large-scale projects, such as data centers and semiconductor facilities.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level construction managers in Hilo, HI typically start between $85,350 and $105,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,629 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Hawaii of $70,000 represents just 82.02% of the starting construction manager pay ($85,350/year) in Hilo. 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 Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $85,350 to $105,153, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) 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 Hilo is $123,325 ( 144.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,350, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,675.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,482
2025 BLS Actual
$82,528
2026 Current Est.
$85,350
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,350 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,269 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,482 in 2019 to $82,528 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,269. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
Employers in Hilo seeking to hire new graduates are primarily larger general contractors (GCs) like Bechtel and Skanska, which actively recruit young talent from universities through assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors often focus on niche markets, offering entry-level positions that can serve as pathways for those who have experience in the trades. While many real estate developers typically prefer to hire experienced project managers after they've garnered 5 to 10 years of industry exposure, recent grads with a Bachelor’s in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field position themselves favorably. To boost their starting pay and enhance career prospects, young professionals can pursue credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP). In an environment marked by ongoing mega-projects, dedicated entry-level employees can realistically expect their compensation to grow steadily over the first three years, particularly if they align with firms that offer competitive benefits and support further education in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Hilo in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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