Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Kahului, HI: $76,572 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Kahului, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,572 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kahului's local price level (BEA RPP 109.4 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,284) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, starting salaries for entry-level construction managers in Kahului are projected to be around $76,572, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $135,284. For new graduates, this entry-level construction manager salary in Kahului reflects a substantial gap, but it is also indicative of the growth potential within the first few years of their career. Entry-level professionals can aim to progress through the typical salary range, moving from $76,572 at the 10th percentile to around $86,045 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience, and eventually reaching the median. The construction sector in Kahului is currently thriving, presenting a favorable job market for fresh graduates, despite the initial pay being below the median level.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kahului
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 Kahului
Entry-level construction managers in Kahului, HI typically start between $76,572 and $86,045 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $137,249 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,284 — 13.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Hawaii of $70,000 represents just 91.42% of the starting construction manager pay ($76,572/year) in Kahului. 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 Kahului
- 1Research the Kahului market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $76,572 to $86,045, 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 Kahului, 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 Kahului for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kahului'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 Kahului is $137,249 ( 179.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,572, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,821.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,730
2025 BLS Actual
$74,040
2026 Current Est.
$76,572
2019–2027 Growth
+69.5%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,572 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,191 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Kahului, HI grew 58.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,730 in 2019 to $74,040 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,191. New graduates entering the Kahului job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
Employers in Kahului actively seek out new grads for entry-level roles, especially major general contractors such as Bechtel and Turner, which often recruit through university programs for assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors and real estate developers may also offer opportunities, although they usually require experienced professionals for more advanced roles. To enhance starting pay in Hawaii, candidates should consider pursuing credentials like a Bachelor’s in construction management, civil engineering, or relevant certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP). Career strategies should prioritize gaining experience in mega-projects, such as those related to data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, which are driving demand for skilled construction managers. Those who start at a lower salary can realistically expect incremental increases, particularly as they take on more responsibilities and potentially shift toward owner’s representative roles, which often provide a more balanced lifestyle and competitive compensation.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
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 Kahului. 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