Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Lewiston, ID: $53,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,385 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,562 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,945) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lewiston, Idaho, the starting construction manager salary projected for 2026 is approximately $53,385, which establishes a distinct gap from the overall median annual salary of $112,945 for this role in the city. New graduates can expect to bridge this gap over a few years, moving towards the 25th percentile at about $87,576 within their first few years in the field. With the construction management sector evolving, especially within the context of the current mega-project boom, positions available for early-career professionals offer promising advancement opportunities. Given these dynamics, Lewiston may be a favorable market for recent graduates, particularly when considering the local cost of living index of 91.16, indicating that entry-level pay can suffice in meeting basic living expenses while allowing for professional growth.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston
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 Lewiston
Entry-level construction managers in Lewiston, ID typically start between $53,385 and $87,576 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,603 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,945 — 5.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Idaho of $48,000 represents just 89.91% of the starting construction manager pay ($53,385/year) in Lewiston. 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 Lewiston
- 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $53,385 to $87,576, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lewiston, 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 Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lewiston'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 Lewiston is $102,603 ( 192.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,385, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,150
2025 BLS Actual
$51,620
2026 Current Est.
$53,385
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.4%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,211 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew -9.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,150 in 2019 to $51,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,211. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston
In Lewiston, potential employers hiring fresh graduates as construction managers often include large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner, which recruit through university pipelines for assistant project management roles. These companies tend to offer structured programs designed to nurture new talent. For entry-level positions, having a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture can significantly improve starting pay and job prospects. Pursuing certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can also boost earning potential at the early stages of one's career. In the first few years, professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in salary, aligning with the ongoing demand from mega-projects like data centers and electric vehicle battery plants that require skilled management. Comparing roles among general contractors and owner’s representatives will also present varied work-life balances, highlighting the importance of strategic career planning as you transition through these formative years in construction management.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Lewiston in 2026?
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Is construction management school worth it in Lewiston?
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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 Lewiston. 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