Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Lawrence, IN: $67,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,249 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,657 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,913) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Indiana, new graduates stepping into the construction management field can anticipate starting salaries averaging around $67,249 in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $103,913 for construction managers in the city. However, for those starting their careers, there is a noticeable growth trajectory; as entry-level professionals gain experience, they can expect to move from the P10 salary toward the P25 salary of $82,175 within their first few years. Given the city's relatively lower cost of living index at 91.3, Lawrence represents a manageable market for newcomers to establish their careers in construction management, especially amid the ongoing mega-project boom.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level construction managers in Lawrence, IN typically start between $67,249 and $82,175 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,816 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,913 — 12.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 81.79% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,249/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,249 to $82,175, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $93,816 ( 139.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,249, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,065.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,382
2025 BLS Actual
$65,025
2026 Current Est.
$67,249
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,664 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,025 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,549 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,382 in 2019 to $65,025 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,549. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Several employers in Lawrence are keen to recruit entry-level construction managers, especially large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner. These firms often seek fresh talent via campus recruitment for assistant project manager roles, while specialty contractors tend to follow trade-specific career paths to attract candidates. To enhance their initial earning potential and marketability in Indiana, new graduates should consider pursuing significant credentials, such as a Bachelor's in construction management, and options like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. As they navigate the initial years of their careers, it’s essential to recognize the competitive pay offered by ENR-ranked general contractors, which often comes with demanding schedules. Conversely, exploring owner’s representative positions can yield a more balanced lifestyle while still offering attractive compensation. Early-career construction managers should expect reasonable salary growth as they leverage additional experience and skills, aligning their career paths with the current demand for construction professionals in the region.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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