Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Richmond, IN: $62,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,198 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,125 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,699) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to begin their careers as construction managers in Richmond, Indiana, the starting construction manager salary is projected at $62,198 in 2026. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $105,699, it presents a solid opportunity for growth. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect to see their earnings increase significantly, reaching approximately $85,771 at the 25th percentile within a few years. Richmond's market is favorable for new graduates, particularly given the region's ongoing demand for skilled construction management due to the current surge in mega-projects like data centers and semiconductor facilities.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level construction managers in Richmond, IN typically start between $62,198 and $85,771 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,636 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,699 — 11.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 88.43% of the starting construction manager pay ($62,198/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $62,198 to $85,771, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $101,636 ( 163.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,198, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,834.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,448
2025 BLS Actual
$60,141
2026 Current Est.
$62,198
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,325 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,448 in 2019 to $60,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,325. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Several notable employers in Richmond actively recruit entry-level construction managers, including large general contractors such as Bechtel and Skanska, which often seek candidates directly from university programs for assistant project manager roles. Meanwhile, specialty contractors and trade-specific firms provide pathways for those with hands-on experience. Elevating one's credentials can also be beneficial; pursuing a Bachelor’s in construction management or civil engineering, and obtaining certifications like CCM or PMP can help recent grads tap into higher repair rates in the field. As the construction industry experiences a sustained surge, it’s realistic for new professionals to aim for an increase in salary within their first few years, aligning with the demand for experienced managers. Prioritizing career development in these formative years positions them for lucrative opportunities as the local construction market continues to grow.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Richmond in 2026?
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Is construction management school worth it in Richmond?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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