Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Derby, KS: $65,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,086 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,598) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of construction management in Derby, KS, can anticipate a starting salary of around $65,526 in 2026. This initial compensation is significantly below the city’s projected median salary of $106,598, highlighting a challenging start for those new to the profession. However, the career path shows a clear upward trajectory; within the first few years, graduates can realistically aspire to earn upwards of $81,742 as they gain experience and establish themselves in the industry. With the ongoing demand for construction managers due to mega-projects in the region, including data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, Derby presents a favorable environment for new grads to launch their careers and work towards the higher end of the salary range that reaches up to $165,227 as they progress.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level construction managers in Derby, KS typically start between $65,526 and $81,742 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,598 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Kansas of $45,000 represents just 68.68% of the starting construction manager pay ($65,526/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $65,526 to $81,742, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby'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 Derby is $99,701 ( 152.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $165,227.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,040
2025 BLS Actual
$63,359
2026 Current Est.
$65,526
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,595 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,359 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,767 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,040 in 2019 to $63,359 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,767. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
Employers seeking entry-level construction managers in Derby typically include large general contractors like Bechtel and Turner, who often recruit fresh talent from engineering programs for assistant project management roles. Local specialized firms may also hire recent graduates, providing job opportunities tailored to niche areas within the construction sector. While a bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering is usually essential, pursuing additional certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can enhance earning potential early in one's career. In the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect to see steady pay increases, particularly if they align their career paths with high-demand sectors. The rising trend in mega-projects promises sustained opportunities in the construction management field, making strategic choices about employers and certifications vital for maximizing future earnings in Derby and beyond.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Derby in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Derby?
Is construction management school worth it in Derby?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a construction manager in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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