Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Shawnee, KS: $65,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Shawnee, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,883 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shawnee's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,479 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,380) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level construction manager salary in Shawnee, Kansas, offers new graduates a realistic starting point with a projected annual pay of $65,883. While this initial figure is significantly below the city median of $105,380, it provides a pathway for growth as one gains experience. Over the first 3-5 years of their careers, new construction managers can expect to see their salaries increase steadily, progressing from the P10 level to the P25 benchmark of $81,872. Given the ongoing development in Shawnee, especially as the mega-project boom continues to drive demand, it remains a potentially rewarding market for recent graduates eager to establish themselves in the field.
About the Shawnee Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shawnee
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 Shawnee
Entry-level construction managers in Shawnee, KS typically start between $65,883 and $81,872 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,455 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,380 — 11.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Kansas of $45,000 represents just 68.30% of the starting construction manager pay ($65,883/year) in Shawnee. 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 Shawnee
- 1Research the Shawnee market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $65,883 to $81,872, 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 Shawnee, 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 Shawnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shawnee'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 Shawnee is $97,455 ( 147.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,883, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,318
2025 BLS Actual
$63,704
2026 Current Est.
$65,883
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,704 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,136 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Shawnee, KS grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,318 in 2019 to $63,704 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,136. New graduates entering the Shawnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Companies in Shawnee that actively seek out new graduates include large general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska, which often recruit through university campuses for entry-level assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors and local developers frequently look for trade-specific talent and prior trade experience for their positions. Credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering can positively impact starting pay in Kansas, enhancing qualifications for roles that later require certifications like CCM or PMP. Early career strategies should focus on gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles, which are critical amid the current demand for experienced construction managers driven by high-profile projects, including data centers and electric vehicle battery plants. While salary expectations may start lower, growth potential remains strong with effective networking and continued education in Shawnee, KS.
More salary data for Shawnee, KS:
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 Shawnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shawnee 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