Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Amherst, MA: $82,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Amherst, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,823 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Amherst's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,335 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,716) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those embarking on careers as new construction managers in Amherst, Massachusetts, can expect to see starting salaries around $82,823. While this figure is below the overall median annual salary for construction managers in the city, which stands at $139,716, it represents a solid foundation for recent graduates. New professionals can anticipate gradual salary growth as they gain experience, moving from the lower 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median in just a few years. As Amherst continues to foster a demand for skilled construction managers, the local market remains promising for new graduates, providing ample opportunities for those willing to invest their time into career development.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Amherst
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 Amherst
Entry-level construction managers in Amherst, MA typically start between $82,823 and $113,389 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,716 — 17.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 132.81% of the starting construction manager pay ($82,823/year) in Amherst. 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 Amherst
- 1Research the Amherst market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $82,823 to $113,389, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Amherst, 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 Amherst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Amherst's moderate 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 Amherst is $133,737 ( 161.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,823, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,560.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,513
2025 BLS Actual
$80,084
2026 Current Est.
$82,823
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,006 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,495 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,655 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Amherst, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,513 in 2019 to $80,084 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,655. New graduates entering the Amherst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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 Amherst
A variety of employers actively seek entry-level construction managers in Amherst, including large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner. These firms often recruit directly from university programs, offering positions such as assistant project managers that provide invaluable experience. Additionally, specialization in construction management can enhance starting pay; possessing relevant credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering, and professional certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP), can significantly elevate earning potential. For new grads, an effective career strategy focuses on gaining experience through project-based roles in the booming mega-project sector, where demand for construction managers is strong due to increased activity in data centers and electric vehicle battery plants. Early-career professionals can realistically expect salaries to rise as they gain hands-on experience and transition into higher-paying roles in the construction industry.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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 Amherst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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