Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Barnstable, MA: $80,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Barnstable, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,976 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barnstable's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,632 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,057) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barnstable, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the construction management field can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $80,976 in 2026. This figure creates a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $137,057 for construction managers, highlighting the earning potential as professionals gain experience. With a growth trajectory that allows entry-level employees to move towards the 25th percentile at $111,031 within their first few years, new hires in Barnstable are positioned well within an expanding job market. As the construction industry continues to flourish due to ongoing mega-projects, Barnstable presents a promising avenue for new construction management graduates aiming to build their careers.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barnstable
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 Barnstable
Entry-level construction managers in Barnstable, MA typically start between $80,976 and $111,031 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,463 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,057 — 15.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 135.84% of the starting construction manager pay ($80,976/year) in Barnstable. 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 Barnstable
- 1Research the Barnstable market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $80,976 to $111,031, 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 Barnstable, 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 Barnstable for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barnstable'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 Barnstable is $131,463 ( 162.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,976, experienced hygienists can earn up to $212,439.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,074
2025 BLS Actual
$78,298
2026 Current Est.
$80,976
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,074 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,444 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,298 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,745 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Barnstable, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,074 in 2019 to $78,298 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,745. New graduates entering the Barnstable job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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 Barnstable
Employers in Barnstable who actively seek out new graduates for construction management positions include large general contracting firms such as Bechtel and Skanska, which often recruit through university channels for entry-level assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors and real estate developers tend to focus on more experienced candidates, making early-career roles particularly valuable for gaining practical skills and industry insights. Securing credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering can significantly enhance starting pay. Those who pursue further certifications like CCM, PMP, or OSHA 30 may find even better opportunities. Career strategies for fresh graduates should involve seeking positions within top ENR-ranked GCs, where intensive, rewarding experiences that include travel are common. Alternatively, owner's representative positions can offer a more balanced lifestyle while maintaining competitive compensation. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first three years tend to align with project developments and ongoing demand for skilled managers, making this an opportune time for new construction management professionals in Barnstable.
More salary data for Barnstable, 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 Barnstable. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barnstable 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