Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Brookline, MA: $84,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Brookline, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,413 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookline's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,800 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,756) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, entry-level construction managers in Brookline, Massachusetts can expect to earn a starting salary around $84,413. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary range, it is a solid foundation for new graduates entering the field. With the city’s median annual salary for construction managers projected to be $136,756, entry-level positions do show a significant gap initially. However, as new graduates accumulate experience, they can look forward to salary growth towards the 25th percentile, which is around $105,437, within the first three to five years. Given Brookline's robust market for construction management, which benefits from ongoing urban development projects and a favorable economic environment, pursuing a career in this area is promising for recent graduates.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookline
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 Brookline
Entry-level construction managers in Brookline, MA typically start between $84,413 and $105,437 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,560 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,756 — 15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 130.31% of the starting construction manager pay ($84,413/year) in Brookline. 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 Brookline
- 1Research the Brookline market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $84,413 to $105,437, 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 Brookline, 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 Brookline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookline'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 Brookline is $127,560 ( 151.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,413, experienced hygienists can earn up to $211,973.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,752
2025 BLS Actual
$81,622
2026 Current Est.
$84,413
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,331 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,300 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Brookline, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,752 in 2019 to $81,622 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,300. New graduates entering the Brookline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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 Brookline
For those considering their first positions, large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner are notable employers in Brookline, frequently recruiting new graduates for assistant project manager roles. These positions typically leverage campus pipelines, offering a path for early-career professionals. Meanwhile, specialty contractors often seek candidates with specific trade experience, while real estate developers generally prefer seasoned project managers with several years in related positions. Credentials such as a Bachelor’s in construction management, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation, and progress toward a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities in Massachusetts. With the ongoing boom in mega-projects like data centers and electric vehicle plants, entry-level construction managers have a unique chance to grow their careers rapidly over the first few years. Addressing lifestyle preferences, many graduates might favor owner’s representative roles, which can offer comparable compensation and a more balanced work-life dynamic compared to the demanding hours often associated with top-tier general contractors.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Brookline in 2026?
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Is construction management school worth it in Brookline?
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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 Brookline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookline 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