Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Dracut, MA: $87,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,670 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,802 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering entering the construction management field in Dracut, Massachusetts, the projected entry-level construction manager salary in 2026 stands at $87,670. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city median of $135,055, it sets a solid foundation for new graduates beginning their careers. In the first few years, recent hires can expect to gain ground as they build their experience, with expectations to reach salaries around $106,999 in the 25th percentile and eventually closing the gap towards the median. Given the vibrant construction scene fueled by the ongoing mega-project boom, Dracut presents a favorable market for newcomers, creating numerous opportunities for employment and professional development.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
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 Dracut
Entry-level construction managers in Dracut, MA typically start between $87,670 and $106,999 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,666 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,055 — 13.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 125.47% of the starting construction manager pay ($87,670/year) in Dracut. 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 Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $87,670 to $106,999, 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 Dracut, 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 Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut'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 Dracut is $121,666 ( 138.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,670, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,336.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,289
2025 BLS Actual
$84,771
2026 Current Est.
$87,670
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,668 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,289 in 2019 to $84,771 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,668. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
Focusing on the opportunities available in this region reveals that several major employers routinely recruit new graduates for construction manager roles. Large general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner actively seek candidates through college pipelines, often filling assistant project manager positions. In addition to reputable firms, certification can significantly enhance starting pay for new grad construction manager pay in MA. Credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering, along with optional certifications like CCM, PMP, and LEED AP, can bolster your entry-level prospects. As the construction industry continues to thrive—especially with an influx of projects in tech and renewable energy—recent hires might see a realistic salary growth trajectory of around 3.42% annually. For those considering a long-term career path, insights suggest pivoting between general contracting and owner’s representative roles can provide a more balanced lifestyle while still maintaining competitive compensation levels over time.
More salary data for Dracut, 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 Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut 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