Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Framingham, MA: $83,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,325 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,797 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,324) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a starting construction manager salary in Framingham projected at $83,325 for 2026, new graduates entering the field can expect a competitive starting pay, especially compared to the overall median annual salary of $141,324 for the area. This initial compensation reflects a considerable gap, suggesting significant room for growth over the early years of one’s career. Within the first three to five years, salaries can realistically climb toward $106,027 and even reach the median as they gain essential experience and skills in the field. Given the strong demand for construction managers in Framingham—driven largely by the ongoing mega-project boom—this city presents a solid market for new graduates keen to launch their careers in construction management.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level construction managers in Framingham, MA typically start between $83,325 and $106,027 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $135,728 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,324 — 18.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 132.01% of the starting construction manager pay ($83,325/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $83,325 to $106,027, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $135,728 ( 162.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,325, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,053.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,905
2025 BLS Actual
$80,570
2026 Current Est.
$83,325
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,922 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,008 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,175 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,905 in 2019 to $80,570 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,175. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
Opportunity abounds in Framingham, particularly for new grads seeking entry-level roles. Major general contractors like Bechtel and Turner actively recruit through campus pipelines, offering assistant project manager positions that are ideal for individuals just starting. While these firms demand a rigorous commitment—often involving intense travel and long hours—first-job experiences here can significantly enhance future salary prospects. Credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering, alongside certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), are pivotal in this market. In the first three years, ambitious graduates can anticipate realistic salary advancements as they gain pertinent experience in the thriving sectors of data centers and EV battery plants, which increasingly require capable construction managers. Overall, the blend of local demand and educational credentials sets up a promising trajectory for early-career professionals in Framingham.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Framingham in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Framingham?
Is construction management school worth it in Framingham?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Framingham?
How do I become a construction manager in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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