Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Franklin, MA: $86,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Franklin, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,254 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,432) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Securing an entry-level construction manager position in Franklin, Massachusetts, presents a promising starting salary projection of $86,254 in 2026. This figure marks a significant entry point, especially when considering the median annual salary of $134,432 for the area, highlighting a gap that new graduates can aim to bridge over their early career years. As professionals gain experience, they may expect to transition to salary levels around $102,771 in their second or third year, gradually aligning closer to the city’s median as they build their expertise and enhance their resume. Given Franklin’s robust construction landscape—bolstered by the growing demand from mega-projects in various sectors—new graduates entering the field can find favorable opportunities to enhance their starting pay and career trajectory.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level construction managers in Franklin, MA typically start between $86,254 and $102,771 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,115 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,432 — 13.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 127.53% of the starting construction manager pay ($86,254/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $86,254 to $102,771, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $122,115 ( 141.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,254, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,186
2025 BLS Actual
$83,402
2026 Current Est.
$86,254
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,402 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,204 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,186 in 2019 to $83,402 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,204. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Skanska, frequently recruit new graduates through established campus engagement pipelines, filling assistant project manager positions that can propel early-career professionals into promising roles. The local market also has a variety of specialty contractors and program management firms, though these may favor candidates with demonstrated experience or advanced credentials, like a CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or a PMP (Project Management Professional). While an entry-level construction manager can expect competitive pay, pursuing further education, such as a Master's in Construction Management, and obtaining certifications like LEED AP or OSHA 30 may open doors to higher starting salaries and better project assignments. New graduates should remain aware of the evolving demands in their field, particularly with the ongoing construction boom impacting regions across Massachusetts. Over the initial years, steady growth in salary can be anticipated, with greater potential for financial advancement by diversifying skills and leveraging every opportunity available within the dynamic landscape of construction management.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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