Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Lowell, MA: $88,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,471 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,540 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,388) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The entry-level construction manager salary in Lowell, Massachusetts, presents new graduates with a promising starting point. Projections for 2026 indicate that fresh entrants to the field can expect an initial salary around $88,471, which marks a significant gap from the median annual salary of $141,388 for all construction managers in the city. However, there's potential for growth as early-career professionals move toward the 25th percentile, where salaries reach approximately $110,137 within their first few years. Given Lowell’s favorable market conditions and ongoing mega-project boom, including data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, now is an opportune time to launch a career in construction management within the region.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level construction managers in Lowell, MA typically start between $88,471 and $110,137 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,680 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,388 — 18.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 124.33% of the starting construction manager pay ($88,471/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $88,471 to $110,137, 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $130,680 ( 147.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,471, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,151.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,912
2025 BLS Actual
$85,545
2026 Current Est.
$88,471
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,545 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,496 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,912 in 2019 to $85,545 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,496. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
In Lowell, several prominent employers actively recruit recent graduates for entry-level roles in construction management. Major general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner frequently tap into campus pipelines for assistant project manager positions, while specialty contractors may look to trade-specific career paths. New graduates can bolster their starting pay in Massachusetts by earning relevant credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering, and pursuing certifications like the CCM or PMP. It’s crucial for recent hires to strategically plan their first few years, as the demand for construction managers is expected to rise due to ongoing mega-projects. While salaries may see gradual increases, those who choose the owner’s representative route often enjoy a better work-life balance without sacrificing competitive compensation. Overall, early-career professionals in construction management in Lowell should anticipate solid salary growth as they navigate this dynamic industry landscape.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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