Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in New Bedford, MA: $89,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,917 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,873 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,048) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting construction manager salary in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is projected to be $89,917. This figure offers a foundation for new graduates looking to break into the field, providing a starting point that is below the city's median annual salary of $142,048. While entering at this level may seem daunting given the gap, there’s a promising growth trajectory for early-career professionals. As a new grad progresses within their first few years, reaching around $111,435 by the 25th percentile is realistic, bolstered by the demand for construction managers driven by the ongoing mega-project boom in the area. The construction landscape in New Bedford presents solid opportunities for newcomers eager to grow within the industry.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level construction managers in New Bedford, MA typically start between $89,917 and $111,435 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,258 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,048 — 19.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 122.34% of the starting construction manager pay ($89,917/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $89,917 to $111,435, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $130,258 ( 144.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,917, experienced hygienists can earn up to $220,175.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,010
2025 BLS Actual
$86,944
2026 Current Est.
$89,917
2019–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,993 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 27.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,010 in 2019 to $86,944 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,993. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
In New Bedford, a variety of employers actively recruit new graduates for entry-level construction management roles. Major general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska often have established campus recruitment initiatives, seeking fresh talent for assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors and real estate developers account for additional pathways that can lead to further growth in the sector. While a bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering serves as a critical credential, pursuing advanced certifications like the CCM, PMP, or LEED AP can significantly enhance employment prospects and starting pay in Massachusetts. Over the first 1-3 years within the industry, driven by the current boom in data centers and other massive projects, entry-level salaries could see growth aligned with regional trends, particularly for those who can navigate the fast-paced environments of top ENR-ranked firms or consider transitioning to owner’s representative roles, where work-life balance may be more favorable without compromising compensation.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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