Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Peabody, MA: $82,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Peabody, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,907 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peabody's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,412 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,134) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those entering the construction management field in Peabody, Massachusetts, the starting pay reflects a growing market geared toward recent graduates. With an entry-level construction manager salary in Peabody projected at $82,907 in 2026, new entrants can expect to begin their careers earning significantly less than the median annual salary of $141,134 for established professionals. However, there’s an encouraging growth trajectory: as early-career professionals move up to the 25th percentile, salaries rise to $111,034, indicating that initial roles can progressively lead to better remuneration. Given that the demand for construction managers is on the rise due to ongoing projects in the area, Peabody presents a vibrant market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in this field.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peabody
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 Peabody
Entry-level construction managers in Peabody, MA typically start between $82,907 and $111,034 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $135,851 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,134 — 18.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 132.68% of the starting construction manager pay ($82,907/year) in Peabody. 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 Peabody
- 1Research the Peabody market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $82,907 to $111,034, 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 Peabody, 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 Peabody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peabody'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 Peabody is $135,851 ( 163.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,907, experienced hygienists can earn up to $218,758.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,578
2025 BLS Actual
$80,165
2026 Current Est.
$82,907
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,742 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Peabody, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,578 in 2019 to $80,165 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,742. New graduates entering the Peabody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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 Peabody
Exploring potential employers in Peabody reveals a mix of opportunities for new graduates. Larger general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner are known to recruit entry-level talent directly through campus pipelines. These organizations often seek candidates for assistant project manager roles, offering a strong foundation for those looking to build their career. Conversely, specialty contractors might focus on trade-specific recruitment, while real estate developers and program management firms typically hire experienced professionals with a few years under their belts. For those aiming to enhance their starting salary in Massachusetts, earning relevant certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or credentials like LEED AP can significantly increase marketability. The current mega-project boom, characterized by massive investments in data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, ensures sustained demand for skilled construction managers, creating a unique environment for newcomers. Within their first few years, entry-level professionals can achieve substantial growth, especially if they remain adaptable and pursue advancement opportunities through the construction management pathway.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 Peabody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peabody 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