Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Plymouth, MA: $84,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,098 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,960) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career in construction management in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the entry-level landscape looks promising. In 2026, a starting construction manager can expect a salary around $84,736, which serves as a benchmark for new graduates entering the field. This figure is notably lower than the city's median of $141,960, displaying a clear gap. However, as one gains experience, the potential for growth is substantial, with earnings easily moving toward the P25 threshold of $107,282 within the first few years. Plymouth's current market for entry-level positions is enhanced by the ongoing mega-project boom, making it an opportune environment for aspiring construction managers.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level construction managers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $84,736 and $107,282 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $135,302 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,960 — 19.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 129.81% of the starting construction manager pay ($84,736/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $84,736 to $107,282, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $135,302 ( 159.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $220,038.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,003
2025 BLS Actual
$81,934
2026 Current Est.
$84,736
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,873 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,934 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,634 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,003 in 2019 to $81,934 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,634. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
In Plymouth, employers actively seeking new graduates in construction management include major general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, which often recruit through university channels for assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors and real estate developers typically look for candidates with some experience, while program management firms prefer those with a robust background. New graduates would benefit from pursuing credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering, and optional certifications like CCM and PMP, which can elevate starting pay in Massachusetts. As they begin their careers, it is essential for new construction managers to understand the industry’s current dynamics—particularly the high demand driven by data centers and EV battery plants. While initial salaries may seem modest, individuals can realistically expect progression in pay as they grow their expertise, emphasizing the importance of strategic career planning in the fast-evolving construction sector.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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