Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Stoughton, MA: $87,472 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Stoughton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,472 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stoughton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,968) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Stoughton, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the construction management field can anticipate starting salaries around $87,472 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $134,968, highlighting a substantial gap that young professionals will need to mitigate as they gain experience. Fresh entrants can expect to see their earnings rise over the first few years of their careers, with potential salaries reaching approximately $103,826 at the 25th percentile within this timeframe. Stoughton presents a promising market for new graduates in construction management, driven by a consistent demand for skilled managers across various sectors, particularly amid a burgeoning wave of mega-projects like data centers and semiconductor fabrication plants.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stoughton
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 Stoughton
Entry-level construction managers in Stoughton, MA typically start between $87,472 and $103,826 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,729 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,968 — 13.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 125.75% of the starting construction manager pay ($87,472/year) in Stoughton. 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 Stoughton
- 1Research the Stoughton market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $87,472 to $103,826, 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 Stoughton, 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 Stoughton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stoughton'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 Stoughton is $121,729 ( 139.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,472, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,201.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,134
2025 BLS Actual
$84,579
2026 Current Est.
$87,472
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,134 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,256 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,472 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,463 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Stoughton, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,134 in 2019 to $84,579 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,463. New graduates entering the Stoughton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton 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 Stoughton
Exploring opportunities in Stoughton reveals that prominent general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner, actively recruit new grads for assistant project manager roles through campus pipelines. Specialty contractors offer entry positions via trade-specific career paths, while real estate developers often look for seasoned professionals with experience. For those looking to enhance their starting construction manager salary in Stoughton, obtaining relevant credentials can make a significant difference. Degrees in construction management or civil engineering are valuable, and additional qualifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications can elevate one’s profile. With the ongoing demand for construction managers in light of mega-projects, strategic planning in one’s first three years can help solidify a career path, whether that leads toward high-paying positions with top-tier GCs or a more balanced lifestyle in owner’s representative roles.
More salary data for Stoughton, 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 Stoughton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stoughton 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