Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Clinton, MS: $61,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Clinton, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,276 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,501 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Breaking into the construction management field can be an exciting opportunity for recent graduates in Clinton, Mississippi. For newcomers, the entry-level construction manager salary in Clinton falls at $61,276, which may feel modest compared to the median annual salary of $93,705 for experienced professionals in the area. However, there's a clear path for growth; early-career managers can expect solid progress, especially as they reach the 25th percentile at $74,329 within the first few years. This trajectory makes Clinton a promising market for new grads looking to establish their careers, especially given the projected demand for construction professionals participating in the current mega-project boom, driven by numerous data centers and EV battery plants slated to arise in the region.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level construction managers in Clinton, MS typically start between $61,276 and $74,329 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,334 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,705 — 21.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Mississippi of $40,000 represents just 65.28% of the starting construction manager pay ($61,276/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $61,276 to $74,329, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton's below-average 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 Clinton is $82,334 ( 134.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,276, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,610.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,730
2025 BLS Actual
$59,250
2026 Current Est.
$61,276
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,496 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,372 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, MS grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,730 in 2019 to $59,250 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,372. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
In Clinton, various employers recruit fresh talent in construction management, including large general contractors like Bechtel and Turner. These companies often look to build connections with local universities and initiate campus recruitment for assistant project manager roles. Specialties within the field may draw new graduates into contractor positions, where industry certifications such as the CCM or PMP can enhance starting pay and positioning. With the ongoing mega-project activity, realistic salary growth can be anticipated, enabling entry-level managers to climb toward the median salary over time. New professionals should prioritize gaining hands-on experience and consider transitions into owner's representative roles, which tend to offer a better work-life balance than the demanding schedules of top-tier general contractors. Given the vibrancy of the local market, the prospects for upward mobility and competitive salaries over the first few years appear encouraging for those just starting their journey in construction management.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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