Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Jackson, MS: $66,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,458 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,632 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,351) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in Jackson, Mississippi, can expect an entry-level construction manager salary around $66,458. This starting figure is notably lower than the city's median earnings of $104,351. However, ambitious professionals can anticipate substantial growth in their early careers, moving through salary ranges with realistic projections of reaching $84,877 within the first few years. The construction market in Jackson has shown promise, primarily driven by ongoing projects and the demand for skilled managers, making it a viable landscape for new grads pursuing opportunities in this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level construction managers in Jackson, MS typically start between $66,458 and $84,877 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,432 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,351 — 12.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Mississippi of $40,000 represents just 60.19% of the starting construction manager pay ($66,458/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $66,458 to $84,877, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $107,432 ( 161.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,458, experienced hygienists can earn up to $173,890.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,270
2025 BLS Actual
$64,260
2026 Current Est.
$66,458
2019–2027 Growth
+75.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,731 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 63.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,270 in 2019 to $64,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,731. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When considering companies that hire entry-level construction managers in Jackson, prominent general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner are key players. They frequently seek recent graduates through campus recruitment for assistant project manager positions. While these firms may focus on candidates with relevant degrees in fields like construction management, civil engineering, or architecture, further credentials can enhance starting pay. New graduates should also be aware that obtaining certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can significantly boost their marketability. The current mega-project boom encompassing data centers and semiconductor manufacturing plants fuels a sustained demand for qualified construction managers, suggesting a potential salary growth within the range of 5% to 10% each year for the first few years, depending on individual performance and company involvement.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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