Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $67,650 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Lee's Summit, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,650 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lee's Summit's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,502 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,307) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Opening the door to a construction management career in Lee's Summit, Missouri, presents entry-level professionals with a starting salary pegged at $67,650 in 2026. While this figure may appear modest compared to the overall median annual pay of $111,307 for construction managers in the city, it indicates a clear pathway for growth. New graduates can anticipate their earnings to escalate as they gain experience, with potential annual compensation climbing steadily toward the $85,192 mark after a few years. With the demand for construction managers driven by the ongoing mega-project boom, Lee's Summit currently offers a favorable market for recent graduates aiming to kickstart their careers in this vital sector.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lee's Summit
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 Lee's Summit
Entry-level construction managers in Lee's Summit, MO typically start between $67,650 and $85,192 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,875 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,307 — 6.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Missouri of $55,000 represents just 81.30% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,650/year) in Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit
- 1Research the Lee's Summit market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,650 to $85,192, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lee's Summit'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 Lee's Summit is $104,875 ( 155.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,650, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,525.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,695
2025 BLS Actual
$65,413
2026 Current Est.
$67,650
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,650 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,964 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Lee's Summit, MO grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,695 in 2019 to $65,413 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,964. New graduates entering the Lee's Summit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
As new graduates step into the role of construction managers, it's essential to align their career strategy with the realities of the local job market. Large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner, often target emerging talent from campus recruitment, which can lead to assistant project management positions. Those with degrees in construction management or civil engineering will find themselves at an advantage, especially if they pursue credentials like the CCM or PMP. This can enhance their starting pay as they navigate the early years of their careers. As the growth in mega-projects continues to shape labor demands, early-career construction managers may see salary growth that aligns with industry standards, potentially moving into salaries reflective of the comprehensive earnings seen with seasoned professionals over time. In Lee's Summit, there is a clear trajectory from entry-level pay that allows for optimism and advancement as one gains experience and credentials within this thriving market.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
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 Lee's Summit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lee's Summit 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