Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Fremont, NE: $62,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Fremont, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,077 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fremont's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,844 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,588) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fremont, Nebraska, the starting construction manager salary for new graduates is projected to be around $62,077 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, it is crucial to set realistic expectations since the median salary for construction managers in the city is significantly higher, at $105,588. This gap of over $43,000 highlights the potential for salary growth as new professionals gain experience. Over the first three to five years, it’s common for entry-level managers to see their pay increase as they transition from early career roles to positions paying around $82,964, closing the gap towards the city median. Given the current demand for construction managers driven by the booming economy in Fremont, recent graduates can find promising opportunities that may allow them to rise through the ranks quickly.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fremont
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 Fremont
Entry-level construction managers in Fremont, NE typically start between $62,077 and $82,964 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,584 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,588 — 11.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Nebraska of $48,000 represents just 77.32% of the starting construction manager pay ($62,077/year) in Fremont. 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 Fremont
- 1Research the Fremont market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $62,077 to $82,964, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fremont, 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 Fremont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fremont'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 Fremont is $101,584 ( 163.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,077, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,661.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,353
2025 BLS Actual
$60,024
2026 Current Est.
$62,077
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,427 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,200 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Fremont, NE grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,353 in 2019 to $60,024 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,200. New graduates entering the Fremont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont 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 Fremont
Transitioning into a career as a construction manager in Fremont means understanding who in the area is hiring entry-level talent. Large general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska often recruit fresh graduates from construction management programs for roles such as assistant project managers. This is in contrast to specialty contractors that may prefer candidates with trade-specific skills. To enhance earning potential, credentials like a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering are highly valuable. Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) can set an applicant apart. As the mega-project boom progresses, especially with developments in data centers and EV battery plants, the market increasingly favors qualified construction managers. During the initial years, new graduates can realistically expect their salaries to rise steadily as they gain experience, with some top firms in the ENR rankings offering competitive compensation packages, albeit often with longer working hours and travel commitments. Pursuing a position as an owner's representative typically provides a better work-life balance while maintaining comparable pay as they establish themselves in the field.
More salary data for Fremont, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Fremont in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Fremont?
Is construction management school worth it in Fremont?
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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 Fremont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fremont 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