Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Keene, NH: $77,565 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,565 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,288 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,255) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the construction management field in Keene, New Hampshire, can expect starting pay around $77,565 in 2026, which may feel modest when compared to the city's median annual salary of $122,255. As they gain experience, entry-level professionals have the potential to see their earnings grow, moving from this initial salary up to approximately $95,631 in the first few years. Given the current demand in Keene, especially with the ongoing mega-project boom in sectors like data centers and semiconductor fabs, the market offers favorable conditions for new graduates. This growth trajectory indicates that while entry-level salaries may start lower, there is a clear pathway for advancement and increased earning potential over time.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level construction managers in Keene, NH typically start between $77,565 and $95,631 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,930 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,255 — 2.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in New Hampshire of $80,000 represents just 103.14% of the starting construction manager pay ($77,565/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $77,565 to $95,631, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene'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 Keene is $111,930 ( 144.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,565, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,495.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,418
2025 BLS Actual
$75,000
2026 Current Est.
$77,565
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,393 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,565 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,218 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,418 in 2019 to $75,000 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,218. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
Employers in Keene interested in hiring entry-level construction managers include large general contractors such as Bechtel and Turner, which often seek fresh talent through campus recruiting initiatives. Specialty contractors may also provide routes into the industry for recent graduates, particularly if they have practical experience from trade backgrounds. To enhance starting pay, new graduates should consider pursuing relevant credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering, and may even explore advanced options like a Master's in Construction Management. Although entry-level positions may not offer extensive travel or high stress levels, the first few years will be crucial for skill development. Those committed to the field can realistically anticipate salary increases as they move beyond entry-level roles, especially as construction firms continue to ramp up hiring in response to sustained demand for skilled managers in the booming construction sector.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Keene in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Keene?
Is construction management school worth it in Keene?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Keene?
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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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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