Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Manchester, NH: $96,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Manchester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,894 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 105.7 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,706 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,562) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, newly minted construction managers in Manchester, New Hampshire, can expect a starting salary around $96,894, reflecting the typical entry level construction manager salary in this region. This initial pay may seem modest compared to the city’s median of $138,562, but it opens the door to significant salary growth over the first few years. The trajectory from entry-level to mid-tier positions shows promise, as early career professionals can reasonably target an increase to about $105,230 within a few years. Manchester is currently a favorable market for new graduates entering the construction management field, driven in part by a burgeoning demand fueled by major projects in sectors such as data centers and electric vehicle manufacturing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester
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 Manchester
Entry-level construction managers in Manchester, NH typically start between $96,894 and $105,230 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,933 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,562 — 16.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in New Hampshire of $80,000 represents just 82.56% of the starting construction manager pay ($96,894/year) in Manchester. 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 Manchester
- 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $96,894 to $105,230, 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manchester'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 Manchester is $105,933 ( 109.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,894, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,827.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,820
2025 BLS Actual
$93,690
2026 Current Est.
$96,894
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,208 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, NH grew 42.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,820 in 2019 to $93,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,208. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
Looking at potential employers, numerous established general contractors, such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, actively recruit fresh talent from local universities for assistant project manager roles, making these great starting points for new grads. Specialty contractors often offer pathways in specific trade areas, while larger developmental firms typically seek seasoned project managers with several years of experience. Gaining enhanced credentials like a Bachelor's in construction management, and possibly a Master's, or certifications such as CCM or PMP, can significantly improve starting pay in New Hampshire. Given the ongoing mega-project boom, those in their first years can aspire for salary advancements through dedicated roles. Entry-level professionals often find construction management careers appealing due to the combination of competitive pay and the opportunity to effectively transition into owner’s rep positions that provide a better work-life balance and comparable compensation.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Manchester in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Manchester?
Is construction management school worth it in Manchester?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Manchester?
How do I become a construction manager in New Hampshire?
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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 Manchester. 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