Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Salem, NH: $74,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Salem, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,244 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,193 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,523) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting construction manager salary in Salem, New Hampshire, for 2026 is projected to be around $74,244. This figure falls significantly below the city's median annual wage of $124,523, highlighting the challenge new graduates face when entering the workforce. However, for those just beginning their careers, this represents a solid foundation from which they can grow. The trajectory of salaries shows promise, with estimates suggesting that new construction managers can expect to move up to $93,909 within a few years, spurred by the city’s robust construction market and ongoing demand for skilled managers. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.42%, the market for fresh graduates seeking a foothold in Salem is favorable right now, particularly as major construction projects proliferate.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level construction managers in Salem, NH typically start between $74,244 and $93,909 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $118,767 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,523 — 4.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in New Hampshire of $80,000 represents just 107.75% of the starting construction manager pay ($74,244/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $74,244 to $93,909, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $118,767 ( 159.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,244, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,831
2025 BLS Actual
$71,789
2026 Current Est.
$74,244
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,859 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,789 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,783 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, NH grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,831 in 2019 to $71,789 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,783. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Employers in Salem actively recruit entry-level construction managers, primarily focusing on large general contractors (GCs) such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner. These firms recruit through campus pipelines, offering positions as assistant project managers that are ideal for new graduates. While many real estate developers generally prefer seasoned professionals with several years of experience, some specialty contractors may also provide pathways for entry-level roles. Credentials play a critical role in enhancing earning potential; possessing a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture can significantly boost starting pay. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can open up further opportunities. In this competitive environment driven by the mega-project boom, starting salaries may not immediately reflect the median but can lead to substantial salary advancements within the first few years of experience, especially for those willing to adapt and pursue continued education and certifications, which are highly valued in the construction landscape of Salem, NH.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Salem in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Salem?
Is construction management school worth it in Salem?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Salem?
How do I become a construction manager in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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