Construction Manager Pay

Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Leland, NC: $67,907 (2026)

Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Leland, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,907 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leland's local price level (BEA RPP 93.66% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,550 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,271) within a few years of clinical practice.

$67,907
Starting Salary
$32.65/hr
Starting Hourly
$67,907
Entry Level
$101,271
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Construction Manager Entry Level Salary in Leland, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Leland, NC construction manager entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Prospective construction managers in Leland, NC, can expect entry-level salaries starting around $67,907 in 2026, which positions them significantly below the median annual salary of $101,271 for the region. This entry-level pay reflects the lower end of the salary range for construction managers, illustrating a gap that new graduates will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years, they should anticipate gradual salary increases; moving toward $81,554 after reaching the 25th percentile and potentially approaching the city median as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. Given the current housing demand and ongoing mega-project boom in the area, Leland presents opportunities for new graduates who are eager to establish their careers in construction management.

About the Leland Market

Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Leland

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$67,907/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$81,554/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$101,271/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$129,627/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for construction managers in Leland. The median salary is $101,271, compared to the national median of $118,923.$61.1K$87.0K$113.0K$138.9K$164.8K$67.9K10th Pctl$81.6K25th Pctl$101.3KMedian$129.6K75th Pctl$157.0K90th PctlUS Median$118.9K

Entry-level construction managers in Leland, NC typically start between $67,907 and $81,554 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,27114.84% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of construction manager pay in the Leland metro area.

Return on Investment

$50,000
Avg NC Program Cost
$67,907
Starting Salary
73.63%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average construction management program cost in North Carolina of $50,000 represents just 73.63% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,907/year) in Leland. 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 Leland

  • 1Research the Leland market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,907 to $81,554, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Leland, 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 Leland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Leland'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 Leland is $89,063 ( 131.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,907, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,970.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$52,894

2025 BLS Actual

$65,661

2026 Current Est.

$67,907

2019–2027 Growth

+32.8%

Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Leland (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for construction managers in Leland. Baseline $52,894 in 2025, projected to $70,229 by 2027.$49.4K$55.5K$61.6K$67.6K$73.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$52.9K$53.6K$56.6K$58.6K$60.8K$57.4K$65.7K$67.9K$70.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$52,894Actual
2020$53,592Actual
2021$56,578Actual
2022$58,613Actual
2023$60,752Actual
2024$57,391Actual
2025$65,661Actual
2026(current)$67,907Estimated
2027$70,229Projected

Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Leland, NC grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,894 in 2019 to $65,661 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,229. New graduates entering the Leland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Leland

In terms of job prospects, several prominent employers in Leland are actively recruiting new graduates for entry-level roles, including well-known general contractors like Bechtel and Turner. These firms typically seek candidates through established campus recruitment channels for positions as assistant project managers. While many opportunities exist on the contractor side for fresh graduates, advancement often requires obtaining relevant credentials like a Bachelor's in construction management or certifications such as the CCM from CMAA or leap into project management via roles that demand PMP certification. The current demand for construction managers driven by mega-projects, particularly within data centers and semiconductor facilities, is creating a competitive environment for new grads. New hires can expect their salaries to grow steadily over their first few years, especially if they leverage industry connections and focus on securing roles that align with their career aspirations, such as moving from general contracting to owner’s representative positions, which tend to offer a favorable work-life balance and comparable compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for construction managers in Leland in 2026?

Entry-level construction managers in Leland start at approximately $67,907/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.42% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $32.65/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Leland?

Most construction managers in Leland progress from the entry-level salary of $67,907 to the area median of $101,271 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $156,970 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is construction management school worth it in Leland?

With a starting salary of $67,907/year in Leland and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new construction managers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new construction managers make right out of school in Leland?

New construction management graduates in Leland typically start near the 10th percentile at $67,907/year, or approximately $32.65/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a construction manager in North Carolina?

To become a licensed construction manager in North Carolina, you typically need bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, plus several years of construction industry experience, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including North Carolina, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some construction managers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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 Leland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Leland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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