Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Wilson, NC: $68,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Wilson, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,003 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,653 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as a construction manager in Wilson, North Carolina, typically offers new graduates a realistic entry-level salary of around $68,003 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile, indicating that entry-level positions might feel a bit constrained compared to the city median of $104,545. However, graduates can expect a gradual increase in earnings. Over the first three to five years, salaries often move towards the 25th percentile, reaching approximately $82,929, as young professionals gain experience and develop their skills in the field. Given the booming construction market driven by mega-projects, Wilson presents a promising environment for new entrants, providing opportunities for growth as the demand for construction management professionals continues to rise.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilson
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 Wilson
Entry-level construction managers in Wilson, NC typically start between $68,003 and $82,929 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,042 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,545 — 12.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in North Carolina of $50,000 represents just 73.53% of the starting construction manager pay ($68,003/year) in Wilson. 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 Wilson
- 1Research the Wilson market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $68,003 to $82,929, 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 Wilson, 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 Wilson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilson'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 Wilson is $94,042 ( 138.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,003, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,045.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,969
2025 BLS Actual
$65,754
2026 Current Est.
$68,003
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,696 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,328 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Wilson, NC grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,969 in 2019 to $65,754 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,328. New graduates entering the Wilson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
Employment opportunities for new construction management graduates in Wilson are primarily concentrated within large general contractors such as Bechtel and Skanska, which often recruit via campus pipelines for assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors may offer alternatives for those entering the workforce directly from trade backgrounds, while real estate developers typically seek more experienced project managers to handle complex projects. To enhance starting pay in North Carolina, earning qualifications such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering is beneficial, along with certifications like CCM or PMP that can elevate one's marketability. The current mega-project boom is fueling demand for skilled managers, paving the way for promising career paths. Entry-level construction managers can expect their earnings to rise significantly during the initial years, particularly if they explore roles with top ENR-ranked general contractors or consider positions on the owner’s rep side for a more balanced lifestyle.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Wilson in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Wilson?
Is construction management school worth it in Wilson?
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How do I become a construction manager in North Carolina?
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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 Wilson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilson 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