Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Solon, OH: $61,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Solon, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,839 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Solon's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,180 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,663) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing a career as an entry-level construction manager in Solon, Ohio can expect a starting salary around $61,839. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $94,663, suggesting that early-career professionals may need to focus on gaining experience and certifications to bridge this difference over time. With a projected growth trajectory, entry-level professionals can realistically anticipate moving from the P10 salary to a P25 level of $75,043 within the first few years. Given the ongoing construction projects in the area and the demand for skilled labor, Solon presents a favorable job market for fresh graduates entering the construction management field in 2026.
About the Solon Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Solon
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 Solon
Entry-level construction managers in Solon, OH typically start between $61,839 and $75,043 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,889 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,663 — 20.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Ohio of $60,000 represents just 97.03% of the starting construction manager pay ($61,839/year) in Solon. 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 Solon
- 1Research the Solon market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $61,839 to $75,043, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Solon, 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 Solon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Solon'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 Solon is $84,889 ( 137.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,839, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,728.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,168
2025 BLS Actual
$59,794
2026 Current Est.
$61,839
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Solon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,803 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,954 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Solon, OH grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,168 in 2019 to $59,794 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,954. New graduates entering the Solon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Solon 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 Solon
Several prominent employers in Solon actively seek out new graduates for construction management roles, especially large general contracting firms such as Bechtel and Turner, which often recruit through campus pipelines for assistant project manager positions. In addition, the continuous surge in mega-projects, including data centers and EV battery plants, creates substantial opportunities for those starting their careers. To enhance initial earnings, aspiring construction managers should consider obtaining relevant credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering, and possibly pursuing certifications like CCM, PMP, or LEED AP. While entry-level roles may start at competitive rates, individuals could see salary growth as they gain experience, with realistic expectations for new grad construction manager pay in Ohio suggesting a gradual increase in compensation as they develop their skills and network within the industry.
More salary data for Solon, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Solon in 2026?
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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 Solon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Solon 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