Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Bartlesville, OK: $62,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Bartlesville, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,757 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bartlesville's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,593 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,720) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting construction manager salary in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, projected at $62,757, presents a realistic entry point for new graduates entering the field. While this figure sits considerably below the city’s median salary of $103,720, ambitious new entrants can expect to progress in their careers over the next few years, transitioning from entry-level positions toward higher earnings potential through experience and skill development. With a growth trajectory that takes them from the initial pay to around $78,877 within the first few years, Bartlesville currently stands as a viable market for new graduates seeking opportunities in construction management amid ongoing infrastructure projects.
About the Bartlesville Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bartlesville
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 Bartlesville
Entry-level construction managers in Bartlesville, OK typically start between $62,757 and $78,877 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,009 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,720 — 12.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Oklahoma of $45,000 represents just 71.71% of the starting construction manager pay ($62,757/year) in Bartlesville. 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 Bartlesville
- 1Research the Bartlesville market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $62,757 to $78,877, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bartlesville, 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 Bartlesville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bartlesville'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 Bartlesville is $98,009 ( 156.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,757, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,766.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,883
2025 BLS Actual
$60,682
2026 Current Est.
$62,757
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Bartlesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,288 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,169 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,904 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Bartlesville, OK grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,883 in 2019 to $60,682 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,904. New graduates entering the Bartlesville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville
Upon entering the profession, new graduates will find that the local landscape is shaped by significant employers such as Bechtel and Skanska, who are known to hire entry-level positions through campus recruitment for assistant project manager roles. While large general contractors often provide the most competitive compensation packages, these positions can come with long hours, including travel commitments. For many, pursuing certifications such as the CCM or PMP can significantly enhance their starting pay in Oklahoma. With the mega-project boom driven by the development of data centers and semiconductor manufacturing plants, prospects for salary growth in the first few years appear solid. Graduates can realistically expect their earnings to rise as they gain experience and consider potential transitions to owner’s representative roles, which often provide a better work-life balance while maintaining competitive salaries relative to general contracts.
More salary data for Bartlesville, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlesville 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