Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $67,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,130 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 97.8 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,668 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the construction management field in Grants Pass, Oregon, starting salaries can vary significantly, with new graduates anticipating an entry-level position around $67,130 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city's median salary of $115,675, highlighting a gap that underscores the reality many new entrants face as they begin their careers. However, there's room for growth; ambitious newcomers can realistically expect to see their salaries rise toward $102,799 as they gain experience in their first few years. Given the anticipated growth of 3.42% in this sector, Grants Pass represents a promising market for fresh graduates ready to embark on their careers in construction management.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level construction managers in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $67,130 and $102,799 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,970 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,675 — 2.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Oregon of $75,000 represents just 111.72% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,130/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,130 to $102,799, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $133,970 ( 199.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,130, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,100.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,289
2025 BLS Actual
$64,910
2026 Current Est.
$67,130
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,426 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,289 in 2019 to $64,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,426. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Employment opportunities for recent graduates often stem from a range of companies in Grants Pass. Large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner, frequently seek new talent through campus recruitment, while specialty contractors may opt for candidates with hands-on trade experience. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing credentials like a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering can be beneficial. Further education, such as obtaining a Master’s in Construction Management or certifications like CCM or PMP, typically helps aspiring construction managers position themselves for better pay and advancement. With the current boom in mega-projects, including data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, early-career professionals can anticipate a vigorous job market. Realistically, salaries for new graduates can grow in their first three years, especially for roles in top ENR-ranking firms, which often provide excellent compensation and benefit packages, albeit with significant demands.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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