Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Brentwood, TN: $66,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,850 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,821 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,191) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to break into construction management in Brentwood, TN, the starting construction manager salary is projected at around $66,850 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city’s median salary of $101,191, reflecting a common gap for entry-level positions. However, as early-career construction managers gain experience, there is a clear upward trajectory with salaries expected to rise to $78,779 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median within the first 3-5 years. Given Brentwood’s thriving economy and the ongoing mega-project boom, this city presents a favorable market for aspiring professionals, offering ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
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 Brentwood
Entry-level construction managers in Brentwood, TN typically start between $66,850 and $78,779 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,997 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,191 — 14.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Tennessee of $55,000 represents just 82.27% of the starting construction manager pay ($66,850/year) in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $66,850 to $78,779, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood'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 Brentwood is $89,997 ( 134.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,850, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,847.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,071
2025 BLS Actual
$64,639
2026 Current Est.
$66,850
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,698 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,136 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,071 in 2019 to $64,639 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,136. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Brentwood is home to numerous employers actively seeking new talent in construction management. Major general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska often recruit recent graduates from local universities for assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors and real estate developers typically prefer candidates with hands-on experience, while firms focused on program management look for seasoned professionals. Holding a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering is advantageous, with credentials such as a CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP (Project Management Professional) providing a competitive edge and potentially improving starting salaries. As the industry sees sustained demand due to significant projects like data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, fresh graduates can expect realistic salary growth in the range of 3-5% annually within their first few years in Brentwood, creating a promising career path in construction management.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Brentwood in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Brentwood?
Is construction management school worth it in Brentwood?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Brentwood?
How do I become a construction manager in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood 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