Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Sevierville, TN: $60,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Sevierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,328 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sevierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,717 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,040) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those stepping into their careers as construction managers in Sevierville, Tennessee, the starting salary can be quite competitive, with entry-level positions projected at approximately $60,328 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for new graduates, especially when compared to the city’s overall median salary of $99,040. New professionals can expect a growth trajectory that leads them from entry-level roles to more senior positions over the first few years. With a steady annual growth rate of 3.42%, those in the field can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile earning of $75,649 within a few years. Sevierville currently presents a favorable job market for new graduates, thanks to the ongoing demand for construction management professionals in the region.
About the Sevierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sevierville
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 Sevierville
Entry-level construction managers in Sevierville, TN typically start between $60,328 and $75,649 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,185 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,040 — 16.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Tennessee of $55,000 represents just 91.17% of the starting construction manager pay ($60,328/year) in Sevierville. 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 Sevierville
- 1Research the Sevierville market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $60,328 to $75,649, 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 Sevierville, 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 Sevierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sevierville'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 Sevierville is $93,185 ( 154.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,328, experienced hygienists can earn up to $153,513.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,991
2025 BLS Actual
$58,333
2026 Current Est.
$60,328
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Sevierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,991 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,391 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Sevierville, TN grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,991 in 2019 to $58,333 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,391. New graduates entering the Sevierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sevierville 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 Sevierville
In Sevierville, a range of employers actively seek to recruit new graduates for entry-level construction management roles. Large general contractors like Bechtel or Turner often have structured recruitment processes that can include internships and entry positions aimed at training the next generation of construction leaders. While these firms usually target candidates with bachelor's degrees in construction management or engineering, specialty contractors and smaller firms may offer paths geared toward trade experience. For enhanced starting compensation, additional credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can prove beneficial. New hires can expect salary increases during the initial years of their careers, especially within the context of Tennessee's ongoing mega-project boom, which includes development in data centers and EV battery plants. Many new managers may consider transitioning into owner’s representative roles for a more balanced lifestyle, often coupled with competitive pay structures that align closely with general contractor salaries while promoting a healthier work-life balance.
More salary data for Sevierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Sevierville in 2026?
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Is construction management school worth it in Sevierville?
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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 Sevierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sevierville 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