Construction Manager Pay

Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Cottonwood Heights, UT: $61,605 (2026)

Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Cottonwood Heights, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,605 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cottonwood Heights's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,798 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,175) within a few years of clinical practice.

$61,605
Starting Salary
$29.62/hr
Starting Hourly
$61,605
Entry Level
$101,175
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Construction Manager Entry Level Salary in Cottonwood Heights, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Cottonwood Heights, UT construction manager entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates aspiring to enter the construction management field in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, the starting construction manager salary is projected at $61,605 in 2026. This figure sits significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $101,175, creating a notable gap for early-career professionals. However, entry-level positions can provide a path to upward mobility, with potential growth from the initial salary to $77,228 within the first few years. For those just entering the workforce, Cottonwood Heights presents a viable market—particularly due to its ongoing demand for construction management professionals amid projects related to data centers, semiconductor fabrication, and electric vehicle battery plants.

About the Cottonwood Heights Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cottonwood Heights

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$61,605/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$77,228/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$101,175/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$129,504/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottonwood Heights

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for construction managers in Cottonwood Heights. The median salary is $101,175, compared to the national median of $118,923.$55.4K$82.7K$110.1K$137.4K$164.7K$61.6K10th Pctl$77.2K25th Pctl$101.2KMedian$129.5K75th Pctl$156.8K90th PctlUS Median$118.9K

Entry-level construction managers in Cottonwood Heights, UT typically start between $61,605 and $77,228 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,216 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,17514.92% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of construction manager pay in the Cottonwood Heights metro area.

Return on Investment

$50,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$61,605
Starting Salary
81.16%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average construction management program cost in Utah of $50,000 represents just 81.16% of the starting construction manager pay ($61,605/year) in Cottonwood Heights. 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 Cottonwood Heights

  • 1Research the Cottonwood Heights market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $61,605 to $77,228, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cottonwood Heights, 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 Cottonwood Heights for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cottonwood Heights'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 Cottonwood Heights is $95,216 ( 154.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,605, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,821.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$47,986

2025 BLS Actual

$59,568

2026 Current Est.

$61,605

2019–2027 Growth

+32.8%

Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Cottonwood Heights (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for construction managers in Cottonwood Heights. Baseline $47,986 in 2025, projected to $63,712 by 2027.$44.8K$50.3K$55.8K$61.4K$66.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$48.0K$48.6K$51.3K$53.2K$55.1K$62.0K$59.6K$61.6K$63.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$47,986Actual
2020$48,619Actual
2021$51,328Actual
2022$53,174Actual
2023$55,115Actual
2024$61,989Actual
2025$59,568Actual
2026(current)$61,605Estimated
2027$63,712Projected

Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights, UT grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,986 in 2019 to $59,568 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,712. New graduates entering the Cottonwood Heights job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottonwood Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Cottonwood Heights

When considering long-term career prospects, various employers in Cottonwood Heights seek new graduates. Large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner routinely recruit entry-level talent through campus pipelines for roles as assistant project managers, while specialty contractors often lean on trade-specific pathways for hiring. Graduates with relevant credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering may find themselves in a favorable position to command better initial salaries. Continuing education through programs offering certifications, like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), further enhances earning potential over time. Realistically, newcomers can expect to see their salaries increase steadily during the first three years in the field, especially if they engage in high-demand sectors, potentially yielding a more rewarding career trajectory compared to the average market rate. A shift to owner’s representative roles can also provide comparable compensation with a more balanced work-life equation, which can be attractive for new professionals seeking a sustainable career path.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for construction managers in Cottonwood Heights in 2026?

Entry-level construction managers in Cottonwood Heights start at approximately $61,605/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.42% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $29.62/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Cottonwood Heights?

Most construction managers in Cottonwood Heights progress from the entry-level salary of $61,605 to the area median of $101,175 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $156,821 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is construction management school worth it in Cottonwood Heights?

With a starting salary of $61,605/year in Cottonwood Heights and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new construction managers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new construction managers make right out of school in Cottonwood Heights?

New construction management graduates in Cottonwood Heights typically start near the 10th percentile at $61,605/year, or approximately $29.62/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a construction manager in Utah?

To become a licensed construction manager in Utah, you typically need bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, plus several years of construction industry experience, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some construction managers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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 Cottonwood Heights. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Cottonwood Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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