Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Alexandria, VA: $82,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,225 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,953) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting construction manager salary in Alexandria, VA, is projected to be around $82,792, which is markedly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $132,953. For new graduates entering the field, this presents a clear understanding of the financial landscape, with a journey that starts at the lower end of the scale before potentially reaching higher levels like the 25th percentile at $103,364 within a few years. Given the city's favorable job market, particularly amid ongoing growth in construction driven by mega-project developments like data centers and semiconductor fabrication plants, it's a promising time for fresh graduates. The anticipated growth in demand for construction managers suggests that, with experience and skill development, there is considerable potential for salary advancement early in their careers.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level construction managers in Alexandria, VA typically start between $82,792 and $103,364 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,953 — 11.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Virginia of $65,000 represents just 78.51% of the starting construction manager pay ($82,792/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $82,792 to $103,364, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria'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 Alexandria is $123,285 ( 148.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,077.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,489
2025 BLS Actual
$80,054
2026 Current Est.
$82,792
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,489 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,339 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,623 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,489 in 2019 to $80,054 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,623. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Employers in Alexandria actively seek new construction management graduates, especially from large general contractor firms such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, which often engage campus recruiting to fill assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors and real estate developers also look for candidates, though they may prefer those with a few years of experience. For those aiming to boost their appeal in this competitive job market, acquiring credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering can significantly enhance starting pay. In addition, certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are beneficial. Newly minted managers can expect realistic salary growth in their first three years, particularly if they align their careers with top-ranked construction firms that offer robust benefits and opportunities for advancement, despite potentially demanding work schedules.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is construction management school worth it in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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