Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Manassas, VA: $65,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Manassas, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,312 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manassas's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,287 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,479) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career in construction management in Manassas, Virginia, offers salaries that new graduates should carefully consider. In 2026, the entry level construction manager salary in Manassas is projected to begin at approximately $65,312, which is notably lower than the city's median of $101,479. This gap presents realistic expectations for those just starting in the field, showing how one can expect to progress from this initial pay through a more moderate P25 at $79,983 to reach closer to the median as experience grows. Given the projected 3.42% annual growth rate in the industry, this market remains a viable option for new graduates aiming to enter the construction management profession, particularly amidst the ongoing demand driven by new developments.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manassas
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 Manassas
Entry-level construction managers in Manassas, VA typically start between $65,312 and $79,983 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,981 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,479 — 14.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Virginia of $65,000 represents just 99.52% of the starting construction manager pay ($65,312/year) in Manassas. 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 Manassas
- 1Research the Manassas market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $65,312 to $79,983, 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manassas'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 Manassas is $91,981 ( 140.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,312, experienced hygienists can earn up to $157,293.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,873
2025 BLS Actual
$63,152
2026 Current Est.
$65,312
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,374 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,152 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,545 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Manassas, VA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,873 in 2019 to $63,152 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,545. New graduates entering the Manassas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manassas 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 Manassas
Major employers in the Manassas area, such as Bechtel and Skanska, actively hire graduates to fill entry-level roles, offering exposure to substantial projects like data centers and semiconductor fabrication plants. Most firms in the region prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in construction management or related fields, though credentials like a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can set applicants apart and significantly enhance their starting new grad construction manager pay VA. In the first few years, it's reasonable to aim for incremental salary growth, particularly if you leverage relationships with top-tier general contracting firms or consider transitioning into owner's representative roles, which often allow for a better work-life balance while providing comparable compensation to the demanding 50-60 hour weeks typical in the GC sector. This strategic approach within your early career can lead to fulfilling opportunities in a growing job market.
More salary data for Manassas, VA:
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 Manassas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manassas 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