Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $61,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Portsmouth, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,860 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,942 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,993) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting construction manager salary in Portsmouth, VA, presents a promising entry point for new graduates entering this dynamic field. In 2026, entry-level positions can expect to earn around $61,860, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $100,993. For newcomers, the potential to advance quickly exists, with opportunities to move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which stands at $77,583, over the first few years. With the region's active construction market, driven by the ongoing mega-project boom, Portsmouth offers an encouraging environment for entry-level professionals ready to navigate initial challenges while building their careers.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level construction managers in Portsmouth, VA typically start between $61,860 and $77,583 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,679 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,993 — 15.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Virginia of $65,000 represents just 105.08% of the starting construction manager pay ($61,860/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $61,860 to $77,583, 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $94,679 ( 153.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,860, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,539.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,184
2025 BLS Actual
$59,814
2026 Current Est.
$61,860
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,819 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,975 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, VA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,184 in 2019 to $59,814 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,975. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, several large general contractors, such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, frequently hire recent graduates for assistant project manager roles, often recruiting through campus connections. Specialty contractors may target trade-specific career paths, creating diverse entry-level opportunities in the area. For those looking to enhance their new grad construction manager pay in VA, holding a Bachelor's in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field will provide a solid foundation. Additional credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can also boost earning potential later on. Newcomers should anticipate a steady salary growth trajectory within their first three years, particularly as the industry demands skilled construction managers to meet the increasing volume of projects, including expansive data centers and electric vehicle battery plants that could last for years to come.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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