Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Suffolk, VA: $65,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Suffolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,550 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Suffolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,517 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,621) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the construction management field in Suffolk, Virginia, starting salaries can be quite competitive. The projected entry-level construction manager salary in Suffolk for 2026 is $65,550, which falls below the city median of $102,621. This creates a notable gap that reflects the ramp-up period typical for new professionals. However, it’s important for recent graduates to understand that progression in their early careers can be promising. With expected growth from the entry-level salary to $80,773 within a few years, and ultimately toward the median, Suffolk presents a viable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
Entry-level construction managers in Suffolk, VA typically start between $65,550 and $80,773 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,512 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,621 — 13.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Virginia of $65,000 represents just 99.16% of the starting construction manager pay ($65,550/year) in Suffolk. 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 Suffolk
- 1Research the Suffolk market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $65,550 to $80,773, 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Suffolk'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 Suffolk is $93,512 ( 142.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,550, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,062.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,058
2025 BLS Actual
$63,382
2026 Current Est.
$65,550
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,058 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,731 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,644 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,791 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Suffolk, VA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,058 in 2019 to $63,382 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,791. New graduates entering the Suffolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Employers within Suffolk are actively seeking new talent for entry-level positions, with large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner often hiring through campus recruitment channels. These firms typically fill roles such as assistant project managers, while specialty contractors and real estate developers emphasize relevant experience before promoting candidates to senior positions. To boost starting pay and enhance career prospects, educational credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture are valuable. Relevant certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) are also advantageous, particularly as the industry grows due to ongoing mega-projects in the area. Early career strategies should focus on gaining diverse project experience, as the demand for construction managers in Suffolk is set to rise, spurred by significant investments in facilities like data centers and EV battery plants.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Suffolk in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Suffolk?
Is construction management school worth it in Suffolk?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Suffolk?
How do I become a construction manager in Virginia?
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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 Suffolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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