Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Kenmore, WA: $96,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,051 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,433 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,971) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the construction management field in Kenmore, WA, the starting pay for entry-level positions is projected to be around $96,051 annually in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary in the city, which stands at $145,971. New grads can expect their earnings to reflect an upward trajectory in their early career stages, potentially reaching $116,221 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. Given the robust job market and the ongoing development boom, Kenmore currently presents a favorable environment for recent graduates seeking employment as construction managers.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level construction managers in Kenmore, WA typically start between $96,051 and $116,221 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,204 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,971 — 22.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Washington of $80,000 represents just 83.29% of the starting construction manager pay ($96,051/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $96,051 to $116,221, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $130,204 ( 135.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,051, experienced hygienists can earn up to $226,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,817
2025 BLS Actual
$92,875
2026 Current Est.
$96,051
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,803 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,932 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,342 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,336 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,817 in 2019 to $92,875 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,336. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Several major employers in the Kenmore area are actively recruiting new graduates for construction management roles. Industry giants such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner often tap into campus recruitment efforts to fill assistant project manager positions that serve as entry-level pathways. Specialty contractors typically seek candidates through trade-specific career routes. New entrants should consider obtaining relevant credentials to enhance their starting pay. A Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture can set candidates apart, and additional certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA, PMP, or LEED AP can further boost earning potential. Given the ongoing mega-project boom, including data centers and electric vehicle plants, the demand for skilled construction managers is increasing. Candidates should be prepared for rigorous initial years, with compensation reflecting the effort required in this competitive sector. Realistic salary growth expectations in this market often see early-career professionals progress steadily in their compensation, aligning with both local industry trends and the burgeoning demand for construction expertise.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Kenmore in 2026?
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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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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