Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Franklin, WI: $77,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,616 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,482) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Wisconsin, new graduates aiming for a career in construction management can expect a starting salary around $77,616 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay bracket and highlights the initial gap between starting pay and the city’s median annual salary of $118,482. As early-career professionals establish themselves in the industry, they may reach about $91,756 within the first few years, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. Given the positive forecast for the construction management field, especially with ongoing mega-projects, Franklin appears to be a promising market for fresh graduates entering this profession.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level construction managers in Franklin, WI typically start between $77,616 and $91,756 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,031 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,482 — 0.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 70.86% of the starting construction manager pay ($77,616/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $77,616 to $91,756, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average 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 Franklin is $106,031 ( 136.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,616, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,647.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,457
2025 BLS Actual
$75,049
2026 Current Est.
$77,616
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,254 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,270 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,457 in 2019 to $75,049 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,270. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Several prominent employers in Franklin, including large general contractors like Bechtel and Turner, actively seek out entry-level construction managers through campus recruitment efforts. These companies typically offer assistant project manager roles, providing invaluable experience to new professionals. To enhance starting salaries and career prospects in Wisconsin, obtaining credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering is crucial. Furthermore, certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can elevate an applicant's desirability in a competitive job market. The current emphasis on mega-projects, such as data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, is driving demand for skilled construction managers, potentially enabling first-year earnings to rise significantly as new graduates take on challenging roles in the field. These factors suggest that career growth during the initial years can be robust, particularly for those who strategically align their training and credentials with industry needs.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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