Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Green Bay, WI: $78,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Green Bay, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,972 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,838 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in Green Bay, Wisconsin can expect entry-level positions to offer starting construction manager salaries around $78,972. This figure, while competitive for entry-level roles, sits notably below the city's median salary of $113,845, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals must navigate. However, over the initial three to five years, recent graduates can look forward to a growth trajectory that progresses from the lower end of the pay scale at $78,972 to approximately $98,445 at the 25th percentile, and potentially to the median as they gain experience and skills. With the continued expansion of construction projects in the area, particularly those related to data centers and semiconductor fabs, Green Bay presents itself as an increasingly viable market for those starting their careers in construction management.
Career Earnings Timeline in Green Bay
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 Green Bay
Entry-level construction managers in Green Bay, WI typically start between $78,972 and $98,445 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,006 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,845 — 4.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 69.64% of the starting construction manager pay ($78,972/year) in Green Bay. 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 Green Bay
- 1Research the Green Bay market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $78,972 to $98,445, 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 Green Bay, 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 Green Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Green Bay'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 Green Bay is $90,006 ( 113.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,972, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,978.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,050
2025 BLS Actual
$76,360
2026 Current Est.
$78,972
2019–2027 Growth
+16.6%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Green Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,672 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Green Bay, WI grew 9.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,050 in 2019 to $76,360 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,672. New graduates entering the Green Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green Bay 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 Green Bay
For recent graduates, securing a position as an entry-level construction manager in Green Bay often involves targeting prominent employers such as large general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska, which frequently recruit from local universities for roles as assistant project managers. The city's growing demand for qualified professionals stems from a surge in mega-projects that necessitate strong leadership in construction. Credentials like a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering will set newcomers apart, while certifications like CCM, PMP, or LEED AP can enhance their earning potential. With sustained demand for construction managers, those in their first three years can realistically aim for steady salary increases, aligning their progress with industry trends and potentially shifting towards roles on the owner's representative side for greater work-life balance. Overall, eager candidates should consider the professional development opportunities available through organizations like the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) to further enhance their employability and impact in this thriving sector.
More salary data for Green Bay, 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 Green Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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