Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Menomonie, WI: $72,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,766 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,908 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,949) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the construction management field in Menomonie, Wisconsin, starting pay can be quite competitive but also presents challenges. Entry-level construction manager salaries are projected to begin around $72,766 annually in 2026, which is significantly lower than the median for the area at $116,949. However, those who invest a few years in gaining experience can expect to bridge that gap as they reach the 25th percentile at $90,068, and ultimately the median salary with time and increased responsibility. Menomonie's cost of living index of 93.4 suggests that even these entry-level figures might afford new graduates a reasonable quality of life, positioning the market favorably for those looking to kick-start their careers.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level construction managers in Menomonie, WI typically start between $72,766 and $90,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,381 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,949 — 1.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 75.58% of the starting construction manager pay ($72,766/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $72,766 to $90,068, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $106,381 ( 146.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,766, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,147.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,680
2025 BLS Actual
$70,360
2026 Current Est.
$72,766
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,255 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,680 in 2019 to $70,360 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,255. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Employment opportunities for fresh graduates in this sector are primarily found among larger general contractors and specialty contractors in Menomonie. Companies like Bechtel, Turner, and others tend to source candidates directly from universities focusing on construction management or engineering. As newly minted professionals, obtaining relevant credentials, such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or certifications like CCM, PMP, and LEED AP can significantly enhance new grad construction manager pay in WI. Amid Wisconsin's growth stemming from a mega-project boom—specifically in data centers, semiconductor fabs, and EV battery plants—the demand for construction management expertise remains robust. In the initial years, graduates should prepare for compensation growth, aligning more closely with industry standards as they gain hands-on experience and consider the potential of transitioning into roles with owners’ representatives, which often provide a more balanced work-life dynamic.
More salary data for Menomonie, 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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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