Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Racine, WI: $77,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Racine, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Racine's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,463 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,095) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of construction management in Racine, Wisconsin can expect a starting construction manager salary ranging from $77,213, which is at the 10th percentile, to about $92,768 at the 25th percentile. This starting pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $108,095, meaning that entry-level professionals should manage their expectations and plan for gradual salary growth over time. With 3-5 years of experience, they could aim for the median salary, leveraging their skills and showing their commitment to the field. Given the current market conditions and the ongoing mega-project boom, Racine presents a decent opportunity for fresh graduates, especially with construction projects on the rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Racine
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 Racine
Entry-level construction managers in Racine, WI typically start between $77,213 and $92,768 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,248 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,095 — 9.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 71.23% of the starting construction manager pay ($77,213/year) in Racine. 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 Racine
- 1Research the Racine market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $77,213 to $92,768, 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 Racine, 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 Racine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Racine'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 Racine is $91,248 ( 118.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,461.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,550
2025 BLS Actual
$74,660
2026 Current Est.
$77,213
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,854 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Racine, WI grew 8.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,550 in 2019 to $74,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,854. New graduates entering the Racine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
In Racine, several prominent employers actively seek entry-level construction managers, providing a pathway for new grads in the profession. Large general contractors like Bechtel and Turner frequently recruit from university programs, offering assistant project manager roles tailored to recent graduates. Specialty contractors and program management firms are also viable options for newcomers, although they typically hire those with some experience. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, holding a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture is key. Additional credentials—such as a CCM or PMP—can further bolster one's credentials, opening the door to better pay brackets as one accumulates experience. Realistically, a focused entry-level candidate can anticipate moderate salary growth in their initial years due to the industry's upward trajectory, driven largely by the expansion of data centers and EV battery plants in the area. Balancing aspirations with the reality of tough workloads at leading firms can provide a clearer path toward a fulfilling career.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Racine in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Racine?
Is construction management school worth it in Racine?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Racine?
How do I become a construction manager in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Racine. 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