Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Wausau, WI: $67,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,544 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,122) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career as a construction manager in Wausau, Wisconsin, the entry-level pay offers a varied landscape. In 2026, new graduates can expect a starting construction manager salary in the vicinity of $67,213. While this might seem modest compared to the overall city median of $110,122, which reflects the potential growth in earnings as one gains experience, this entry-level figure still provides a solid foundation. With a progression trajectory that allows for movement to $86,790 (P25) in just a few years, individuals entering this field can set realistic goals for salary increases over their first three to five years. Notably, Wausau currently offers a favorable market for newcomers, especially considering the ongoing demand for construction project management spurred by new mega-projects within the region.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level construction managers in Wausau, WI typically start between $67,213 and $86,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,593 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,122 — 7.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 81.83% of the starting construction manager pay ($67,213/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $67,213 to $86,790, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $99,593 ( 148.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,860
2025 BLS Actual
$64,990
2026 Current Est.
$67,213
2019–2027 Growth
+2.4%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,511 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew -4.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,860 in 2019 to $64,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,511. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Employers in Wausau that actively engage with new graduates from construction management programs include large general contractors such as Bechtel and Skanska, as well as boutique firms focusing on specialty construction. These companies often develop strong connections with universities, creating pipelines for assistant project manager roles. For entry-level applicants, possessing a relevant degree, such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering, significantly boosts employability and starting pay. Credentials like CCM, PMP, and OSHA certifications enhance a new grad construction manager's profile. The booming sector driven by data centers and semiconductor fabs keeps the hiring momentum strong, offering compelling opportunities even for those at the entry stage. In this competitive environment, realistic salary expectations for the first three years can align closely with the upper end of the entry-level spectrum, especially for those willing to travel or consider opportunities as an owner's representative, which tend to offer more balanced lifestyles compared to traditional contractor roles.
More salary data for Wausau, 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 Wausau. 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