Senior Construction Manager Salary in New Bedford, MA: $220,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in New Bedford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $220,175/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back New Bedford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,926 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, New Bedford is anticipated to offer experienced construction managers an impressive median annual salary of $142,048, but the financial rewards are significantly higher for top earners, with salaries reaching up to $220,175 at the 90th percentile. This premium aligns well against the national landscape, where top construction managers earn a median salary of $118,923, offering a competitive edge for seasoned professionals in the field. The gap between the median and high-end salaries illustrates the substantial experience premium; those who have cultivated their expertise over seven or more years can expect increased compensation based on their proven track record, advanced certifications, and specialization within pivotal sectors of construction, such as healthcare and infrastructure. To reach these levels of pay, professionals must not only excel in project execution but also demonstrate strong leadership and strategic foresight in managing complex projects.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in New Bedford earn between $181,822 and $220,175 per year (2026 est.). This $130,258 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The New Bedford median of $142,048 sits 19.45% above the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | New Bedford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,048 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,822 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $220,175 | $195,919 |
In New Bedford, experienced construction managers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Construction Manager Pay in New Bedford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $142,048 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by New Bedford employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in New Bedford command premium compensation, often reaching the $181,822–$220,175 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the New Bedford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced construction managers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured construction managers in New Bedford with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Construction Managers in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Construction Manager Career & Wage Growth Path in New Bedford
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNew Bedford ranks #8 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $220,175).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in New Bedford ($220,175) is 0.69% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($221,713).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,710
2025 BLS Actual
$212,894
2026 Current Est.
$220,175
2019–2027 Growth
+54.2%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $167,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $228,729 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,705 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in New Bedford saw their compensation grow 44.1% from $147,710 in 2019 to $212,894 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.42% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $227,705 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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.
Maximizing Your Construction Manager Earnings in New Bedford
Focusing on specialized roles can significantly enhance earning potential in New Bedford, where sectors like commercial office building, healthcare construction, and data center development are particularly lucrative. Senior construction managers with experience in fast-growing areas, such as sustainable construction and tenant improvements, often find themselves negotiating competitive compensation packages. Employer types also play a critical role; for example, top general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner Construction, typically offer the highest salaries and benefits, while owner’s representatives or program management firms provide comparable pay with a better work-life balance. Advancement paths remain clear: professionals often start as assistant project managers before progressing to roles like project executive or operations director. Advanced credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering, along with certifications like CCM, PMP, and LEED AP, are vital for these senior positions. Additionally, compensation packages may include bonuses tied to project profitability and premiums for travel, particularly in high-stakes projects such as mega-developments, further enhancing senior construction manager pay in MA.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in New Bedford in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in New Bedford?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in New Bedford?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in New Bedford?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in New Bedford?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $212,894 for construction managers in the New Bedford metro area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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