Senior Construction Manager Salary in Brentwood, TN: $156,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Brentwood, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $156,847/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Brentwood's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $170,857 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

Brentwood, Tennessee, offers an appealing financial landscape for experienced construction managers, particularly those striving for top-tier compensation. With a projected median annual salary of $101,191 for 2026, professionals in this field have the potential to earn up to $156,847 at the 90th percentile. This figure is noteworthy as it not only represents a significant gap from the median, underscoring the value placed on advanced experience and specialized skills in construction management, but also compares favorably to the national top earners, where the median salary stands at $118,923. Achieving such heights in compensation often requires additional qualifications, advanced credentials, and a robust track record of overseeing complex projects that demonstrate leadership abilities and effective project management skills.
At the senior level, specific areas of specialization can greatly influence compensation within Brentwood. Professional roles in commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects command higher salaries, alongside expertise in burgeoning fields such as data center construction and sustainable building practices. Those employed by prominent general contractors like Bechtel or Turner Construction typically receive superior compensation compared to other employer types, including specialty contractors or real estate developers acting as owners' representatives. Advancement paths are clearly defined, starting from assistant project manager up to operations director, with credentials like a Bachelor's in construction management or certifications such as CCM or PMP enhancing salary prospects. Factors such as project size and complexity can lead to substantial annual earnings, particularly when managing mega-projects, while bonuses tied to project profitability offer further incentives.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Brentwood earn between $129,525 and $156,847 per year (2026 est.). This $89,997 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brentwood median of $101,191 sits 14.91% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Brentwood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,191 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,525 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $156,847 | $195,919 |
In Brentwood, 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 Brentwood
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $101,191 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brentwood employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Brentwood command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,525–$156,847 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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 Tennessee 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 Brentwood
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrentwood ranks #23 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $156,847).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Brentwood ($156,847) is 16.94% below the Tennessee average P90 ($188,843).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,926
2025 BLS Actual
$151,660
2026 Current Est.
$156,847
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,352 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,133 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,211 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Brentwood saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $131,926 in 2019 to $151,660 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 $162,211 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Senior construction managers in Brentwood, TN, are positioned uniquely within a growing market ripe with opportunity, especially as the demand for high-caliber professionals in the construction sector continues to rise. Specializations that align with current market trends, such as healthcare construction, infrastructure development, and sustainability measures, tend to yield increased pay for experienced managers. Additionally, compensation structures vary by educational background and employer type; for example, those holding advanced degrees and certifications often navigate their careers toward lucrative positions in mega-project management.
Moreover, the advantage of leadership skills—be it as a general contractor or in an owner's representative role—cannot be overstated, as these pathways offer tangible rewards in both salary and work-life balance. It's common for seasoned construction managers to experience a divide in salary based on their employer; those working for top ENR firms often see higher pay that corresponds with the complexity and scale of their projects. Non-salary benefits also play a role in overall compensation in Brentwood, with project bonuses and travel opportunities balancing the demands of the job. As such, strategic career moves and continuous education through programs like OSHA 30 or LEED AP can significantly enhance the earning potential of skilled construction managers in this viable market.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Brentwood in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Brentwood?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Brentwood?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Brentwood?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in Brentwood?
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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 $151,660 for construction managers in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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