Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Bloomington, MN: $79,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,200 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,935) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level construction manager salary in Bloomington, MN is projected to start at about $79,982 annually. This figure positions new graduates significantly below the city median salary of $128,935, indicating a notable gap that emerging professionals should be prepared for. However, the earning potential is promising, as entry-level professionals can anticipate upward movement through their early years, eventually nearing the first quartile pay of $96,980 within the first three to five years. Given the ongoing growth and opportunities in the construction sector, particularly in light of major projects in data centers, electric vehicle battery plants, and semiconductor fabrication, Bloomington serves as an appealing market for new construction management graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level construction managers in Bloomington, MN typically start between $79,982 and $96,980 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,867 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,935 — 8.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Minnesota of $70,000 represents just 87.52% of the starting construction manager pay ($79,982/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $79,982 to $96,980, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $119,867 ( 149.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,849.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,300
2025 BLS Actual
$77,337
2026 Current Est.
$79,982
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,121 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,666 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,717 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,300 in 2019 to $77,337 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,717. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
In terms of employment opportunities, major general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner actively recruit entry-level construction managers through campus pipelines, especially targeting graduates from construction management and engineering programs. These firms typically look for candidates with relevant degrees or experience in the field. Credentialing is also crucial for enhancing starting pay in Minnesota; obtaining certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) can position new professionals favorably as they navigate the landscape of the construction industry. The landscape in Bloomington suggests a steady growth trajectory during the first three years, largely fueled by the mega-project boom, with entry-level managers benefitting from demand in 50-60 hour work weeks, which are often compensated with attractive salaries. Pivoting toward owner’s representative roles can provide a potentially better work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation within this sector.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Bloomington in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Bloomington?
Is construction management school worth it in Bloomington?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Bloomington?
How do I become a construction manager in Minnesota?
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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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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