Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Madison, MS: $58,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Madison, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,807 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,523) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Madison, Mississippi, presents a solid entry point for aspiring construction managers, with starting salaries projected at $58,807 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $100,523 for construction managers in the city, creating an initial gap that new graduates should be prepared to navigate. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can realistically expect salary growth as they gain experience, moving toward the $81,003 mark at the 25th percentile and even reaching higher as they establish themselves in the field. Given Madison's current market dynamics and the continued demand for construction management professionals, particularly in relation to the ongoing mega-project boom, the city serves as a promising market for new graduates seeking opportunities in this sector.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level construction managers in Madison, MS typically start between $58,807 and $81,003 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,004 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,523 — 15.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Mississippi of $40,000 represents just 68.02% of the starting construction manager pay ($58,807/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $58,807 to $81,003, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $97,004 ( 164.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,807, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,811.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,806
2025 BLS Actual
$56,862
2026 Current Est.
$58,807
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,818 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, MS grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,806 in 2019 to $56,862 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,818. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Employers in Madison that recruit entry-level construction managers include major general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, who actively seek talent through campus hiring for assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors and program management firms also participate in recruitment, albeit focusing on varying experience levels. To distinguish themselves, newcomers are advised to pursue relevant credentials, which can elevate their earning potential; these may include a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering, as well as optional certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP). In the first few years, those who successfully align themselves with large top ENR-ranked general contractors may find favorable conditions despite demanding schedules, while pursuing roles as owner’s representatives can offer a more balanced lifestyle. Realistic salary growth within the first three years will vary significantly based on experience and employer, but the potential exists to approach higher compensation levels as professionals gain traction in an industry marked by robust demand for skilled managers in Mississippi.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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