Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Southaven, MS: $64,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Southaven, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,116 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Southaven's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,814 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,255) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the construction management field in Southaven, Mississippi, the starting construction manager salary offers substantial potential, beginning around $64,116 annually in 2026. While this initial pay might seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $100,255, new graduates can anticipate a steady trajectory of growth over the first few years. As entry-level professionals gain experience, they could see their earnings rise towards the first quartile, with expectations around $78,969, closing the gap to the local median. Southaven remains a viable market for new graduates, particularly amidst ongoing construction projects fueled by statewide economic development initiatives, making it an opportune time to launch a career in construction management.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Southaven
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 Southaven
Entry-level construction managers in Southaven, MS typically start between $64,116 and $78,969 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,280 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,255 — 15.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Mississippi of $40,000 represents just 62.39% of the starting construction manager pay ($64,116/year) in Southaven. 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 Southaven
- 1Research the Southaven market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $64,116 to $78,969, 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 Southaven, 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 Southaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Southaven'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 Southaven is $91,280 ( 142.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,116, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,396.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,942
2025 BLS Actual
$61,996
2026 Current Est.
$64,116
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,503 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,309 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Southaven, MS grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,942 in 2019 to $61,996 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,309. New graduates entering the Southaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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 Southaven
Companies in Southaven looking to recruit fresh talent in construction management typically include large general contractors (GCs) such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner Construction, along with local specialty contractors and real estate developers. For new graduates, securing positions often hinges on relationships established through campus recruitment or internships. As they start their careers, pursuing additional credentials can enhance entry-level pay. A bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture provides a solid foundation, while qualifications like the CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP (Project Management Professional) can make candidates more competitive. With the mega-project boom, including data centers and semiconductor fabrication plants, the demand for qualified construction managers remains strong. In the initial years, as project managers gain valuable experience, they can realistically expect gradual salary increases that position them well for higher-paying roles in this developing market.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Southaven in 2026?
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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 Southaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Southaven 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