Arlington vs Austin: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Arlington, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,928 | $106,502▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.45 | $51.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,859 | $72,125▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,716 | $85,259▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,307 | $138,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,638 | $174,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 83 | 6,040▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Austin is $1,574 (1.50%). Austin's median is -10.44% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $101,779,Austin spans $102,769. Austin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($109,300 effective) pays 0.64% more than Austin ($108,602 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,300)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,502/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,894)
- ✓Larger job market (6,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Arlington grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Austin over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$103,702 (2024) → $101,458 (2025)
Austin, TX
$89,330 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Arlington or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Austin?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Austin as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Arlington vs Austin?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov