Austin vs College Station: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Austin, TX and College Station, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | College Station, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,502▲ | $91,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.20▲ | $43.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,125▲ | $61,897 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,259▲ | $73,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,996▲ | $114,279 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,894▲ | $152,555 |
| Total Employed | 6,040▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between Austin and College Station is $15,068 (16.48%). 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 Austin spans $102,769,College Station spans $90,658. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($108,602 effective) pays 8.03% more than College Station ($100,531 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,502/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,894)
- ✓Larger job market (6,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,602)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose College Station if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Austin grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in College Station over the same period.
Austin, TX
$89,330 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)
College Station, TX
$70,580 (2019) → $88,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
College Station, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Austin or College Station?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and College Station?
Should I relocate from Austin to College Station as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Austin vs College Station?
Related Comparisons
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