Austin vs Waco: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Austin, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,502▲ | $93,864 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.20▲ | $45.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,125▲ | $60,894 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,259▲ | $70,677 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,996▲ | $122,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,894▲ | $157,043 |
| Total Employed | 6,040▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Austin and Waco is $12,638 (13.46%). 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,Waco spans $96,149. 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 7.08% more than Waco ($101,420 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 Waco 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 31.6% growth in Waco over the same period.
Austin, TX
$89,330 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)
Waco, TX
$68,970 (2019) → $90,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Austin or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Waco?
Should I relocate from Austin to Waco as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Austin vs Waco?
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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