Carrollton vs Houston: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Carrollton, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,439 | $107,071▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.81 | $51.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,675 | $70,843▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,566 | $84,577▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,282 | $138,417▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,131 | $176,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 16,500▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and Houston is $7,632 (7.68%). Houston's median is -9.97% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $96,456,Houston spans $105,581. Houston 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, Houston ($108,559 effective) pays 4.80% more than Carrollton ($103,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,424)
- ✓Larger job market (16,500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,559)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Carrollton grew -5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$102,032 (2024) → $96,151 (2025)
Houston, TX
$91,300 (2019) → $103,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Carrollton or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Houston?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to Houston as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Carrollton vs Houston?
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