Houston vs El Paso: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Houston, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,071▲ | $86,904 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.48▲ | $41.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,843▲ | $59,229 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,577▲ | $66,096 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,417▲ | $113,266 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,424▲ | $142,709 |
| Total Employed | 16,500▲ | 1,000 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between Houston and El Paso is $20,167 (23.21%). 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 Houston spans $105,581,El Paso spans $83,480. Houston 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, Houston ($108,559 effective) pays 12.32% more than El Paso ($96,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Houston grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in El Paso over the same period.
Houston, TX
$91,300 (2019) → $103,530 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$73,830 (2019) → $84,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Houston or El Paso?
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Should I relocate from Houston to El Paso as a construction manager?
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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