Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Arlington, TX: $60,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Arlington, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,859 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,395 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,928) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in Arlington, TX can expect an entry-level construction manager salary starting around $60,859. While this amount is substantially lower than the city's median of $104,928, it provides a solid foundation for those looking to build their careers. Early-career professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory that allows them to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $76,716 within the first few years. Given the robust demand for construction managers, fueled by a booming local market and large-scale projects, Arlington presents a favorable environment for new grads seeking to establish themselves in this essential industry.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
Entry-level construction managers in Arlington, TX typically start between $60,859 and $76,716 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,928 — 11.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 98.59% of the starting construction manager pay ($60,859/year) in Arlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Arlington
- 1Research the Arlington market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $60,859 to $76,716, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Arlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Arlington is $101,779 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,859, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,638.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,404
2025 BLS Actual
$58,846
2026 Current Est.
$60,859
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,404 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,940 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,404 in 2019 to $58,846 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,940. New graduates entering the Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your construction management Career in Arlington
Large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner often recruit fresh talent through campus pipelines, offering entry-level roles as assistant project managers. In addition, specialty contractors typically have their own training programs, while real estate developers tend to prioritize seasoned project managers, making networking essential for new entrants. Credentials such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture are highly beneficial, along with considerations for certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP). With the ongoing mega-project boom—particularly in data centers, semiconductor fabs, and EV battery plants—entry-level professionals might realistically expect to experience salary growth in their first few years, driven by demand for skilled managers. Career paths vary significantly between general contracting and owner's representative roles, with the former often requiring longer hours and travel, while the latter can balance lifestyle with competitive pay, laying the groundwork for successful advancement in the field.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Arlington in 2026?
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Is construction management school worth it in Arlington?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov