Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Bastrop, TX: $59,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Bastrop, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,426 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bastrop's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,902 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,826) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those beginning their careers in construction management, Bastrop, TX presents a promising path with a starting construction manager salary projections of $59,426 in 2026. This figure is below the city median annual salary of $93,826, highlighting a significant gap that new graduates can work to close within their first few years in the industry. With a reasonable growth trajectory, entry-level professionals can expect to see their salaries rise to around $73,022 by reaching the 25th percentile, and into the median range as they accumulate experience. Given the current demand for construction managers bolstered by the ongoing mega-project boom—especially in data centers and electric vehicle battery plants—Bastrop could be a favorable market for new graduates eager to establish themselves in a thriving field.
About the Bastrop Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bastrop
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 Bastrop
Entry-level construction managers in Bastrop, TX typically start between $59,426 and $73,022 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,456 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,826 — 21.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 100.97% of the starting construction manager pay ($59,426/year) in Bastrop. 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 Bastrop
- 1Research the Bastrop market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $59,426 to $73,022, 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 Bastrop, 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 Bastrop for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bastrop'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 Bastrop is $85,456 ( 143.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,426, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,882.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,289
2025 BLS Actual
$57,461
2026 Current Est.
$59,426
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Bastrop (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,286 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,461 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,459 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Bastrop, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,289 in 2019 to $57,461 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,459. New graduates entering the Bastrop job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bastrop 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 Bastrop
New graduates looking to improve their situation should consider potential employers in the area, particularly large general contractors like Bechtel and Turner, which often recruit through campus pipelines for assistant project manager roles. Specialty contractors and real estate developers typically seek experienced individuals, but entry-level graduates can find opportunities in program management firms too. Having a solid educational background in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field will significantly enhance entry-level pay in Texas. Credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and OSHA 30 can provide an edge. Throughout the critical first three years, beginners should anticipate gradual but steady salary increments, with a strategic eye on transitioning to owner’s representative roles, which can offer a preferable lifestyle while maintaining competitive compensation in the construction industry.
More salary data for Bastrop, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Bastrop in 2026?
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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 Bastrop. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bastrop 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