Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Carrollton, TX: $57,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Carrollton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,675 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carrollton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,078 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,439) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrollton, Texas, new graduates entering the construction management field can expect to see an entry-level construction manager salary starting around $57,675 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $99,439, pointing to a substantial gap that emerging professionals may encounter early in their careers. However, the salary trajectory for entry-level positions appears promising, with potential for growth as they gain experience, moving from the P10 threshold up to the P25 and median levels within just a few years. Given the ongoing demand for construction management professionals in the region, partly fueled by the current mega-project boom, Carrollton presents a viable job market for new graduates eager to start their careers in this dynamic industry.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Carrollton
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 Carrollton
Entry-level construction managers in Carrollton, TX typically start between $57,675 and $78,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $96,456 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,439 — 16.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 104.03% of the starting construction manager pay ($57,675/year) in Carrollton. 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 Carrollton
- 1Research the Carrollton market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $57,675 to $78,566, 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 Carrollton, 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 Carrollton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Carrollton'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 Carrollton is $96,456 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,675, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,925
2025 BLS Actual
$55,768
2026 Current Est.
$57,675
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,925 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,517 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,768 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,648 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Carrollton, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,925 in 2019 to $55,768 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,648. New graduates entering the Carrollton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
Employers in Carrollton looking to recruit new grad construction managers include several prominent general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner, which often tap into campus pipelines for entry-level roles, particularly in assistant project management. These firms typically offer competitive salaries, alongside the potential for vigorous growth in the early years of one's career. To enhance starting pay, having a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture is essential, with options for further credentials like the CCM or PMP providing added marketability. The landscape of construction management jobs is shifting, where owner’s representative positions might offer a more favorable work-life balance compared to the intense demands of top-tier general contractors. As the economy continues to thrive with mega-projects, first-year salaries could see noteworthy increases, reflecting the high demand for capable project managers in this bustling market.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Carrollton 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 Carrollton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrollton 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