Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Denton, TX: $59,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Denton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,850 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,344 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,685) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of construction management in Denton, TX, the starting construction manager salary is projected to be $59,850 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $97,685 for all construction managers in the city, it reflects realistic expectations for entry-level positions. The gap between the entry-level and median depends on various factors, such as experience level and additional skills obtained after graduation. As new graduates gain experience in the first few years, they can expect an increase in pay, potentially reaching $75,128 at the P25 level. Given the city’s ongoing development and construction projects, Denton presents a favorable job market for aspiring construction managers looking to start their careers.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denton
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 Denton
Entry-level construction managers in Denton, TX typically start between $59,850 and $75,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,562 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,685 — 17.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 100.25% of the starting construction manager pay ($59,850/year) in Denton. 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 Denton
- 1Research the Denton market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $59,850 to $75,128, 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 Denton, 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 Denton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denton'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 Denton is $91,562 ( 152.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,850, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,412.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,619
2025 BLS Actual
$57,871
2026 Current Est.
$59,850
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,619 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,233 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,708 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,897 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Denton, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,619 in 2019 to $57,871 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,897. New graduates entering the Denton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denton 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 Denton
In Denton, major employers such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner actively seek new talent, often recruiting through university campus pipelines for assistant project management roles. These opportunities are essential for fresh graduates aiming to gain vital industry experience. To enhance their entry-level construction manager pay in TX, newcomers should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field, as well as certifications like CMAA’s CCM or PMP. The current mega-project boom, driven by significant developments like data centers and semiconductor fabs, provides a steady demand for project managers. Graduates should anticipate salary growth during their first three years, aligning with the industry’s competitive nature and the potential for career advancement into senior roles or owner’s representative positions, which offer a better work-life balance without compromising compensation.
More salary data for Denton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Denton 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