Construction Manager Pay

Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Friendswood, TX: $62,658 (2026)

Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Friendswood, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,658 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Friendswood's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,269 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,960) within a few years of clinical practice.

$62,658
Starting Salary
$30.13/hr
Starting Hourly
$62,658
Entry Level
$94,960
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Construction Manager Entry Level Salary in Friendswood, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Friendswood, TX construction manager entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the starting construction manager salary in Friendswood, TX, is projected at $62,658, which can serve as a realistic entry point for new graduates entering the field. While this figure is notably lower than the city median of $94,960, it provides a pathway for career advancement as early entrants can expect to grow into salaries around $76,279 after gaining experience. This growth trajectory creates a solid opportunity over the first few years, with realistic salary increases driven by the local market's demand for construction managers. Friendswood currently positions itself as an attractive job market for new grads, especially with the continued expansion of infrastructure and mega-projects in the region, which suggests a favorable outlook for entry-level professionals in construction management roles.

About the Friendswood Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Friendswood

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$62,658/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$76,279/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$94,960/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$121,550/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Friendswood

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for construction managers in Friendswood. The median salary is $94,960, compared to the national median of $118,923.$56.4K$80.9K$105.5K$130.0K$154.5K$62.7K10th Pctl$76.3K25th Pctl$95.0KMedian$121.5K75th Pctl$147.2K90th PctlUS Median$118.9K

Entry-level construction managers in Friendswood, TX typically start between $62,658 and $76,279 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,530 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,96020.15% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of construction manager pay in the Friendswood metro area.

Return on Investment

$60,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$62,658
Starting Salary
95.76%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 95.76% of the starting construction manager pay ($62,658/year) in Friendswood. 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 Friendswood

  • 1Research the Friendswood market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $62,658 to $76,279, 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 Friendswood, 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 Friendswood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Friendswood'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 Friendswood is $84,530 ( 134.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,658, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,188.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$48,806

2025 BLS Actual

$60,586

2026 Current Est.

$62,658

2019–2027 Growth

+32.8%

Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Friendswood (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for construction managers in Friendswood. Baseline $48,806 in 2025, projected to $64,801 by 2027.$45.6K$51.2K$56.8K$62.4K$68.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$48.8K$49.4K$52.2K$54.1K$56.1K$64.6K$60.6K$62.7K$64.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$48,806Actual
2020$49,449Actual
2021$52,205Actual
2022$54,083Actual
2023$56,057Actual
2024$64,596Actual
2025$60,586Actual
2026(current)$62,658Estimated
2027$64,801Projected

Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Friendswood, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,806 in 2019 to $60,586 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,801. New graduates entering the Friendswood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Friendswood

Opportunities for recent graduates in Friendswood’s construction sector primarily arise from large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, Turner, and Whiting-Turner, who actively seek entry-level talent through campus recruitment initiatives. While these firms often prefer candidates with a solid educational background—typically a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture—credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can enhance starting pay. As the mega-project boom continues to drive the Texas construction market, it is crucial for new professionals to strategically leverage their initial experiences. Building a career often involves working for top-tier general contractors that demand hard work—often including long hours and travel—but can lead to substantial salary growth. In contrast, pursuing roles on the owner's representative side can offer similar compensation without the intense travel, appealing to graduates seeking a better work-life balance. As the industry evolves, those starting in this space can realistically expect steady salary growth, gaining invaluable experience over their first few years in Friendswood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for construction managers in Friendswood in 2026?

Entry-level construction managers in Friendswood start at approximately $62,658/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.42% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $30.12/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Friendswood?

Most construction managers in Friendswood progress from the entry-level salary of $62,658 to the area median of $94,960 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $147,188 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is construction management school worth it in Friendswood?

With a starting salary of $62,658/year in Friendswood and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new construction managers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new construction managers make right out of school in Friendswood?

New construction management graduates in Friendswood typically start near the 10th percentile at $62,658/year, or approximately $30.12/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a construction manager in Texas?

To become a licensed construction manager in Texas, you typically need bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, plus several years of construction industry experience, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Texas, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some construction managers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Texas

MJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, BS, PMPData verified by Rajesh Kumar, BS, CCM

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 Friendswood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Friendswood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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