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 96.0 — 4% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Friendswood
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 $94,960 — 20.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,205 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,586 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,801 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood 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 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.
More salary data for Friendswood, 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 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).
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