Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Huntsville, TX: $57,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Huntsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,432 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huntsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,825 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,944) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the construction management field in Huntsville, Texas can expect a starting construction manager salary of approximately $57,432 in 2026. Although this entry-level salary is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $95,944, early-career professionals can look forward to a promising growth trajectory. As they gain experience, they may see earnings increase up to $72,431 at the 25th percentile, quickly moving toward the median pay as they establish themselves in the industry. Given the projected growth rate of 3.42% annually, Huntsville remains an appealing market for new graduates looking to enter the construction sector, especially with the surge in mega-projects such as data centers and semiconductor fabs that are ramping up demand for skilled managers.
About the Huntsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huntsville
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 Huntsville
Entry-level construction managers in Huntsville, TX typically start between $57,432 and $72,431 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,281 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,944 — 19.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 104.47% of the starting construction manager pay ($57,432/year) in Huntsville. 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 Huntsville
- 1Research the Huntsville market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $57,432 to $72,431, 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 Huntsville, 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 Huntsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huntsville'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 Huntsville is $91,281 ( 158.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,432, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,713.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,736
2025 BLS Actual
$55,533
2026 Current Est.
$57,432
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,736 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,851 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,533 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,396 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Huntsville, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,736 in 2019 to $55,533 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,396. New graduates entering the Huntsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntsville 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 Huntsville
In Huntsville, several notable employers are keen on hiring recent graduates for entry-level positions in construction management. Large general contractors like Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner actively recruit candidates through university pipelines, typically for roles as assistant project managers. This is vital because many of these positions offer the experience necessary to advance one's career within the field. To enhance earning potential, new professionals should aim to obtain credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, which can significantly boost starting pay in Texas as well. In the first few years, entry-level salaries might see a reasonable increase as new graduates navigate their careers, with exceptional opportunities and company growth likely leading to compelling earning potential. Those considering a career path on the developer side, as owner's representatives, may enjoy a better work-life balance while still capitalizing on competitive compensation.
More salary data for Huntsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Huntsville 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 Huntsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huntsville 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