Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $59,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Nacogdoches, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,035 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nacogdoches's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,495 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in Nacogdoches, Texas, can expect a starting construction manager salary of approximately $59,035. This figure serves as the lower percentile for entry-level positions, indicating that many individuals might begin their careers at this benchmark. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $93,237, there is a notable gap of $34,202 that early-career professionals would need to bridge through experience and performance. Over the first three to five years in the industry, entry-level employees have the potential to progress from this starting figure into the $70,769 range, eventually aligning closer to the median as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. Given the current market conditions in Nacogdoches, recent graduates can find promising opportunities to establish themselves in a steadily growing field.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nacogdoches
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 Nacogdoches
Entry-level construction managers in Nacogdoches, TX typically start between $59,035 and $70,769 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,483 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,237 — 21.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 101.63% of the starting construction manager pay ($59,035/year) in Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches
- 1Research the Nacogdoches market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $59,035 to $70,769, 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 Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nacogdoches'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 Nacogdoches is $85,483 ( 144.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,035, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,518.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,984
2025 BLS Actual
$57,083
2026 Current Est.
$59,035
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,984 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,054 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Nacogdoches, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,984 in 2019 to $57,083 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,054. New graduates entering the Nacogdoches job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
Finding employment as a new graduate construction manager in Nacogdoches often means looking towards established general contractors like Bechtel and Skanska, who typically recruit from university talent pools for entry-level assistant project manager roles. Smaller specialty contractors may also seek fresh talent through trade-specific pathways, though they often have particular criteria for skills and experience. To elevate starting pay in Texas, credentials such as a Bachelor's in construction management or civil engineering are important, and pursuing certifications like the CCM or PMP can further enhance a candidate’s marketability. During the first few years, as demand rises due to a mega-project boom involving data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, starting salaries can show meaningful increases as individuals gain skills. Career progression may lead to a choice between working as an employee for top-ranked general contractors, which often requires significant travel and long hours, or transitioning to an owner’s representative role that may offer a better work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation in the Nacogdoches market.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Nacogdoches in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Nacogdoches?
Is construction management school worth it in Nacogdoches?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Nacogdoches?
How do I become a construction manager in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Nacogdoches. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nacogdoches 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