Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Rowlett, TX: $57,700 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Rowlett, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,700 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rowlett's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,104 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,233) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emerging into the field of construction management in Rowlett, Texas opens a pathway for talented new graduates, though expectations should be managed regarding initial compensation. As of 2026, entry-level construction manager salaries are projected to begin at around $57,700, significantly lower than the city median of $96,233. However, for ambitious newcomers, this role offers a promising career trajectory; individuals can anticipate growth toward the 25th percentile earning of $73,214 within the first few years. With a competitive average cost of living index at 96, Rowlett presents a viable market for graduates eager to enter this profession. The current demand for skilled construction managers amidst ongoing development ensures a favorable outlook for those just starting their careers.
About the Rowlett Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rowlett
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 Rowlett
Entry-level construction managers in Rowlett, TX typically start between $57,700 and $73,214 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,462 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,233 — 19.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 103.99% of the starting construction manager pay ($57,700/year) in Rowlett. 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 Rowlett
- 1Research the Rowlett market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $57,700 to $73,214, 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 Rowlett, 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 Rowlett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rowlett'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 Rowlett is $91,462 ( 158.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,700, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,162.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,944
2025 BLS Actual
$55,792
2026 Current Est.
$57,700
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,537 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,504 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,792 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,700 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,673 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Rowlett, TX grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,944 in 2019 to $55,792 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,673. New graduates entering the Rowlett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rowlett 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 Rowlett
With numerous construction firms established in Rowlett, new graduates should focus their job search on reputable general contractors (GCs), such as Bechtel, Skanska, and Turner. These companies actively recruit entry-level talent through their campus pipelines, often filling assistant project manager roles that facilitate rapid career progression. Understanding that a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture is typically sought after can further enhance starting pay in Texas. Although many construction managers may eventually pursue advanced credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) for greater opportunities, it's essential for new professionals to consider that the booming demand driven by data centers, semiconductor fabs, and electric vehicle plants highlights the potential for salary growth. Within the first few years, entry-level managers in Rowlett can expect gradual increases, aligning career growth with project demands while exploring longer-term roles with owner representatives, which often present improved work-life balance alongside competitive compensation.
More salary data for Rowlett, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Rowlett 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 Rowlett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rowlett 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