Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Wichita Falls, TX: $60,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Wichita Falls, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,159 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 89.5 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,207 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,943) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the construction management field in Wichita Falls can anticipate a starting construction manager salary of approximately $60,159 in 2026. This entry-level figure represents a significant divergence from the overall median annual salary of $95,943 for construction managers in the area, highlighting a gap that early-career professionals must navigate. However, there is potential for growth within the first few years, as new managers can expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $74,059 with focused effort and professional development. Given the continued demand for construction managers, driven by the mega-project boom in areas like data centers and EV battery plants, Wichita Falls is currently a favorable market for new graduates looking to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita Falls
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 Wichita Falls
Entry-level construction managers in Wichita Falls, TX typically start between $60,159 and $74,059 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,480 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,943 — 19.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 99.74% of the starting construction manager pay ($60,159/year) in Wichita Falls. 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 Wichita Falls
- 1Research the Wichita Falls market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $60,159 to $74,059, 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 Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita Falls's below-average 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 Wichita Falls is $112,480 ( 186.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,159, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,320
2025 BLS Actual
$58,170
2026 Current Est.
$60,159
2019–2027 Growth
+12.5%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,478 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,217 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita Falls, TX grew 5.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,320 in 2019 to $58,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,217. New graduates entering the Wichita Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
In terms of employment opportunities, larger general contractors like Bechtel and Turner actively recruit in Wichita Falls, offering assistant project manager roles that can be ideal for recent graduates. These companies often seek candidates through college campus recruiting, ensuring a pathway for early-career professionals. To enhance their marketability, aspiring construction managers should consider obtaining a Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields, along with credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP). Given the competitive landscape and the Mega-project boom's influence, realistic salary growth in the first few years may lead to positions earning over $74,059, especially for those willing to navigate the rigorous demands of top ENR firms that offer premium pay in exchange for arduous work schedules. Additionally, exploring roles as owner's representatives often presents a balanced alternative with comparable compensation and a more favorable lifestyle.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Wichita Falls in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Wichita Falls?
Is construction management school worth it in Wichita Falls?
What do new construction managers make right out of school in Wichita Falls?
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 Wichita Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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