What Construction Project Managers Earn in Texas in 2026
Texas is one of the largest and most active construction markets in the United States. From Houston’s petrochemical and healthcare corridor to Dallas-Fort Worth’s commercial boom and Austin’s technology-driven development, construction project managers are in high demand across every major metro. That demand is reflected in compensation that continues to climb year over year.
At Amundson Group, we place construction project managers across Texas every month. Here is what the market is actually paying in 2026, based on our placement data and compensation negotiations.
Texas Project Manager Salary Ranges by Experience
Project manager compensation in Texas varies significantly based on years of experience, project complexity, and sector. Here are the current ranges:
Entry-Level Project Manager (0-3 Years)
Professionals transitioning from project engineer roles or new to independent project management. Typically handling projects in the $1M-$10M range with oversight from a senior PM or VP of Operations.
- Houston: $80,000 – $98,000
- Dallas-Fort Worth: $78,000 – $95,000
- Austin: $77,000 – $93,000
- San Antonio: $73,000 – $90,000
Mid-Level Project Manager (4-8 Years)
Running projects independently with proven track records of on-time, on-budget delivery. Managing $10M-$50M projects and often supervising one or more project engineers. This is the experience tier where demand most dramatically exceeds supply.
- Houston: $105,000 – $140,000
- Dallas-Fort Worth: $100,000 – $135,000
- Austin: $98,000 – $132,000
- San Antonio: $93,000 – $125,000
Senior Project Manager (9+ Years)
Managing complex, high-value projects ($50M+) or multiple concurrent projects. Often mentoring junior PMs and involved in business development. Some operate as project executives or directors of project management.
- Houston: $140,000 – $190,000
- Dallas-Fort Worth: $135,000 – $185,000
- Austin: $132,000 – $180,000
- San Antonio: $125,000 – $170,000
Sector-Specific Premiums in Texas
Not all construction project management is created equal. The sector you work in has a meaningful impact on compensation:
- Industrial / Petrochemical: +10-20% premium over commercial. Houston dominates this sector. PMs with refinery turnaround or petrochemical expansion experience command the highest compensation in the state.
- Healthcare: +10-15% premium. Hospital and medical center projects require specialized knowledge of infection control, ICRA protocols, and phased construction in occupied facilities.
- Data Centers: +10-15% premium. The surge of data center construction in Dallas-Fort Worth and Central Texas has created fierce competition for PMs with mission-critical facility experience.
- Heavy Civil / Infrastructure: +5-10% premium. TxDOT highway projects, water infrastructure, and utility work require specialized estimating and compliance knowledge.
- Multifamily / Commercial: Market rate. High volume provides stable employment but lower per-project complexity means less upward pressure on salaries.
Beyond Base Salary: Total Compensation
The most competitive offers in Texas include substantial benefits beyond base pay:
- Project completion bonuses: 5-15% of base salary, tied to schedule and budget metrics
- Vehicle allowance: $600-$900/month or company vehicle
- 401(k) match: 4-6% with increasing adoption of immediate vesting
- Profit sharing: Senior PMs at mid-size firms often participate in annual profit sharing
- Signing bonuses: $5,000-$20,000 for high-demand specialties, especially mid-level PMs
For detailed compensation data across all construction roles and regions, see our 2026 Construction Salary Guide.
What Is Driving PM Salaries Up in Texas?
Several converging forces are pushing project manager compensation higher:
Infrastructure spending: Federal and state infrastructure investment is funding highways, bridges, water systems, and public facilities across Texas, adding demand for experienced PMs alongside the existing private-sector pipeline.
Industrial reshoring: Semiconductor fabrication plants, battery manufacturing, and other industrial megaprojects in Central and North Texas require large project teams.
Workforce demographics: A wave of baby boomer retirements is removing experienced PMs from the market faster than they can be replaced. The resulting experience gap is acute at the mid-level tier.
Competition from adjacent industries: Energy, mining, and technology companies compete for many of the same organizational and technical skills, giving construction PMs outside options that drive up their market value.
How to Maximize Your Project Manager Salary
Whether you are negotiating a new offer or advocating for a raise at your current company, these factors have the most impact on construction PM compensation:
- Quantify your track record. Document projects delivered on time and under budget with specific dollar amounts and schedule metrics.
- Specialize in a premium sector. Transitioning into healthcare, data center, or industrial construction can unlock a 10-20% salary increase.
- Stay current on technology. Proficiency in Procore, Autodesk Build, or other construction management platforms is increasingly expected and valued.
- Be open to mobility. PMs willing to work across the Dallas-Houston-Austin triangle have more options and more leverage.
For a confidential compensation consultation, contact our recruiting team. For tips on the negotiation process itself, read our guide on how to negotiate a construction salary.
Looking to Hire or Get Hired?
Amundson Group specializes in placing construction project managers across Texas. Whether you are a contractor building your project team or a PM evaluating your options, we can help.
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