Assistant Project Managers in Houston’s construction market earn a typical base salary of $100K, $140K, with total compensation reaching $110K, $182K when bonuses, truck allowances, and per-diem are factored in. This range reflects real placement data from Amundson Group’s 2026 salary guide, calibrated for Houston’s cost of living and current labor demand.
Assistant Project Manager salary range in Houston: $100K, $140K base
The $100K, $140K base salary range for Assistant Project Managers in Houston is driven by three primary factors: years of experience in construction management, the scale and complexity of projects managed, and the specific sector (commercial, civil/heavy highway, multifamily, or industrial).
Candidates at the lower end of the range, typically with 3-7 years of hands-on experience, often work on smaller commercial or residential projects, or support larger teams on complex builds. Those closer to $140K typically manage more autonomy on mid-sized projects, handle budget responsibility, and may oversee subcontractors and field staff. Beyond base salary, high-performing Assistant Project Managers in Houston see significant upside: performance bonuses often add 10-20% of base, while truck allowances and per-diem can add another 5-10%, pushing total compensation into the $110K, $182K range for top earners.
Employer size and financial health also matter. Larger regional and national construction firms tend to pay at the higher end of the range, particularly if they operate across multiple sectors and have stable cash flow. Smaller local contractors may cluster toward $100K, $115K, especially for entry-level APM roles.
What drives Assistant Project Manager pay in Houston’s construction market
Houston’s construction market remains one of the most active in the US, anchored by commercial development in the energy sector, growing multifamily demand, and consistent civil infrastructure work. This sustained activity creates steady demand for mid-level management talent, keeping Assistant Project Manager salaries competitive.
The city’s cost-of-living adjustment is moderate compared to coastal markets, but construction labor costs and project scheduling pressures remain high. This means employers invest in experienced APMs who can manage timelines, budgets, and safety protocols, roles that justify the $100K, $140K range. Houston’s low unemployment in skilled trades also means construction firms compete aggressively for management-track talent, supporting salary floors around $100K even for less experienced candidates.
Recent growth in multifamily and industrial segments has created additional demand for Assistant Project Managers, particularly those with experience in fast-track scheduling and modular construction. This sector diversity helps stabilize salaries across economic cycles.
Assistant Project Manager compensation by experience level
Salary expectations shift meaningfully with experience in Houston’s market:
- 3-5 years of experience: $85K, $105K base
Early-career APMs, often recent college hires or site supervisors promoted into management roles. Responsibilities include daily site coordination, subcontractor scheduling, and quality oversight under senior PM direction.
- 5-10 years of experience: $100K, $120K base
Mid-career APMs with autonomous project segments or support roles on larger builds. Comfortable with budget tracking, RFI management, and field staff leadership.
- 10-15 years of experience: $120K, $140K base
Senior Assistant Project Managers or those approaching full Project Manager roles. Often lead smaller projects independently or manage major work packages on large builds. Expected to mentor junior staff.
- 15+ years of experience: $140K, $168K+ base
Veterans often transition to full Project Manager titles; those staying in APM roles typically command premium salaries due to specialized expertise (heavy civil, complex industrial, or integrated project delivery experience).
Benefits + total comp beyond base
Houston construction employers typically structure Assistant Project Manager packages with 401(k) matching of 3-6% of base salary, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and disability coverage. Many offer monthly truck allowances ($300, $600) or company vehicles, plus per-diem for travel to distant job sites ($75, $150 per day).
Performance bonuses range from 10-20% of base and are often tied to safety metrics (lost-time incident rates), schedule adherence, and budget performance. Some firms add profit-sharing, particularly for employees on projects that close ahead of schedule or under budget. Total compensation for a $120K APM with bonuses and allowances often reaches $135K, $150K annually.
What Houston construction companies pay top performers
The highest-performing Assistant Project Managers in Houston, those with safety records, strong subcontractor relationships, and ability to manage $50M+ projects, often earn salaries pushing or exceeding $160K base. When combined with annual bonuses of 20-30%, truck allowances, and per-diem, exceptional APMs can reach $190K, $220K in total annual compensation.
Amundson Group’s placement data shows that firms are willing to pay top-tier salaries for APMs who can reduce schedule risk on critical projects or lead teams through fast-track execution. In Houston’s energy-sector spinoffs and complex industrial work, APMs with specialized knowledge command premium rates. This is where the gap between typical ($100K, $140K) and exceptional ($140K, $168K+) widens significantly.
See Amundson Group’s full Assistant Project Manager Salary Guide
This data reflects Amundson Group’s quarterly salary updates, gathered from active placements across commercial, civil, multifamily, industrial, and energy sectors. Our full Salary Guide includes compensation ranges for Project Managers, Superintendents, and other construction leadership roles across major US markets. For Houston-based construction firms looking to recruit top Assistant Project Manager talent, our Hire Talent team uses AI-assisted screening to identify candidates matched to your project needs and budget.