Construction Project Managers in Dallas are commanding $130K to $180K in base salary for mid-to-senior level roles in 2026. With performance bonuses, truck allowances, and per-diem adding 10-30% on top, total compensation often exceeds $200K for experienced performers.
Project Manager salary range in Dallas: $130K, $180K base
The $130K, $180K range reflects the typical spread for Project Managers across Dallas’s diverse construction verticals, commercial, civil/heavy highway, multifamily residential, and industrial. The wide band exists because compensation depends heavily on years of experience, project complexity, employer size, and sector focus.
A Project Manager with 5-8 years of experience managing mid-size commercial or multifamily projects typically lands in the $130K, $155K band. Those with 10+ years leading large-scale civil, industrial, or energy projects, or managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, push toward $180K and beyond. Employer scale matters too: national and regional firms often pay more than smaller local contractors.
Base salary is only part of the story. Most construction firms layer on performance bonuses (10-20% of base), truck allowances ($500, $1,200/month), and per-diem for out-of-town projects. These benefits can add $13K, $54K annually, bringing total compensation to $160K, $230K+ for strong performers.
What drives Project Manager pay in Dallas’s construction market
Dallas has emerged as one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the US, driven by robust multifamily development, commercial real estate expansion, and ongoing infrastructure investment. This sustained demand for experienced Project Managers keeps salaries competitive and pushes skilled talent upward.
The Texas construction market, and Dallas in particular, benefits from no state income tax, which partly explains why Dallas salaries often track slightly higher than comparable metro areas in high-tax states. The cost-of-living adjustment built into the $130K, $180K range already reflects Dallas’s moderate housing and operating costs relative to coastal markets.
Sector mix also influences pay: commercial and industrial projects typically pay more than residential, while civil and heavy highway roles command premiums for complexity and regulatory oversight. A Project Manager rotating between high-margin commercial builds and highway infrastructure projects will earn more than one focused solely on multifamily, and the Dallas market offers both.
Project Manager compensation by experience level
Experience is the primary salary driver. Here’s what Amundson Group’s placement data shows for Dallas:
- 3-5 years experience: $111K, $137K
- Entry to mid-level roles; typically managing single projects or smaller portfolios under supervision
- 5-10 years experience: $130K, $155K
- Lead Project Manager level; full project ownership, multi-trade coordination, $5M, $25M project range
- 10-15 years experience: $155K, $180K
- Senior Project Manager or PM lead; portfolio management, client relationships, $15M, $75M+ projects
- 15+ years experience: $180K, $216K+
- Principal/senior level with proven track record; often moving into management, development, or executive roles
These ranges assume consistent industry tenure and progressive responsibility growth. Project Managers who specialize in high-complexity sectors (energy, heavy civil) or manage larger budgets advance faster within these bands.
Benefits + total comp beyond base
Base salary is only one component of a competitive construction PM package. Standard benefits include:
- 401(k) match: Typically 3-6% of base salary (up to $10.8K annually at high end)
- Health insurance: Company covers 80-90% of premiums; plans usually include dental and vision
- Performance bonus: 10-20% of base, tied to project profitability, safety metrics, and client satisfaction
- Truck allowance/vehicle: $500, $1,200/month, or company vehicle provision
- Per-diem: $50, $150/day for out-of-town projects; some firms cover lodging directly
- Continuing education: Many firms reimburse PMP, OSHA, or trade certifications
For a PM earning $155K base with a 15% bonus, $800/month truck allowance, and $30K/year in per-diem, total comp easily reaches $210K+.
What Dallas construction companies pay top performers
The $130K, $180K range represents typical market rates, but exceptional performers, those with specialized expertise, strong safety records, or proven profit generation, command significantly more.
Amundson Group regularly places experienced Project Managers at $180K, $220K+ base in Dallas, particularly those with deep expertise in energy infrastructure, industrial builds, or large-scale civil projects. Senior PMs transitioning into development or regional management roles often see base salaries in the $200K, $250K range, plus equity participation or profit-sharing arrangements.
Firms competing for top talent in Dallas’s tight market increasingly offer signing bonuses ($5K, $25K), relocation packages, and accelerated advancement tracks. The best performers, those who consistently deliver ahead of schedule, under budget, and with safety records above industry standards, can negotiate well above the typical range.
See Amundson Group’s full Project Manager Salary Guide
The construction market shifts quarterly. Amundson Group’s Salary Guide is updated with real placement data every three months, covering Project Manager roles across experience levels, sectors, and 30+ US markets.
Looking to hire a top Project Manager in Dallas? Explore our placement process or browse current openings.