Austin vs Dallas: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,502 | $107,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.20 | $51.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,125▲ | $68,857 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,259▲ | $83,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,996▲ | $137,580 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,894▲ | $172,474 |
| Total Employed | 6,040 | 17,110▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Dallas is $589 (0.55%). Dallas's median is -9.95% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $102,769,Dallas spans $103,617. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($108,602 effective) pays 4.54% more than Dallas ($103,881 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,894)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,602)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,091/year)
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Austin grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Austin, TX
$89,330 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$96,390 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Austin or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Austin to Dallas as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Austin vs Dallas?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov