Dallas vs Austin: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,091▲ | $106,502 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.49▲ | $51.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,857 | $72,125▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,770 | $85,259▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,580 | $138,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,474 | $174,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 6,040 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Dallas and Austin 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 Dallas spans $103,617,Austin spans $102,769. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
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 Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,091/year)
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,894)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,602)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Dallas grew 7.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Austin over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$96,390 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Austin, TX
$89,330 (2019) → $102,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Dallas or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Austin?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Austin as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Dallas vs Austin?
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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