Dallas vs Houston: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,091▲ | $107,071 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.49▲ | $51.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,857 | $70,843▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,770 | $84,577▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,580 | $138,417▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,474 | $176,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 16,500 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $20 (0.02%). 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,Houston spans $105,581. Houston 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, Houston ($108,559 effective) pays 4.50% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,424)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,559)
- ✓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 13.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$96,390 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Houston, TX
$91,300 (2019) → $103,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Dallas or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Houston?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Houston as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Dallas vs Houston?
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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