Senior Construction Manager Salary in Dallas, TX: $172,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of construction managers working in Dallas, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,474/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 11-9021. Strip back Dallas's price premium (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $167,304 in average-cost America. The 61% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary landscape for experienced construction managers in Dallas, TX reflects the significant potential for top-tier compensation. With a median annual salary projected at $107,091, top earners in this field can command salaries reaching as high as $172,474. This represents a notable gap between the median and top-tier wages, emphasizing the premium placed on experience and specialized skills. To ascend to these income levels, professionals typically need over seven years of hands-on experience, coupled with advanced credentials like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications. Not only do these qualifications enhance earning potential, but they also reflect a commitment to excellence in project management and leadership, which are essential for success in Dallas's competitive construction environment.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dallas
Experienced construction managers at the top of the pay scale in Dallas earn between $137,580 and $172,474 per year (2026 est.). This $103,617 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dallas median of $107,091 sits 9.95% below the US median.
Top CM Salary Comparison
| Level | Dallas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $107,091 | $118,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,580 | $156,826 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,474 | $195,919 |
In Dallas, experienced construction managers (P90) earn 61.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Construction Manager Pay in Dallas
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX construction managers with additional specialty certifications within the construction management field earn significantly above the $107,091 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dallas employers.
Specialty Focus
Construction Managers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the construction management field in Dallas command premium compensation, often reaching the $137,580–$172,474 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dallas metro area, which is a large CM employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced construction managers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured construction managers in Dallas with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Construction Managers in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Construction Manager Career & Wage Growth Path in Dallas
Clinical Construction Manager
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Construction Manager
5-10 yearsConstruction Manager Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDallas ranks #7 of 109 Texas cities for top earner construction manager salary (90th percentile: $172,474).
Top 10% construction manager compensation in Dallas ($172,474) is 0.75% above the Texas average P90 ($171,187).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,550
2025 BLS Actual
$166,770
2026 Current Est.
$172,474
2019–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,372 | Projected |
Top-earning construction managers (90th percentile) in Dallas saw their compensation grow 7.2% from $155,550 in 2019 to $166,770 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.42% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $178,372 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dallas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Construction Manager Earnings in Dallas
Specializations can greatly influence senior construction manager pay in Dallas, leading to substantial variances in compensation based on project types and industries. Fields such as healthcare construction, industrial manufacturing, and data center construction are among the most lucrative, often associated with high-value projects that demand experts who can navigate complex regulations and sustainability requirements. Furthermore, compensation at the senior level varies significantly across different types of employers. General contractors, especially top-tier companies like Bechtel and Turner Construction, typically offer higher salaries but may require more demanding schedules. Conversely, roles with real estate developers or program management firms can provide a more favorable work-life balance while still offering competitive pay. Career advancement opportunities abound, transitioning from project manager to operations director roles, with professionals enhancing their value through ongoing education and certifications. Elements like project size, employer type, and performance bonuses further contribute to the sophisticated salary dynamics that characterize the senior construction manager role in Dallas.
More salary data for Dallas, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced construction managers make in Dallas in 2026?
What drives higher construction manager pay in Dallas?
What certifications boost construction manager salary in Dallas?
Can experienced construction managers make six figures in Dallas?
How much does construction manager salary increase over time in 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $166,770 for construction managers in the Dallas metro area. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov