Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering Arlington, Texas.

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A Career Guide for Construction Managers in Arlington, TX

Arlington sits in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, a city built on the bones of industry and now powered by a diverse economy. It’s home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, but behind the stadiums and theme parks lies a relentless engine of construction. From sprawling suburban developments to massive commercial renovations, the work is steady. If you’re a Construction Manager (CM) looking for a place where your skills are in constant demand, Arlington is worth your serious consideration. This guide breaks down the reality of the job market, the cost of living, and the local landscape to help you decide if this is where you should build your next chapter.

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. As a Construction Manager in Arlington, you’re entering a market where compensation is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analyses, the financial outlook is solid.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Arlington is $109,281 per year. This translates to a median hourly rate of $52.54. It’s a number that sits just above the national average for the occupation, which is $108,210 per year. While the difference may seem modest, it’s significant when paired with Arlington’s cost of living, which is just slightly above the U.S. average.

Looking at the broader metro area (which includes Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth), there are approximately 796 jobs for Construction Managers, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This growth is expected to be driven by population influx, ongoing infrastructure needs, and continued commercial development.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will vary significantly based on your years of experience and the complexity of projects you can manage.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $92,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $125,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$125,000 - $160,000
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$160,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Bonus structures and profit-sharing can significantly increase total compensation.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Arlington stack up against other major Texas markets?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Arlington, TX	$109,281	103.3	Strong balance of salary & affordability.
Dallas, TX	$115,000	101.8	Higher salary but more competitive market.
Austin, TX	$112,000	108.5	Higher salary but significantly higher COL.
Houston, TX	$113,500	95.5	Slightly higher salary, lower COL, but oil/gas dependent.
San Antonio, TX	$105,000	91.0	Lower salary, much lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: While Dallas and Austin might offer slightly higher base salaries, Arlington’s position as a central hub in the Metroplex means you can often find work with companies based in those cities without having to bear the full brunt of their living costs. Your $109,281 will go further here than in Austin.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your gross salary is one thing; understanding your net take-home is another. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a mid-career Construction Manager earning the median salary of $109,281.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Income: $109,281
• Monthly Gross Income: $9,107
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~28% (Estimated, varies by withholdings)
• Monthly Rent (1BR Average): $1,384
• Other Deductions: Health insurance, 401(k) contribution (5%), etc.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$9,107
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	-$2,550	Includes federal, state (TX has no state income tax!), FICA, and 401(k).
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,557
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,384
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$200	Texas electricity can be variable; summer AC bills are real.
Groceries	-$450
Car Payment + Insurance	-$600	Arlington is car-dependent. This is a typical payment.
Gas/Transportation	-$250
Health Insurance (Co-pays, etc.)	-$200
Discretionary/Savings	$3,473	This leaves a very healthy buffer for savings, debt, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $6,500 and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $300,000 home (a common price point for a condo or townhome in Arlington) likely sitting around $2,000-$2,200, a Construction Manager earning the median salary is in an excellent position to purchase property. This is a key advantage over more expensive metros like Austin or San Francisco.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s construction market is fueled by a mix of large-scale developers, institutional projects, and the evergreen need for residential and commercial maintenance. Here are the key players you should know:

1. The Cordish Companies: The developer behind Texas Live!, the entertainment district adjacent to AT&T Stadium. They are consistently involved in high-profile, complex projects and are a major employer for CMs with experience in large-scale commercial and entertainment construction.
2. Texas Health Resources (Texas Health Arlington Memorial): As one of the largest healthcare systems in North Texas, THR is perpetually involved in hospital expansions, renovations, and new facility builds. Healthcare construction is a specialty with high demand and premium pay.
3. UT Arlington (University of Texas at Arlington): A massive public university with over 40,000 students. The university manages a continuous pipeline of projects, from new dorms and academic buildings to infrastructure upgrades. Their capital projects department hires directly.
4. Independent School Districts (AISD, Mansfield ISD): Arlington ISD and neighboring districts are constantly building and renovating schools. These are often publicly funded, union-friendly projects that offer stable, long-term employment for CMs experienced in educational facilities.
5. Large General Contractors (Local & National): Firms like Hensel Phelps, McCarthy, and Austin Commercial have a significant presence in DFW and are frequently bidding on Arlington projects (e.g., airport expansions, corporate campuses). These are top-tier employers with excellent benefits and career ladders.
6. Residential Developers: Companies like Lennar, Perry Homes, and Highland Homes are active in the growing Arlington suburbs (e.g., Viridian, North Arlington). This sector is fast-paced and cyclical but offers consistent opportunities.

Hiring Trends: The market is leaning towards CMs with LEED or other green building certifications, experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling), and a strong track record in project closeout and punch-list management. Public sector projects (schools, municipal buildings) are particularly stable right now.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a state-issued license for Construction Managers to practice. However, this does not mean the profession is unregulated. To be competitive and credible, you will need specific credentials.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: While not mandatory for all CM roles, a PE license is a huge differentiator, especially for roles involving structural oversight, MEP coordination, or public works. To get a PE in Texas, you must pass the FE exam, have 4 years of progressive engineering experience, and pass the PE exam. The process can take 5+ years and costs $500-$1,000 in exam and application fees.
• OSHA Certifications: OSHA 30-Hour (Construction) is often a non-negotiable requirement for site managers. This can be completed online and costs $180-$250.
• Certifications (Optional but Recommended):
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): From the Project Management Institute. Costs ~$400-$550 for members. Highly valued.
  • LEED AP BD+C: For sustainable construction. Costs ~$550. Increasingly requested on job postings.
• Timeline: If you're starting from scratch, budget 1-2 years to get OSHA 30 and a PMP, and 4-5 years if pursuing a PE license.

Insider Tip: The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees licensed residential builders and contractors. If you aim to work independently on residential projects, you may need a Builder's License. Check TREC's website for the most current requirements, as they can change.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Arlington is divided by I-30, with distinct vibes on the north and south sides. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's a Good Fit
North Arlington (Viridian, E. Arlington)	Family-friendly, new master-planned communities. Easy access to DFW Airport and Dallas via I-30.	$1,400 - $1,700	Ideal for CMs working for residential developers or in the airport/industrial sector. Proximity to major highways.
Downtown Arlington / The Domain	Urban, walkable, entertainment-focused. Central to everything. Close to UTA and AT&T Stadium.	$1,500 - $1,900	Best for those working on commercial, entertainment, or university projects. Younger professionals prefer this area.
South Arlington (Mansfield ISD border)	Suburban, quieter, more affordable. Excellent schools. A longer commute to central Dallas but easy access to Fort Worth.	$1,100 - $1,400	Great for CMs with families or those working for school districts or residential builders in the southern corridor.
West Arlington / Pantego	Prestigious, established, with larger lots and older homes. Close to the entertainment district.	$1,300 - $1,600	For senior CMs looking for a quieter, more upscale residential setting while still being near work.
East Arlington / Grand Prairie Border	More industrial, with lower rents and close proximity to manufacturing and logistics hubs.	$1,000 - $1,300	Excellent for CMs in industrial, warehouse, or infrastructure construction. A no-frills, practical choice.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-30 is a daily reality. If you work west of Arlington (e.g., Fort Worth) or east (e.g., downtown Dallas), living in North Arlington can cut your commute time significantly. Always test your commute during rush hour before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Arlington, career advancement for a Construction Manager often follows one of two paths: vertical or specialty.

• Vertical Path: Move from Project Engineer -> Assistant PM -> Construction Manager -> Senior PM -> Project Executive or Director of Operations. This path is available within large GCs like Hensel Phelps or internal departments like UTA's facilities management.
• Specialty Path: Become the go-to expert in a high-demand niche. In this market, the most lucrative specialties are:
  • Healthcare Construction: Requires strict adherence to codes (NFPA 99, FGI), infection control, and 24/7 scheduling. Premium pay of 10-20% above base.
  • Industrial/Warehouse: Driven by e-commerce. Involves large-scale, fast-paced projects. Strong demand and competitive salaries.
  • Renovation & Historic Preservation: Arlington has a growing push to revitalize its older downtown and mid-century buildings. A unique skill set with high value.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is a solid indicator. The Metroplex’s population is projected to continue growing, and Arlington’s role as a central transit and entertainment hub ensures ongoing development. The biggest risk is a national economic downturn, which would slow residential and commercial starts. However, the public sector (schools, municipal, healthcare) often remains stable even in recessions. Building a network now with public sector clients is a smart long-term strategy.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision is personal. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of building your career in Arlington.

Pros of Arlington	Cons of Arlington
Strong, diverse job market with growth in healthcare, education, and entertainment.	Car dependency is absolute. Public transit (Via) is limited.
Above-average salary ($109,281) with a lower cost of living than Austin or Dallas.	Summers are brutally hot, which impacts construction schedules and utility costs.
Central location in DFW, with easy access to both Dallas and Fort Worth for networking.	City is largely suburban, lacking the urban density and cultural scene of Dallas or Fort Worth proper.
No state income tax means you keep more of your $109,281 salary.	Public school quality varies significantly by neighborhood; research is essential for families.
Stable public sector projects (schools, hospitals) provide job security.	Competition from experienced CMs in the larger Metroplex can be fierce for top-tier roles.

Final Recommendation:
Arlington is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers seeking a balance between high earning potential and manageable living costs. It’s particularly well-suited for professionals with experience in healthcare, education, or large-scale commercial projects. If you value a central location, a strong sense of community, and the ability to afford a home, Arlington offers a compelling package. For those seeking a vibrant, walkable urban core or a high-energy startup scene, Dallas or Austin might be a better fit.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know Spanish to work as a CM in Arlington?
While not a requirement, having a basic understanding of Spanish is a significant advantage. A large portion of the construction workforce in North Texas is Hispanic. Being able to communicate effectively with superintendents, subcontractors, and laborers on-site will improve safety, efficiency, and team morale.

2. How do I find a job in Arlington before moving?
Start with major job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) but also focus on local resources. The North Texas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) has a robust job board. Also, look at the career pages of the specific employers listed above (UTA, Texas Health, etc.). Recruiters in the DFW area are very active; connect with them on LinkedIn.

3. What’s the typical work schedule like?
Standard hours are 7 AM - 4 PM, but this is construction. Early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends are common, especially during project deadlines or concrete pours. "Always on" is the norm, and your ability to manage this is key to success.

4. Is Arlington a good place for an independent construction manager (self-employed)?
It can be, especially in residential renovations or small commercial projects. However, you’ll need to build a strong network and understand local permitting (the City of Arlington’s Development Services Department is your friend). The lack of a state license helps, but you must have proper insurance and bonding.

5. How does the climate affect construction management?
Texas weather is a major factor. Summer heat (often over 100°F) requires careful scheduling to protect workers and materials. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, which can cause delays. A good CM in Arlington must be expert at planning for weather-related contingencies.