Construction Manager in Baytown, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Baytown Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the construction management scene in Baytown is anchored by the petrochemical industry and related infrastructure. The pay reflects that. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Baytown, TX is $108,274/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.05/hour. This is nearly identical to the national average of $108,210/year, a sign of a stable, demanding market rather than a boomtown premium. However, the real story is in the experience ladder, where specialized knowledge in industrial, chemical, or marine construction commands top dollar.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Baytown Salary Range	Key Local Focus
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$85,000 - $95,000	Assistant PM, field engineer, project coordinator on commercial or small industrial projects.
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$100,000 - $125,000	Managing full projects, coordinating with subcontractors, safety compliance (OSHA).
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$125,000 - $160,000	Leading large industrial or infrastructure projects, deep knowledge of local codes, client management.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$160,000+	Director-level roles, specialty in turnaround/shutdown management, heavy civil projects.

Compared to other Texas cities: Baytown sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. It’s higher than San Antonio (median ~$102k) but lower than the Dallas-Fort Worth (median ~$115k) and Houston (median ~$112k) metros. The key differentiator is stability. While DFW and Austin see more volatility from residential booms and tech, Baytown’s jobs are tied to long-term industrial assets. A 10-year job growth of 8% for the metro area (which includes the broader Houston area) is modest, suggesting a steady, reliable market rather than explosive growth. Jobs in the metro area are listed at 171 for the construction manager category, indicating a tight but consistent demand.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Baytown, total compensation often includes overtime, per diem for travel to remote sites, and especially bonuses tied to project milestones and safety records. A senior manager at a major refiner can see bonuses adding 15-20% to their base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $108,274/year in Texas is a solid income, but taxes and housing will take a significant bite. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major advantage. However, you’ll pay federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Here’s a conservative monthly budget breakdown for an annual salary of $108,274:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Approx.)	Notes & Local Context
Gross Pay	$9,023	$108,274 / 12
Federal Taxes (Est.)	-$1,500	Based on single filer, standard deduction.
Social Security/Medicare	-$691	7.65% of gross.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$6,832	This is your starting point for spending/saving.
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,252	This is the metro average. Baytown-specific rents are slightly lower.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$200	High A/C use in summer. Coastal humidity adds cost.
Car Payment & Insurance	-$500	Essential for commuting in Baytown.
Gasoline	-$150	30-45 minute commutes are common.
Groceries & Essentials	-$600
Health Insurance (Employer)	-$400	Varies by plan.
Savings/Retirement (15%)	-$1,353	Recommended 15% of gross.
Remaining Discretionary	~$2,377	This covers dining out, entertainment, debt, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, comfortably. The average home price in the Baytown area is around $280,000 (Zillow, 2023). With a 20% down payment ($56,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,420 (including property taxes and insurance). This is only about $168 more than the average 1BR rent. With a take-home pay of ~$6,832, a housing payment of $1,420 is well within the recommended 28% of gross income. The key is saving for the down payment, which is feasible on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Baytown's Major Employers

The construction management job market here is dominated by heavy industry. You’re not building strip malls; you’re maintaining, expanding, and turnarounding billion-dollar industrial plants. Here are the major local employers:

1. ExxonMobil Baytown Complex: The 4th-largest refining and petrochemical complex in the U.S. They have a massive in-house construction and maintenance team. Hiring Trend: Steady. They are constantly in "turnaround" mode (planned shutdowns for maintenance), which creates a cyclical but huge demand for construction managers, especially in the 6-9 month lead-up. They also have ongoing capital projects like the $9 billion Houston Ship Channel expansion.

2. LyondellBasell (Channelview Complex): Located just east of Baytown in Channelview, this is a global chemical giant. Their complex includes polyethylene and polypropylene plants. Hiring Trend: Strong. They are building a new propylene oxide and styrene monomer plant, a multi-billion dollar project that will need construction management for years. This is a key source of new jobs.

3. Bayer (Formerly Monsanto): Their Baytown site is a major herbicide manufacturing facility. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on modernization and sustainability projects. They often hire from local contractors and have a strong safety culture.

4. Harris County (Public Works): The county is always building and maintaining infrastructure—roads, drainage, public facilities. Hiring Trend: Consistent. These are public-sector jobs with excellent benefits but a slightly lower salary ceiling. Ideal for those seeking stability over high-risk/high-reward industrial projects.

5. Port of Houston Authority: While the main port is in downtown Houston, the Baytown area is a critical part of the logistics chain. The Port manages various terminals and infrastructure projects. Hiring Trend: Growing. Investments in logistics and intermodal facilities mean more construction projects in the area.

6. Local & Regional Contractors: Companies like Bechtel, KBR, Fluor (all with large Houston-area offices) and local firms like Tellepsen and Manhattan Construction are always bidding on work in the Baytown industrial corridor. Hiring Trend: Project-based. You’ll often join a project team for 18-36 months, then move to the next. This is great for building a diverse portfolio.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not advertised publicly. The industrial construction world runs on relationships and reputation. Attend local meetings of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Gulf Coast Chapter or the Houston Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Your next job will likely come from a former colleague who moved to a new company.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level licensure requirement specifically for "Construction Manager." However, your career path will almost certainly require or strongly benefit from a Professional Engineer (PE) license or a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential.

• PE License (Texas Board of Professional Engineers): For managers overseeing structural, civil, or mechanical aspects of projects. Requires:

  • An ABET-accredited engineering degree.
  • Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a PE.
  • Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Cost: ~$300 for exams, $200 for initial license, plus continuing education.
  • Timeline: Minimum of 5 years from starting your degree.

• Certified Construction Manager (CMAA): This is the premier certification for construction managers, regardless of engineering background. It’s highly respected in industrial projects.

  • Requirements: A bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of construction management experience, OR 8 years of experience without a degree.
  • Process: Take the CMIT (Construction Manager in Training) exam, then the CCM exam after meeting experience requirements. Requires continuing education.
  • Cost: Exam fees are ~$500 each, plus membership dues.
  • Timeline: You can start as a CMIT right after college. Earning the CCM typically takes 4-8 years total.

Insider Tip: In the Baytown industrial sector, OSHA 30-Hour (Construction) and HAZWOPER (40-Hour) certifications are often mandatory, not optional. Many employers will pay for these certifications. Get them as soon as possible.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Baytown depends on your work location, family needs, and budget. The city is divided by the Houston Ship Channel, with the main residential areas on the north side.

1. San Jacinto/Baytown proper (North Side):

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re 15-25 minutes from most major employers (Exxon, Bayer) and a 30-minute drive to downtown Houston.
   • Lifestyle: Established suburbs. Good schools (Goose Creek CISD), parks, and shopping. It’s the most common choice for families.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 2-bedroom apartment or townhome.

2. La Porte (South Side, across the channel):

   • Commute: Good, but you must cross the Baytown-La Porte Tunnel or the Fred Hartman Bridge. Factor in 10 extra minutes for traffic.
   • Lifestyle: More working-class, with a strong maritime feel. Closer to the refineries. More affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1-bedroom or older 2-bedroom.

3. League City (South, towards Galveston Bay):

   • Commute: 25-35 minutes to Baytown employers. A direct shot on I-45/Gulf Freeway.
   • Lifestyle: Fast-growing, family-oriented suburb with excellent schools (Clear Creek ISD) and a more "modern" feel. Considered one of the best places to live in the Houston area.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1-2 bedroom.

4. Monte Belvista (East of Baytown):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to LyondellBasell or other eastern plants. Can be longer to central Baytown due to no direct highway.
   • Lifestyle: Master-planned community with pools and parks. Good value for families wanting a new-ish home without the premium of League City.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.

5. Downtown Houston (If you work for a contractor with multiple sites):

   • Commute: 30-45 minutes to Baytown via I-10 East. A reverse commute (you're going against the main flow of traffic).
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, access to culture and nightlife. Higher rent, but you might forgo a car.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,200/month for a 1-bedroom.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for construction managers in Baytown is stable with opportunities for specialization. The 8% job growth is conservative; the real growth will be in niche areas.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command 10-25% above the median salary by specializing:

  • Turnaround/Shutdown Management: The cyclical, high-stress world of plant outages. Pay is high, but burnout is real.
  • Digital Construction (BIM/VDC): Using Building Information Modeling to manage complex industrial projects remotely. This skill is in high demand.
  • Safety Management: A dedicated safety manager on large industrial sites can earn a premium.
  • Sustainable Construction: Expertise in LEED or Envision for industrial projects is a growing niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field-Focused: Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Director of Operations.
  2. Client-Side (Owner's Rep): Move from a contractor to an in-house role at Exxon or LyondellBasell. This offers better work-life balance and job security.
  3. Entrepreneurial: After 10-15 years, many start their own specialized consulting firm, focusing on project controls, safety, or turnaround planning.

10-Year Outlook: The core industry (petrochemicals) isn't going anywhere, but it faces pressure from the energy transition. Look for growth in hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable fuel projects—these will be the next big wave of construction in the Baytown corridor. Managers who adapt will have decades of work.

The Verdict: Is Baytown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High, Stable Salaries in a recession-resistant industry.	Industrial Environment: You will live with the smell of refineries and the risk of industrial incidents.
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for homeownership.	Commute & Traffic: I-10 and the Ship Channel bridges are major chokepoints.
Diverse Job Market: From massive capital projects to public infrastructure.	Limited "Glamour": It's not Austin or Houston's inner loop. Cultural amenities are adequate but not world-class.
Strong Professional Network: A tight-knit community of industrial professionals.	Hurricane & Flood Risk: The Baytown area is vulnerable to tropical storms and flooding (e.g., Hurricane Harvey).
No State Income Tax keeps more of your paycheck.	Public School Performance: Varies significantly; research school districts carefully if you have children.

Final Recommendation: Baytown is an excellent choice for a construction manager who values financial stability, hands-on industrial work, and affordability over a bustling urban lifestyle. It’s not for everyone—the environmental and traffic realities are real. But for the right professional, it offers a clear path to a six-figure salary, homeownership, and a long, stable career in the heart of America's energy corridor.

FAQs

Q: What's the first thing I should do when considering a move to Baytown?
A: Research your specific subindustry. If you're in petrochemicals, contact recruiters at firms like KBR or Bechtel. If you're in public works, check the Harris County and City of Baytown job boards. Network on LinkedIn with people in your target company.

Q: Is the job market only for engineers?
A: No. While a PE can open doors, many successful construction managers come from trades or have construction management degrees. The CCM certification is often more valuable than a PE for pure project management roles. Experience and a proven track record are king.

Q: How bad is the traffic really?
A: It’s manageable if you live and work on the same side of the Ship Channel. The worst congestion is on I-10 East between Baytown and downtown Houston (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) and on the bridges during shift changes. A 7 AM or 10 AM start time can make a huge difference.

Q: What's the long-term career risk with the energy transition?
A: While some fossil fuel assets may decline, Baytown's infrastructure is being repurposed. Exxon is investing in carbon capture, and the Port of Houston is expanding for new energy logistics. The need for complex construction management is not going away; the projects will just look different.

Q: I'm an out-of-state candidate. Will my experience transfer?
A: Absolutely. Industrial construction is a national industry. Your experience with safety protocols, project controls, and managing subcontractors is 100% transferable. The only learning curve is local codes (Harris County, City of Baytown, and specific plant rules) and understanding the local contractor landscape. Many companies offer relocation assistance.