Construction Manager in Bryan, TX

A Local's Guide to Construction Management in Bryan, TX

If you're a construction manager eyeing Texas for its booming economy but want to avoid the premium price tags of Austin or Dallas, Bryan should be on your radar. As someone who’s watched this city transform over the past two decades, I can tell you it’s a unique blend of small-town affordability and robust industrial growth. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the straight, data-driven facts about building a career—and a life—here.

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The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in the Bryan-College Station metro area is $105,190/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $50.57/hour. It’s a solid figure, especially when you factor in the area’s low cost of living.

To understand where you fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the region. Note that these are regional estimates based on market trends, as the BLS doesn’t break down its data to this specific level.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, site supervision, cost tracking, safety compliance.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Full PM on commercial/residential projects, subcontractor management, budgeting.
Senior-Level (10-15 years)	$120,000 - $145,000	Project executive, complex public works, large-scale commercial, bidding strategy.
Expert/Principal (15+ years)	$145,000+	Firm leadership, regional director, major project oversight, business development.

How does Bryan compare to other Texas cities? It’s a story of value. While the national average for Construction Managers is $108,210/year, Bryan’s salary is very competitive when you adjust for cost of living. You won’t find the 179 active construction management jobs in the metro area paying Austin salaries, but your dollar stretches much further here. For context, a similar role in Houston might pay 15-20% more, but the rent in a comparable neighborhood could be 40-50% higher. Bryan offers a sweet spot for mid-career professionals looking to maximize savings without sacrificing career trajectory.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is only as good as what it buys you. Let’s break down the real take-home pay for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $105,190/year.

• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes): After federal, FICA, and Texas state taxes (which has no state income tax), your monthly take-home is approximately $6,600 - $6,800. (For precise calculations, use a Texas-specific paycheck calculator.)
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,015/month.
• Cost of Living Index: 90.7 (US avg = 100).

Here’s a conservative monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,700	Based on median salary.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,015	City-wide average.
Utilities	$200 - $250	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$400 - $500	For one person.
Transportation	$400 - $600	Car payment, insurance, gas. (Public transit is limited).
Healthcare	$300 - $500	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/Discretionary	$1,000 - $1,200	401(k) match, savings, entertainment.
Remaining (Buffer)	~$750	For emergency fund, travel, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is Bryan’s biggest advantage. With the median 1BR rent at $1,015/month, you’re building equity faster here than in most major metros. The median home price in Bryan is around $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000) and a 30-year fixed mortgage at ~6.5%, your monthly payment (PITI) would be roughly $1,750 - $1,900. That’s only about $800 more than the average rent, making homeownership an accessible and smart long-term goal for a single-income earner at this salary level.

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Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

Bryan isn't a one-industry town. The job market for construction managers is diversified, fueled by growth in education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Here are the key players to know:

1. City of Bryan & Bryan ISD: The most stable employers. The city's Public Works and Capital Projects departments are always managing infrastructure upgrades, road expansions, and new public facilities. Bryan ISD has ongoing bond projects for new schools and renovations. These are public-sector roles with excellent benefits and work-life balance.
2. Brazos County & Texas A&M University: While Texas A&M is technically in College Station, its economic gravity defines the region. The university’s massive capital projects—new research facilities, dorms, and stadium upgrades—are a goldmine for local construction firms. Brazos County manages courthouse, jail, and infrastructure projects.
3. St. Joseph Health (Baylor Scott & White): A major healthcare player. They are consistently expanding facilities, from outpatient clinics (like the new ones on Texas Avenue) to hospital campus upgrades. Medical construction is a high-stakes, high-reward specialty.
4. Local Industrial & Commercial Firms: Companies like Schneider Electric (manufacturing) and Champion Fiberglass have significant footprints in Bryan, driving demand for industrial facility construction and maintenance. Firms like Hensel Phelps and Manhattan Construction (with local offices) handle large-scale commercial and institutional work in the area.
5. Residential & Commercial Developers: The Bryan-College Station area is one of the fastest-growing in Texas. Residential developers like Lennar and local builders are constantly active. Commercial developers are focusing on retail corridors like Bryan Parkway and Texas Avenue.

Insider Hiring Trend: There's a growing emphasis on project managers with experience in LEED-certified or sustainable building practices. The city and university have green building initiatives, and this niche can set you apart.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a state license for construction managers, BUT it is highly recommended and often required by employers. The industry standard is to obtain a Texas Contractor's License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The most relevant is the Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) license.

• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate financial responsibility, and have at least 4 years of experience in the trade. You must pass a written exam on business and law.
• Costs: Exam fee: $100; License application fee: ~$330; Surety bond: $5,000 - $25,000 (based on project size). Total startup cost: **$500 - $1,000+** (excluding bond).
• Timeline: If you have the required experience, you can schedule your exam and submit your application within 1-2 months. It's not a lengthy process, but planning is key.

Pro Tip: If you're not yet licensed, look for roles with larger firms that will sponsor your license and provide study materials. It’s a common path here.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Bryan has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Insider Notes
Downtown Bryan	Historic, walkable, artsy. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,100 - $1,400	Great for young professionals. Friday night concerts in the park. Older buildings, so home renos are common projects.
Southside	Family-friendly, newer subdivisions. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,200	Close to top-rated schools and the Bryan Town Center. Ideal for managers with families.
Eastside	Affordable, growing. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Where a lot of new residential construction is happening. You could live near your future project site.
Historic District	Charming, established. 5-10 min commute.	$900 - $1,300	Beautiful older homes, but expect higher maintenance costs. Great for those who appreciate character over newness.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection for this metro is 8%, which is steady and indicates a healthy market. To accelerate your career here, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with heavy civil/structural experience (bridges, water treatment) command a 10-15% premium. Healthcare/medical construction is another high-demand niche due to the expansion of St. Joseph and Baylor Scott & White.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Assistant PM → Project Manager → Senior PM → Project Executive. In Bryan, a unique opportunity is to move into public works management with the city or county, which offers unparalleled job security and pension benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: With Texas A&M's continued expansion and Bryan's push for economic development (e.g., the new Aggie Research Campus), demand for skilled construction managers will remain strong. The key will be adapting to new technologies like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and modular construction, which are gaining traction in the region.

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The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Value: $105,190 median salary with a 90.7 cost of living index.	Limited Nightlife: It's a college town, but not a major cultural hub.
Diverse Work: From Texas A&M's massive projects to healthcare and residential.	Hot Summers: Brutal Texas heat from June to September.
Easy Commute: Average commute is under 20 minutes. No traffic gridlock like Houston.	Car Dependent: Public transit is minimal; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strong Community: Tight-knit professional circles. Easy to network.	Soccer-Mom Vibe: Can feel very suburban/family-oriented.
Homeownership Access: Affordable real estate market.	Weather Risk: Exposure to severe storms and occasional flooding.

Final Recommendation: Bryan is an excellent choice for mid-career construction managers who value quality of life, affordability, and steady, meaningful work. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or save aggressively. It may feel too quiet for someone seeking a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. If you’re proactive in networking and willing to embrace the local culture, Bryan offers a stable and rewarding career path that’s hard to find elsewhere in the state.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a license to work as a Construction Manager in Bryan?
No state license is required, but a Texas Contractor's License (CBC) is highly recommended by employers and is essential if you plan to start your own firm. Many large companies will sponsor your license.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 179 jobs?
The number (179) seems small, but it’s a tight-knit market. Many jobs are filled through networking and word-of-mouth before being publicly posted. Join the Central Texas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to tap into the hidden job market.

3. What’s the best way to find housing in Bryan?
Use local realtors and Facebook Marketplace for rentals, as many landlords don't list on Zillow. For home buying, work with a realtor who understands construction quality—they can spot issues in older homes that others might miss.

4. Are there opportunities for women in construction management here?
Yes, and it’s growing. The local AGC chapter and NAHB groups have active women’s councils. Bryan’s community-oriented environment can be more supportive than larger, more anonymous cities.

5. How does the Texas A&M boom affect non-university contractors?
It creates a rising tide. The university’s growth strains local infrastructure, leading to more city and county projects. It also attracts new businesses and residents, fueling the residential and commercial construction markets for everyone.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), RentCafe, Sperling's Best Places, local Bryan-College Station real estate listings.