Construction Manager in Carrollton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Carrollton isn't just a bedroom community—it's a strategic hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a unique construction market. The demand here is driven by a blend of corporate relocations, suburban infill, and infrastructure projects tied to the North Texas growth spurt. For a Construction Manager, this translates to solid compensation, but it's crucial to understand how your experience level stacks up against the local median.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Carrollton is $109,281/year, with an hourly rate of $52.54/hour. This slightly edges out the national average of $108,210/year, which is a testament to the region's competitive market. However, Carrollton's cost of living is a factor—the index sits at 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches slightly less far than in cheaper parts of the country.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are based on local market data, adjusted for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro's specific demand for construction leadership.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Carrollton)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer	$65,000 - $85,000	Supports senior staff, manages submittals, assists with scheduling and cost tracking on smaller commercial or residential projects.
Mid-Level	Project Manager, Construction Manager	$90,000 - $125,000	Oversees projects from start to finish, manages budgets and schedules, leads teams of superintendents and subcontractors.
Senior-Level	Senior Project Manager, Senior Construction Manager	$125,000 - $160,000+	Manages large, complex projects (e.g., multifamily, corporate TI), mentors staff, interfaces with high-level stakeholders.
Expert/Executive	Director of Construction, VP of Operations	$160,000 - $220,000+	Oversees multiple projects or a regional portfolio, strategic planning, business development, and client relations.

Insider Tip: In Carrollton, you'll find a higher concentration of mid-to-senior roles in the $110k-$140k range compared to the national average. This is because the local market is mature—you're often managing established teams and legacy projects, not building from zero. Your leverage for a premium salary increases significantly if you have experience with site development for corporate campuses (a hot market near the Dallas North Tollway corridor) or multifamily renovations (common in older parts of Carrollton).

When comparing to other major Texas cities, Carrollton holds its own. Austin's tech boom pushes its median salary higher (often $115k+), but so does its cost of living. Houston's energy sector can offer spikes but is more volatile. San Antonio is generally lower. For the balance of pay, lifestyle, and career stability, Carrollton is a strong contender, especially for those who prefer suburban efficiency over downtown hustle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. A salary is just a number; your real purchasing power is what matters. For a Construction Manager earning the median $109,281/year, here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single earner in Carrollton.

• Gross Monthly Income: $9,107
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State - TX has no state income tax): ~$2,650
• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,457

Now, let's allocate that net income. The average 1BR rent in Carrollton is $1,291/month, but this is an average. Your actual cost will vary by neighborhood (more on that later). For a realistic budget, we'll use this figure and include other standard expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for a Construction Manager
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,291	A comfortable 1BR in a safe, modern complex near major employers.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$225	Texas summers mean high A/C bills. Expect a spike from June-August.
Groceries & Household	$500	For one person. Carrollton has good grocery options (Kroger, Tom Thumb, H Mart).
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$750	Crucial: Carrollton is car-dependent. You'll drive to job sites. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$400	Varies, but a good estimate for a single person.
Savings & Retirement (10-15%)	$800	Highly recommend maxing out a 401(k), especially with employer match.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, etc.)	$500	Carrollton has a growing food scene, especially in the Historic Downtown area.
Total Monthly Outflow	$4,466
Remaining Buffer	~$1,991	This is your safety net for emergencies, travel, or saving for a home.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Carrollton is approximately $415,000. With a 20% down payment ($83,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,190 (including taxes and insurance). This is about $900 more than the average rent.

Given your $1,991 monthly buffer, buying a home is feasible but would consume nearly all your discretionary savings. A more common path for locals is to rent for 2-3 years, build a larger down payment, and use your stable career to secure favorable mortgage terms. Insider Tip: Look into properties in the 75007 zip code, which often have slightly lower price points than 75006 but are still within a 15-minute commute to major employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton's construction job market is tied to its strategic location between Dallas, Plano, and Irving. Major employers aren't always based in the city, but they have significant projects here. Here are key players and hiring trends:

1. The Irvine Company: While headquartered in California, they are a major developer in North Texas, specifically in the Dallas North Tollway corridor. They consistently hire for project managers and construction directors for their commercial and mixed-use developments. Hiring trend: Steady growth, focusing on high-end office and retail build-outs.
2. Hillwood (Perot Companies): A dominant force in North Texas development. Their Hillwood Business Park in nearby Frisco/Plano spills over into Carrollton. They manage massive industrial, logistics, and corporate campus projects. Hiring trend: Very active, especially in logistics and warehouse construction post-pandemic.
3. City of Carrollton (Public Works): The city itself is a steady employer. Public Works manages infrastructure, parks, and municipal building projects. These jobs offer stability and great benefits. Hiring trend: Cyclical, based on bond measures and city council priorities. Check the city's career portal regularly.
4. Local Multifamily Developers (e.g., Greystar, Lincoln Properties): Carrollton is seeing a boom in apartment complexes, especially near the DART Blue Line and along Josey Lane. These national firms hire local PMs to oversee their North Texas portfolios. Hiring trend: Strong demand for managers with multifamily experience, particularly in renovations and new builds.
5. General Contractors (Regional Offices): Large GCs like Barton Malow, Manhattan Construction, and Hensel Phelps have a presence in DFW and frequently staff projects in Carrollton. They look for PMs with strong subcontractor relations and safety records. Hiring trend: Competitive, but they value local knowledge of subcontractors and permitting processes.
6. Healthcare Systems (Medical City Carrollton, Baylor Scott & White): Hospital expansions and renovations are constant. These are complex, high-budget projects requiring meticulous management. Hiring trend: Less frequent but high-value contracts. Often filled through established GCs, not direct hire.

Insider Tip: The best jobs never hit public job boards. Get involved with the Dallas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) North Texas. Carrollton's construction community is tight-knit; referrals are everything.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a state-specific license for Construction Managers, but your credibility and employability are tied to other credentials. Here’s what you need to know to operate and compete in the Carrollton market.

1. Business Licensing (If Going Independent):
If you plan to start your own firm, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State and obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. You'll also need a General Business License from the City of Carrollton. Cost: ~$200-$500 for state registration, plus city fees.

2. Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended):

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. It requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. Cost: ~$555 for non-members, ~$405 for members (plus study materials).
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Requires a bachelor's degree and 4 years of construction management experience, or 8 years without. Cost: ~$1,250 for the exam and application.
• LEED AP BD+C: For those focusing on sustainable building, which is growing in Carrollton (especially in the DART corridor). Cost: ~$550.

3. Insurance:
You'll need General Liability Insurance (minimum $1M/$2M) and likely Workers' Compensation (though not mandatory in Texas, it's often required by clients). Cost varies widely but budget $3,000-$8,000/year for policies.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate (0-3 months): Start with a PMP if you don't have it. It's the most universally recognized. Update your LinkedIn and resume with local project details.
• Short-Term (3-6 months): Network with local chapters (AGC, CMAA). Apply for roles at the employers listed above.
• Long-Term (1-2 years): Pursue CCM or LEED AP if specializing. Consider building a portfolio of Carrollton-based projects.

Insider Tip: Texas permits are handled at the city level. Familiarize yourself with the Carrollton Development Services Department. Understanding their process for site plans, building permits, and inspections will make you invaluable to an employer. It's a common interview question.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Commuting is a key part of life in Carrollton. Your choice of neighborhood affects your daily drive to job sites, which are often scattered across the Metroplex.

Neighborhood	Vibe/Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for a CM
Historic Downtown Carrollton	Walkable, charming, older buildings. 10-15 mins to major employers.	$1,450 - $1,700	Close to the city's core, great for networking at local breweries and cafes. Walk to work if you land a city project.
West Carrollton (Josey Lane Corridor)	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. 15-20 mins to most sites.	$1,200 - $1,450	More space for the money. Ideal if you value a quiet home after a chaotic job site. Easy highway access.
Valley Ranch / North Carrollton	Modern apartments, near the DART station. 10-15 mins to Plano/Frisco sites.	$1,350 - $1,600	Perfect for commuting to Hillwood projects. The DART Blue Line is a huge asset for meetings in downtown Dallas.
Creekview / The Ranches	Newer construction, master-planned communities. 20-25 mins to central Carrollton.	$1,250 - $1,400	If you want a newer apartment with amenities (pool, gym). A bit farther from the core but growing fast.
Farmers Branch (adjacent)	A separate city but blends seamlessly. More industrial options. 10-15 mins.	$1,150 - $1,350	Don't overlook it. Often cheaper rent, and it's a hub for logistics and industrial construction.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35E and President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) can be brutal during rush hour. If your job sites are often in Frisco or The Colony, living in Valley Ranch saves you 30+ minutes daily. Use Google Maps during your interview process to test commute times to potential offices.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Carrollton is a fantastic place to build a long-term career. The 10-year job growth for Construction Managers in the metro is projected at 8%, slightly above the national average, driven by continued population influx and infrastructure needs.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: Managers with hospital project experience can command a 10-15% salary premium due to the complexity of codes and client demands.
• Sustainable Building (LEED): As mentioned, this is a growing niche. A LEED AP can add a 5-10% premium to your base salary.
• Industrial/Warehouse Construction: The e-commerce boom is relentless. Expertise in tilt-wall construction and high-bay warehouses is in high demand and pays well.
• Public/Infrastructure Work: While the base might be slightly lower than private sector, the benefits, pension, and job security are superior.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Path: Senior Project Manager → Director of Construction → VP of Operations (focus on portfolio management and strategy).
2. Business Development Path: Project Manager → Business Development Manager → Partner (focus on client relations and winning work).
3. Entrepreneurial Path: Senior PM → Start your own boutique firm (specializing in a niche like multifamily renovations or commercial TI).

10-Year Outlook:
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro is projected to add over 1.5 million people by 2030. Carrollton, as a central node, will see continued pressure on housing, office, and infrastructure. Expect more mixed-use developments, transit-oriented projects (especially around the DART line), and adaptive reuse of older buildings. Managers who can handle complex permitting, stakeholder management, and lean construction techniques will be the most valuable. Insider Tip: Get proficient in software like Procore or Autodesk Build. The tech-savvy CMs are the ones landing the top-tier roles.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Carrollton offers a compelling package for Construction Managers, but it's not for everyone. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market tied to DFW growth.	Car-dependent. You will drive everywhere.
Median salary ($109,281) is competitive with a moderate cost of living.	Salary caps can be lower than in Austin or Houston for certain high-end specialties.
Central location for accessing projects across the Metroplex.	The city is largely suburban. If you crave a dense, urban vibe, you may feel boxed in.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with good schools.	Summers are brutally hot, which impacts outdoor work and utility bills.
Strong professional networks through local AGC/ULI chapters.	Intense competition from other experienced managers in the region.

Final Recommendation:
Carrollton is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values a balanced lifestyle, a stable career, and a strategic location without the extreme cost of living in Austin or the volatility of Houston's energy sector. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years experience) looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a strong professional reputation in a thriving market. If you're a new graduate, it’s a great place to learn, but you may start with a lower salary and need to be aggressive about networking. For seasoned experts, it’s a place to lead teams and manage significant projects with manageable stress.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from out of state. What's the first thing I should do?
Network immediately. The Dallas construction market runs on relationships. Join the local AGC chapter and introduce yourself. Also, start applying for roles 3-4 months before your move, as the process can be slower than in larger cities.

2. How does the lack of state income tax impact my salary?
It's a significant boost. On a $109,281 salary, you'll save roughly $6,000-$8,000/year compared to states with a 5-6% income tax. However, property taxes in Texas are high (Carrollton's rate is ~2.1-2.3%), so homeowners feel that trade-off.

3. Are there opportunities for women in Carrollton's construction scene?
Yes, but you'll need to