Construction Manager in Denton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Denton Stands

Let's cut to the chase: if you're a Construction Manager, Denton offers a compelling salary package. The median salary here is $109,281/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.54. This is slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, but the real value comes from Denton's cost of living. Compared to the sprawling, expensive metros of Dallas or Austin, Denton provides a more manageable scale without sacrificing professional opportunity. With 10-year job growth at 8% and 316 jobs currently in the metro, the market is stable and growing, not overheated.

To give you a clearer picture of where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter, calibrated against the median.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Denton
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent. Overseeing specific scopes on a single site, often in residential or light commercial.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $125,000	Project Manager, Superintendent. Managing full budgets, timelines, and subcontractors for multi-family, educational, or commercial projects.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$125,000 - $160,000+	Senior PM, Director of Operations. Running complex projects (e.g., healthcare, municipal), managing entire divisions, or working on larger developments.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$160,000 - $200,000+	Executive roles, specialized consulting (e.g., historic preservation, sustainable building), or ownership of a local firm.

When stacked against other Texas cities, Denton’s value proposition becomes clear. While Houston and Dallas might offer slightly higher nominal salaries, their median one-bedroom rent is often $200-$400 more per month, and the commute times can be brutal. Austin’s tech-driven boom has inflated housing costs significantly, making Denton’s blend of affordability and proximity to the DFW metroplex a strategic choice for many in the construction field.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $109,281 sounds great, but what does it actually mean for your monthly budget in Denton? Let's break it down with conservative estimates.

• Gross Monthly Income: $9,107
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,400 (this can vary based on deductions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,707

Now, let's look at your fixed cost: housing. The average one-bedroom rent in Denton is $1,500/month. This leaves you with a healthy $5,207 for all other expenses, savings, and investments.

Buying a Home: Is It Feasible?
Absolutely. With a net take-home of $6,707, the standard rule of thumb (28% of gross income on housing) allows for a monthly mortgage payment of around $2,545. In Denton's current market, that could secure a comfortable 3-bedroom home in a family-friendly suburb or a newer townhome closer to downtown. The Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (just 3.3% above the national average) works in your favor. You're not spending a disproportionate amount on essentials, freeing up capital for a down payment.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the City of Denton. Consider the surrounding areas like Corinth, Bartonville, or even the edge of Frisco for more land and larger homes, though your commute to city-center job sites may increase. Local lenders like First United Bank or Veritex Community Bank offer competitive rates for medical and professional fields, including construction.

Where the Jobs Are: Denton's Major Employers

The construction market in Denton is diversified. You're not reliant on a single sector, which provides stability. Here are the major local players and trends:

1. City of Denton (Public Works & Capital Projects): The city itself is a major employer. They manage public building projects, infrastructure (roads, water treatment), and park development. Hiring is steady, with a focus on long-term, civic-minded managers. Check their "Capital Improvement Program" for upcoming projects.
2. Denton Independent School District (DISD): With over 30,000 students, DISD is in a perpetual state of growth and renovation. They manage new school construction, modernization projects, and bond-funded initiatives. These are large-scale, multi-year projects ideal for senior-level managers.
3. Texas Woman's University (TWU) & University of North Texas (UNT): These massive institutions constantly upgrade facilities. From new dorms and research labs at UNT to healthcare education facilities at TWU, there's a steady pipeline of construction work. These projects often require a high level of coordination and strict adherence to academic schedules.
4. Medical City Denton (Texas Health Resources): As the region's primary hospital, expansion is constant. Recent projects include new patient towers and specialized care centers. These are complex, high-stakes projects that demand managers with healthcare construction experience (ICRA, MEP coordination) and pay a premium.
5. Local & Regional Development Firms: Companies like Hillwood, with its massive AllianceTexas development to the south, have a significant footprint. Locally, firms like Denton Construction and McShane Construction handle a mix of commercial, industrial, and municipal projects. There's also a robust network of specialty subcontractors (electrical, mechanical, concrete) looking for strong project managers to lead their field operations.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing emphasis on sustainable building (LEED, Envision) and pre-fabrication/modular construction to combat labor shortages. Managers who are proficient with these techniques are highly sought after.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a specific license for Construction Managers. However, this doesn't mean you're unregulated. To operate legally and professionally, you'll need to understand the state's requirements.

• General Contractor Registration: If you're bidding on or managing work in the City of Denton or Denton County, you'll likely need to register as a General Contractor. This involves a $150 application fee, proof of insurance (liability and workers' comp), and often a financial statement. The process takes 2-4 weeks.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License: If your role involves designing, stamping, or managing engineering aspects of a project, a Texas PE license is mandatory. This requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and 4 years of progressive experience. The total cost for exams and application is approximately $500-$700, and the timeline from start to license is typically 4-6 years.
• Certifications (The Non-Negotiables): While not a state license, these are expected for serious candidates:
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction: Standard for any site manager. Cost: $150-$180.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by PMI, this is the gold standard. Exam cost: $555 for members, $755 for non-members.
  • LEED AP or Green Building: Increasingly important. The exam costs $550 for members.

Insider Tip: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists, but not general construction managers. Always check with the City of Denton's Development Services Department for local permit and registration requirements before starting a project.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live will define your daily life. As a Construction Manager, you need a balance of commute time, amenities, and community. Here’s a local’s guide to Denton’s neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Average 1BR Rent	Typical Commute to Downtown Job Site
Downtown Denton	Walkable, vibrant, artsy. Close to the square, restaurants, and UNT campus. Best for young professionals who want a social scene.	$1,600 - $1,800	5-10 min walk or bike; 15 min drive to outskirts.
South Denton (Robson Ranch area)	Master-planned, quiet, and family-oriented. Golf courses, pools, and community events. Popular with senior managers and those with families.	$1,400 - $1,600	15-20 min drive to most work sites.
North Denton (Rayzor Ranch area)	Modern, convenient, and growing. Close to major retail (Target, Costco), the movie theater, and I-35E for easy regional travel.	$1,350 - $1,550	10-15 min drive to downtown.
Corinth (East of Denton)	Suburban, excellent schools, more affordable for larger homes. A popular "bedroom community" for those working in Denton or the northern DFW corridor.	$1,250 - $1,450	20-25 min drive, depending on traffic.
Hickory Creek (West of I-35)	Rural, spacious, and quiet. Lots of land, larger homes, and a slower pace. Ideal for those who want to escape the city feel but stay close.	$1,300 - $1,500	15-20 min drive.

Commute Insight: Traffic on I-35E is the biggest variable. A job site on the south side of Denton (e.g., near the North Texas Mega Site) versus one in central Denton can add 15 minutes. Live on the same side of I-35 as your primary job cluster if possible.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Denton, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and building a reputation. The 8% 10-year job growth is solid, but the real advancement comes with niche expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with experience in healthcare construction (Medical City expansion) or higher education (UNT/TWU) can command salaries 10-15% above the median. Heavy civil/infrastructure experience for the City or county is another high-demand, high-pay area.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer -> Project Manager -> Senior PM/Project Executive. The key differentiator in Denton is moving from managing subcontractors to managing relationships—with city planners, university administrators, hospital boards, and community groups. The most successful senior managers here are those who can navigate local politics and permitting as skillfully as they manage a schedule.
• 10-Year Outlook: The region's population growth (Denton County is one of the fastest-growing in the nation) ensures a steady demand for housing, schools, and healthcare. The push toward green building and resilient infrastructure (key for Texas weather) will create new specialties. Consider getting certified in these areas now to future-proof your career.

The Verdict: Is Denton Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice is personal. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons from a local perspective.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: Salary of $109,281 goes much further here than in Dallas or Austin.	Commute to DFW Core: You're 45-60 minutes from downtown Dallas. If your career ambition is with a national HQ, this is a limitation.
Diverse Job Market: Employment from public, education, healthcare, and private sectors. Not reliant on one industry.	Limited High-Rise/Urban Projects: The scale of work is mostly mid-rise, commercial, and residential. Fewer "iconic" skyscraper projects.
Growing, Not Booming: The 8% growth is manageable. You avoid the intense competition and chaos of a hyper-growth market.	Political & Permitting Pace: City and university projects can move slower due to bureaucratic layers and stakeholder input.
Quality of Life: A vibrant college-town feel with a genuine community feel, great parks, and the Ray Roberts Lake State Park nearby.	Summers are Brutal: The Texas heat from June-September is a real factor for site work. Air-conditioned trailers and early starts are the norm.

Final Recommendation:
Denton is an excellent choice for mid-career construction managers (5-15 years experience) seeking to balance a strong salary with a high quality of life. It's perfect for those who value community, affordability, and diverse project experience over the relentless pace of a major coastal city. If your goal is to be a senior leader on complex, multi-million dollar projects without the crushing cost of living, Denton is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest challenge for Construction Managers new to Denton?
Learning the local permit process and building relationships with the City of Denton's Development Services. It's a smaller, more personal bureaucracy than a big city, so networking at local AGC (Associated General Contractors) or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) chapter events is crucial.

2. How does the local market handle economic downturns?
Denton's diversified base (education, healthcare, public sector) provides more stability than a city reliant on oil & gas. Residential construction may slow, but capital projects for schools and hospitals often continue, softening the blow.

3. Is a personal vehicle necessary?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, job sites and most neighborhoods are spread out. Public transportation (Denton County Transit) exists but is not practical for daily commuting to construction sites.

4. What's the best way to find a job here?
Leverage local connections. The Denton Chamber of Commerce and local AGC of Greater Dallas chapter are key. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth. Check the career pages directly for the City of Denton, DISD, UNT, and Medical City. Local engineering and architecture firms (like Architects Southwest or HKS) are also good sources.

5. How competitive is the local construction labor market?
It's tight. Skilled labor (electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters) is in short supply, which puts a premium on managers who can maintain strong subcontractor relationships and keep projects on schedule. This is an area where your leadership skills directly impact project success and your own reputation.