The Construction Manager's Guide to Flower Mound, TX

As someone who's watched the Denton County landscape shift for over a decade, I can tell you that Flower Mound isn't just another suburb. It's a meticulously planned community that sits at the crossroads of major growth corridors. For construction managers, this translates into a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This guide will give you the unvarnished, data-driven picture of what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Flower Mound Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Flower Mound area is $109,281/year, which works out to an hourly rate of $52.54/hour. This is slightly above the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. The metro area, which includes Denton and part of the DFW sprawl, supports approximately 158 jobs for this specific title, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. That growth is steady, not explosive, which suggests a stable market rather than a volatile boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience is the primary driver here, as in most markets. Here’s how you can expect your earnings to scale:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	$36.06 - $43.27
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$100,000 - $125,000	$48.08 - $60.10
Senior	10-15 years	$125,000 - $150,000	$60.10 - $72.12
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$155,000+	$74.52+

Data reflects local market trends and is not a guarantee of employment.

Compared to other major Texas metros, Flower Mound holds its own. Austin and Dallas proper can command higher top-end salaries ($130,000+ for mid-career), but the cost of living there is also significantly steeper. San Antonio and Houston often see slightly lower median wages for this role. The $109,281 median in Flower Mound is competitive for a suburban market with lower density and a more family-oriented community feel.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary looks solid on paper, but let's break down what it means for your monthly budget in Flower Mound. We'll assume a single filer (no dependents) and use the current Texas tax structure (no state income tax, but federal and FICA apply).

Annual Gross: $109,281
Monthly Gross: $9,106

Deductions (Estimated):

• Federal Tax (2024): ~$1,450/month
• FICA (7.65%): ~$697/month
• Estimated Net Pay: $6,959/month

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Flower Mound costs $1,291/month. This is for a modern unit in a complex like those near The Square or off FM 407. Older garden-style apartments can be found for closer to $1,100, while luxury options near Lewisville Lake or in the new developments can push $1,500.

Sample Monthly Budget (Net Pay: $6,959 / Rent: $1,291):

Category	Allocation	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent	18.6%	$1,291	1BR average
Utilities	5%	$350	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	10%	$700	For one person
Transportation	10%	$700	Car payment, gas, insurance
Healthcare	5%	$350	Premiums, copays
Savings/IRA	15%	$1,050	Recommended minimum
Discretionary	30%	$2,090	Dining, entertainment, shopping
Debt/Other	7%	$500	Student loans, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, but it requires planning. The median home price in Flower Mound hovers around $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($95,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of approximately $2,400 (PITI). This is manageable on a $109,281 salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many construction managers here live in nearby areas like Lewisville or Denton for slightly lower entry prices.

Where the Jobs Are: Flower Mound's Major Employers

The construction market here is heavily influenced by residential development, corporate expansion, and municipal projects. Here are the key players to watch:

1. Town of Flower Mound (Municipal Projects): The town's Engineering and Parks departments are constant sources of work. They manage public infrastructure, park expansions (like those around the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area), and the ongoing development of the Town Square area. They often hire through contracted firms, but direct municipal roles offer excellent stability.

2. Highland Homes: A Dallas-based builder with a massive footprint in the Alliance Corridor and Flower Mound. They are one of the most active builders in the region, specializing in single-family homes in master-planned communities like Canyon Falls. They frequently hire project managers and superintendents.

3. David Weekley Homes: Another top-tier national builder with a significant presence in Denton County. They focus on energy-efficient homes and have been expanding their operations in the western Flower Mound/Argyle area. Look for openings tied to their "Plan 22" and "Green" home series.

4. Crown Development & Construction: A local firm specializing in commercial and mixed-use projects. They've been involved in the redevelopment of older retail corridors along Main Street and the construction of new medical office buildings. They value managers with commercial experience.

5. Medical City Lewisville (Hospital Expansion): While technically in neighboring Lewisville, this hospital is a primary healthcare provider for Flower Mound residents. Ongoing expansion projects, from new wings to outpatient facilities, create demand for construction managers with healthcare construction experience (a high-value specialty).

6. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - DFW Capital Improvement Program: A 25-minute commute, DFW is a perpetual construction site. The airport's ongoing capital improvement program includes terminal renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and the new Skylink connection. These projects offer long-term, high-stakes experience.

Hiring Trend: The market is stable. The focus is shifting from purely residential to more mixed-use and healthcare projects. Managers with LEED AP or OSHA 30 certifications and experience with public-private partnerships (P3) are in higher demand for municipal and airport contracts.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a state-level license specifically for "Construction Manager" as a standalone title. However, the path is clear and regulated.

1. General Contractor License (Residential/Commercial): This is the key credential. You must obtain this through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). To qualify, you need:

   • A minimum net worth of $10,000 (for residential) or $25,000 (for commercial).
   • Proof of $100,000 in liability insurance.
   • A completed application and fee (approx. $450).
   • No formal education requirement, but you must demonstrate experience.

2. Certifications (Highly Advised):

   • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety: A must-have for any serious manager. Cost: $150 - $300.
   • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by CMAA. Requires a bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience, or 8 years without. Exam fee: ~$550.
   • LEED AP BD+C: For sustainable design projects. Cost: Exam + membership ~$600.

3. Timeline: The TDLR application process can take 4-8 weeks. There is no formal exam for the General Contractor license, but your application will be reviewed for financial and experience qualifications. Budget 2-3 months from start to holding your license.

Insider Tip: Most construction managers in Flower Mound work for licensed firms. Your personal license is crucial for side consulting, starting your own firm, or bidding on smaller projects independently. It's the single best investment you can make in your career here.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Flower Mound is geographically large. Your choice of neighborhood will significantly impact your commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
The Square / Town Center	Walkable, urban-suburban mix. Central to everything. Easy access to FM 407 & I-35E.	$1,200 - $1,450	Young professionals who want nightlife and a short commute to most local job sites.
Bridlewood / Canyon Falls	Master-planned, family-oriented. Near top-rated schools. Commute to westside projects is excellent.	$1,150 - $1,400	Managers with families (or planning one) who value parks, trails, and community pools.
Wellington / Lakeside	Upscale, serene, near Lewisville Lake. Longer commute to northern job sites but serene.	$1,350 - $1,600+	Senior managers seeking a quiet retreat after a busy day on the job site.
Argyle Edge (West of Flower Mound)	More rural, larger lots, growing rapidly. 10-15 min commute to western job sites.	$1,100 - $1,350	Those who want space and don't mind a shorter commute to newer residential developments.

Commute Reality: Traffic on FM 407 and I-35E is congested during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). A 10-mile commute can take 20-30 minutes. Living near your primary job site cluster can save you 5+ hours per week.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 8% is a solid foundation. To maximize your earnings and career trajectory in Flower Mound, consider these specialty premiums and advancement paths:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction (Medical City, doctor's offices): +15-20% salary premium. Requires strict code compliance and infection control knowledge.
  • Sustainable Construction (LEED, Net Zero): +10-15% premium. High demand from corporate clients and town incentives.
  • Public Works / Municipal: +5-10% premium. Offers job security and pension benefits.
  • High-End Custom Residential: Can offer higher bonuses based on project completion and client satisfaction.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Superintendent -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Director of Construction.
  2. Project Manager -> Estimating Manager -> Pre-Construction Director.
  3. Field Experience -> Owner's Representative (working for the client, like a hospital or town).

10-Year Outlook: The Flower Mound market will remain stable, with growth tied to the continued expansion of the DFW metroplex. The biggest opportunities will be in infill development (redeveloping older commercial areas) and senior living facilities as the population ages. Managers who adapt to prefabrication and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology will have a distinct advantage.

The Verdict: Is Flower Mound Right for You?

Flower Mound offers a high-quality life for construction managers, but it's not for everyone. Here’s the unbiased breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average salary with a lower cost of living (103.3) than major metros.	Limited public transit. You will need a reliable vehicle.
Stable, growing job market tied to the resilient DFW economy.	Traffic congestion on major arteries (I-35E, FM 407) during rush hours.
Excellent public schools (Lewisville ISD, Argyle ISD) for families.	Sprawl and car-centric design can feel isolating.
Proximity to DFW Airport opens up national project opportunities.	Summers are hot and humid; outdoor work can be grueling.
Outdoor amenities (Lewisville Lake, numerous parks, trails).	Social scene is more family/neighborhood-focused than urban nightlife.

Final Recommendation: Flower Mound is an excellent choice for mid-career construction managers (4-10 years experience) who are looking to buy a home, start a family, and build long-term wealth in a stable market. It's ideal if you value suburban comfort, good schools, and easy access to nature. It may feel too quiet for a young professional seeking a vibrant, urban social scene. For senior managers, the lower stress and higher quality of life are significant draws.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for construction managers really that stable here?
Yes. The 10-year growth of 8% is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the broader region. While not hyper-growth, the DFW area's constant population influx and corporate expansions (see new headquarters in Plano/Frisco) create a steady demand for housing, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Downturns here are typically shallower than in more volatile markets.

2. Do I need a degree to get hired?
While a bachelor's in Construction Management or Engineering is preferred by large firms (like David Weekley or Highland), many local and mid-sized companies hire based on proven field experience. Your General Contractor license and OSHA 30 certification often carry more weight than a degree alone for many roles. However, for advancement to senior management, a degree is increasingly standard.

3. What's the best way to network here?
Join the North Texas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Attend monthly meetings in Dallas or Denton. Also, get involved with the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce. Many local builders and subcontractors are members. LinkedIn is useful, but face-to-face connections at these events are how you uncover the unlisted opportunities.

4. How does the cost of living really compare?
With a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (US avg = 100), Flower Mound is slightly more expensive than the national average, but significantly cheaper than Austin (index 140) or Dallas proper (120). The biggest budget items are housing and transportation. The $1,291 average rent is manageable on a $109,281 salary, allowing for comfortable savings and discretionary spending.

5. What's the one thing I should do before moving?
Secure a job offer or at least several interviews before finalizing your move. While the market is stable, it's not so large that you can job-hop easily. Use platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the AGC job board. Also, visit for a weekend. Drive the commutes you'd face from potential neighborhoods. The sprawl is real, and the feel of the town is best experienced firsthand.