Construction Manager in Fort Worth, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re weighing a move. As a Construction Manager in Fort Worth, you’re not just entering a growing market; you’re stepping into a city where your compensation is solidly above the national average. Your median salary here is $109,281/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.54/hour. For context, the national average for Construction Managers sits at $108,210/year. It’s a narrow gap, but one that gives Fort Worth a tangible edge, especially when you factor in the city’s lower cost of living compared to major coastal hubs.

To understand where you fit in this landscape, it’s helpful to break it down by experience. This isn’t a rigid ladder, but a general guide based on local market data and industry trends.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Local Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Assistant PM	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, submittal review, basic scheduling under supervision, field support.
Mid-Level Manager	4-8 years	$95,000 - $125,000	Running full projects ($1M-$10M), managing subcontractors, budget control, client relations.
Senior Project Manager	9-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000+	Overseeing multiple projects, complex budgeting, risk management, mentoring junior staff.
Senior / Executive (Expert)	15+ years	$150,000 - $185,000+	Director-level roles, strategic planning, business development, high-stakes project oversight.

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior is where you see the most significant pay increase. It’s tied to proven success with larger, more complex projects—think hospital towers in the Medical District or logistics facilities in the Alliance corridor, not just standard commercial builds.

Compared to other Texas cities, Fort Worth holds a unique position. It’s often perceived as a more affordable alternative to Austin and Dallas, but its construction market is just as active. Dallas has a higher ceiling for salaries in certain sectors (like high-rise commercial), but the competition is fiercer and the commute can be brutal. Austin’s market is white-hot but also volatile and extremely expensive. Houston’s oil and gas sector drives construction but is more susceptible to economic swings. Fort Worth offers a balance: robust growth, a diverse project mix, and a cost of living that doesn’t eat up your salary gains.

The job market here is strong. There are approximately 1,953 construction management positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is healthy, if not explosive. It indicates steady, sustainable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle, which is ideal for long-term career planning.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $109,281 salary sounds great on paper, but let’s ground it in reality. We’ll use a simplified tax estimate (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare) for a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction. Note: Your actual take-home will vary based on benefits, 401(k) contributions, and other deductions.

• Gross Annual Salary: $109,281
• Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$29,000 (approx. 26.5% effective rate)
• Net Annual Pay: ~$80,281
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$6,690

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Fort Worth is $1,384/month. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (U.S. average is 100), meaning it’s about 3.3% more expensive than the national average, but significantly less than Austin (120+) or Dallas (105+).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, No Dependents):

• Net Monthly Pay: $6,690
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,384 (Could be higher in trendy areas, lower in suburbs)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $450
• Transportation (Car + Gas + Insurance): $550 (Fort Worth is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $200
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $800
• Savings/Investments: $3,106 (Leftover)

This leaves you with a substantial amount for savings, a mortgage, or a higher standard of living. However, buying a home is the real test. The median home price in Fort Worth hovers around $320,000 - $350,000 (as of late 2023). With a 20% down payment ($64,000 - $70,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~7% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,900 - $2,100, including taxes and insurance.

Can you afford it? Yes, but it requires discipline. Your potential mortgage payment would be about 28-30% of your gross income, which is within traditional lending guidelines. However, it would consume a larger portion of your net pay than renting. For a single income, it’s doable, but building up that down payment will be your first hurdle. If you have a dual-income household, buying becomes significantly easier.

Insider Tip: Many local construction professionals buy in the suburbs (like Keller, Southlake, or Haslet) for more space and better school districts, tolerating a 30-45 minute commute to job sites downtown or in the medical district. The trade-off is worth it for many families.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

Fort Worth’s construction market is a mix of large general contractors, specialized firms, and public entities. Knowing who’s hiring is key. Here’s who’s shaping the skyline:

1. M.A. Mortenson Company: A top-tier national firm with a major presence in the Southwest. They have a significant office in Dallas but handle major projects throughout Fort Worth, especially in healthcare and commercial sectors. They consistently hire for senior PM roles on complex projects.
2. Manhattan Construction: Headquartered in Tulsa but with a massive footprint in North Texas. They are a powerhouse in the region, known for high-profile projects like the Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion. They offer great long-term career growth.
3. The Beck Group: A design-build firm headquartered in Dallas with a strong Fort Worth portfolio. They handle everything from corporate headquarters to multi-family. Their integrated approach (in-house architects and builders) appeals to PMs who want to be involved from pre-con through completion.
4. City of Fort Worth (Public Works): Don’t overlook the public sector. The city manages billions in infrastructure projects—roadways, water treatment facilities, public buildings. Jobs here offer stability, great benefits, and a pension. Hiring trends are strong for PMs with civil or utility experience.
5. Texas Health Resources (THR) & Baylor Scott & White Health: These major hospital systems are in a perpetual state of expansion and renovation. Their capital projects departments hire internal PMs and often contract with large GCs. It’s a niche but lucrative sector with steady work.
6. Hensel Phelps Construction Co.: A national firm with a strong regional office. They are known for complex projects in aviation (DFW Airport), healthcare, and federal work. They have a reputation for excellent training and internal promotion.
7. Allied Bolt & Screw Corp. / Local Subcontractor Giants: While not GCs, large mechanical, electrical, and concrete subcontractors often have PMs overseeing their own project portfolios. These roles can be less stressful and more focused on a specific trade.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in healthcare (medical district expansion), multifamily (downtown and near TCU), and logistics/industrial (AllianceTexas corridor). Public infrastructure is also a steady driver. The market is competitive for top talent, so specialized experience (LEED, BIM, healthcare) is a major differentiator.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level license for general construction managers. This is a critical point. Unlike architects or engineers, you don’t need a state-issued “Construction Manager License” to practice.

However, licensing and certification are still crucial for credibility and advancement.

1. Certification is Key: The most recognized credential is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), awarded by the Construction Manager Association of America (CMAA). While not legally required, it is the industry gold standard, especially for public projects and large private firms. The process involves a combination of education (a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field) and documented work experience (4-8 years), followed by passing a rigorous exam.
2. Cost: The exam fee is approximately $1,100 - $1,400 for CMAA members. There are also costs for study materials and potential continuing education courses.
3. Timeline: The CCM process can take 1-2 years from starting the application to passing the exam, depending on your existing qualifications. You can start the process immediately upon arriving in Texas.
4. Trade Licenses: If you plan to perform specialty work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) or work as a General Contractor, you must obtain a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). For example, a Master Electrician license requires passing an exam and showing 4 years of experience. This is a separate pathway from project management.

Insider Tip: In Fort Worth, many PMs on complex public works projects (like those for the City or Tarrant County) are expected to have or be pursuing their CCM. It’s often listed as “preferred” in job postings. The cost is an investment; many larger employers will reimburse the exam fee upon successful passage.

Best Neighborhoods for Fort Worth Managers

Your neighborhood choice impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas, assuming a central job site like downtown or the medical district.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / Near Southside	Urban, walkable, historic charm. 5-15 min commute to most central job sites.	$1,600 - $2,200	Young professionals, those who want to be in the heart of it all.
Tanglewood / Colonial	Established, family-friendly, mid-century homes. 15-25 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,800	Managers with families, seeking good schools and a quieter, established feel.
Arborlawn / Westover Hills	Upscale, suburban, newer builds. 20-30 min commute to downtown.	$1,500 - $2,000	Higher-end living, privacy, easy access to I-30 and I-820.
Alliance / North Fort Worth	Rapidly growing, modern suburbs, master-planned communities. 30-45 min commute to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,700	Those who want more house for their money, don’t mind a longer commute.
TCU / Near TCU	College-town energy, mix of students and young professionals. 15-20 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,600	Social butterflies, those who enjoy a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.

Insider Tip: The commute is a major factor. Fort Worth’s infrastructure is car-centric. If you have a job site in Alliance, living downtown might not be practical. Conversely, if you work at the Medical District, living in Southlake will mean battling I-35 traffic daily. Prioritize your job location before locking in a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Fort Worth is not a dead-end market for ambitious construction managers. The 10-year job growth of 8% signals sustained opportunity, but specialization is how you command the top of the salary range.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: High demand, complex regulations (infection control, specialized MEP). Can command a 10-15% premium over general commercial PMs.
• Industrial / Logistics: The AllianceTexas corridor is a massive employer. Expertise in tilt-wall construction, large-scale logistics layouts, and fast-track schedules is highly valued.
• Sustainable Building (LEED, etc.): While not as saturated as Austin, there’s a growing demand for green building expertise, especially on public and corporate projects.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Proficiency in BIM (Revit, Navisworks) is becoming a baseline expectation, not a bonus. Managers who can lead clash detection and digital coordination are essential.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer → Assistant PM → Project Manager → Senior PM → Director/VP of Construction. In Fort Worth, lateral moves are common to gain experience in a new sector (e.g., moving from commercial to healthcare). Many PMs also leave the GC side to work for an owner (like a hospital system or real estate developer), which often involves less travel and more predictable hours, though sometimes with a slight pay adjustment.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain strong. The city’s population growth and status as a business hub (with companies like Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, and Alcon) will drive consistent development. The key will be adapting to new technologies and construction methods. The rise of modular construction and sustainable materials will create new niches for forward-thinking managers.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary with a lower cost of living than Austin or Dallas.	Car-dependent city; long commutes are common if you live cheaply.
Robust, diverse job market in healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure.	Summers are brutally hot, which can impact outdoor work and utilities.
No state income tax on wages (Texas has no individual income tax).	Public school funding is a perennial issue; many families opt for private schools.
Vibrant cultural scene (Fort Worth Stockyards, cultural district) without big-city chaos.	The "Cowtown" vibe can be a pro or a con depending on your personal style.
Strong network of industry professionals and local chapters of CMAA, AGC.	Rapid growth can strain infrastructure and lead to temporary traffic and service issues.

Final Recommendation: Fort Worth is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who are mid-career or looking to advance without getting priced out of the market. It’s ideal if you value a strong community, a manageable pace of life (compared to Dallas), and tangible career growth without the hyper-competition of Austin. It’s less suited for those seeking a completely walkable, non-driving lifestyle or for managers who specialize exclusively in high-rise luxury condos (a smaller market here than in Dallas). If you’re pragmatic, skilled, and ready to navigate a growing city, Fort Worth offers a compelling package.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as a Construction Manager in Texas?
No. Texas does not have a mandatory state license for Construction Managers. However, professional certification (like the CCM) is highly recommended for career advancement and is often required for large public projects. If you perform specialty contracting work (e.g., electrical), you will need a license from the TDLR.

2. How does the cost of living in Fort Worth affect my salary?
Your $109,281 salary in Fort Worth will go further than the same amount in Austin or Dallas. While the Cost of Living Index is slightly above the national average (103.3), it’s significantly lower than in those other Texas metros, especially for housing. This means your disposable income is likely higher here.

3. What’s the construction market like in Fort Worth right now?
It’s healthy and steady. With 1,953 jobs in the metro and 8% projected growth over 10 years, there’s consistent demand. Key sectors are healthcare (Medical District expansion), logistics/industrial (Alliance corridor), and public infrastructure. The market is competitive for top talent but not overheated.

4. Is it easy to break into the Fort Worth construction network?
Yes, but it requires proactive effort. Join local chapters of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America (Fort Worth Chapter) or the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA Texas Chapter). Attend industry mixers and events. The community is tight-knit, and a strong local reference can open many doors.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for new Construction Managers in Fort Worth?
The biggest challenge is often the commute and traffic logistics. The city is spread out, and job sites can be far from residential areas. Planning your living situation around your expected work locations is crucial to avoid spending hours in your car. The second challenge is adapting to the Texas building code and local permitting processes, which can differ from other states.