The Complete Career Guide for Construction Managers in Frisco, TX

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking the North Texas market, I can tell you that Frisco isn't just another Dallas suburb—it's a master-planned city that has become a construction powerhouse. If you're a Construction Manager considering a move here, you're looking at one of the most dynamic markets in the state. This guide breaks down the reality of the job, the paycheck, and the lifestyle with the unvarnished data and local insight you need.

The Salary Picture: Where Frisco Stands

Frisco's salary landscape for Construction Managers is robust, driven by relentless growth and major corporate investments. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the metro area is $109,281/year, translating to an hourly rate of $52.54. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $108,210/year, which is a key indicator of the premium this market commands. The metro area supports approximately 450 jobs for this role, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%, signaling steady demand rather than boom-and-bust cycles.

Here’s how experience typically translates to compensation in the Frisco market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Frisco Metro)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Assistant Project Manager, Field Engineer, estimating support
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $130,000	Independent Project Manager, overseeing subcontractors, budget control
Senior (10-15 years)	$130,000 - $165,000	Senior PM, managing complex projects (schools, hospitals), client liaison
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$165,000+	Director of Construction, VP, owner's rep, specializing in mega-projects

Insider Tip: The median of $109,281 is your anchor. In Frisco, this number often reflects a mid-career manager overseeing commercial, industrial, or large-scale residential projects. Your specific offer will hinge on your portfolio—have you built tilt-wall warehouses, healthcare facilities, or high-end custom homes?

For context, compare Frisco to other major Texas metros:

• Houston: Similar median, but more oil-and-gas influenced.
• Austin: Slightly higher median for tech-driven projects, but higher cost of living.
• Dallas-Fort Worth (Core): Comparable, but Frisco's growth rate is a distinct advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $109,281 is impressive, but the cost of living dictates your lifestyle. Frisco's Cost of Living Index is 103.3, meaning it's about 3.3% more expensive than the national average. Housing is the primary driver.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Construction Manager earning the median salary of $109,281. This assumes a single filer using 2023-2024 tax brackets (federal and Texas state, which has no state income tax).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$9,107	$109,281 / 12
Taxes (Federal + FICA)	~$2,000	Approx. 22% effective rate
Net Monthly Pay	~$7,107
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$(1,291)	Frisco average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities & Internet	(~$180)	Electricity, water, internet (Texas winters can be mild, summers hot)
Car Payment/Insurance	(~$600)	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	(~$300)	Employer-sponsored; varies
Groceries & Gas	(~$500)	Frisco isn't a food desert, but grocery prices trend with COL
Discretionary/Savings	~$4,236	This is your buffer for savings, retirement, and lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, but with caveats. The median home price in Frisco is around $575,000+. Using the 28/36 rule (no more than 28% of gross income on housing), your max monthly mortgage payment should be around $2,540. With a 20% down payment ($115,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $3,050/month—above the ideal. However, many managers in this income range partner with a spouse or have a larger down payment. A more realistic plan is to rent for the first year, save aggressively, and target a home in the $400,000-$500,000 range in a neighboring community like McKinney or Prosper if Frisco proper is too tight.

Insider Tip: Frisco's property taxes are high (often over 2% of assessed value). Factor in an extra $800-$1,200/month for property taxes and insurance on a median home, which significantly impacts affordability.

Where the Jobs Are: Frisco's Major Employers

Frisco's construction job market is fueled by corporate headquarters, healthcare expansion, and relentless residential and commercial development. Here are the key players:

1. The Star (Dallas Cowboys Headquarters): A massive mixed-use development that requires ongoing management for the entertainment district, hotels, and future phases. They hire for owner’s reps and project managers directly.
2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco: A major healthcare expansion project (and ongoing operations) requires specialized CMs with experience in hospital builds and renovations. This is a long-term, high-value client.
3. Frisco ISD: With over 70 schools and constant growth, the district’s Facilities & Construction department hires its own PMs and works with a cadre of general contractors like Manhattan Construction and Barton Malow. These are stable, public-sector jobs.
4. Toyota Headquarters (Plano, 10-min drive): While technically in Plano, it's a hub for automotive and tech-related construction. The campus has ongoing fit-out and renovation projects managed by firms like Hines and DPR Construction.
5. General Contractors & Developers:
   • Hensel Phelps: Has a major office in Frisco and is active in healthcare, higher ed, and commercial.
   • Barton Malow: Heavy in sports and entertainment (they built The Star) and industrial.
   • Hill & Wilkinson: A Dallas-based GC with a strong presence in Frisco's retail and commercial sectors.
   • The Miller Group: A local favorite for high-end residential and boutique commercial.
6. Real Estate Development Firms: Companies like The Howard Hughes Corporation (developing Fields West) and Crown Legacy are constantly launching new mixed-use projects, hiring PMs to lead from the ground up.

Hiring Trend: The demand is strongest for managers with tilt-wall construction experience (for warehouses and data centers) and healthcare/hospital project experience. The residential market is cooling slightly, but the commercial and industrial sectors are booming.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require a state license for Construction Managers (a significant advantage over states like California or Florida). However, professional certification is essential for credibility and career advancement.

1. Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This is the gold standard. It requires 4-8 years of construction management experience and passing a comprehensive exam. Cost: Exam fee ~$475, plus study materials. Timeline: If you have the experience, you can sit for the exam within 3-6 months of dedicated study.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Highly valued across industries, including construction. Requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. Cost: ~$395-$555 for the exam. Timeline: 3-6 months to prepare and apply.
3. LEED AP: For a specialty in sustainable building. Cost: ~$550. Timeline: 2-4 months of study.

Insider Tip: While not legally required, not having a CCM or PMP can put you at a disadvantage against certified candidates in the Frisco market, especially for corporate or public projects. Many employers will pay for your certification once you're hired.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute, lifestyle, and budget will define your best fit. Frisco is vast, and traffic on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) is a major factor.

Neighborhood	Commute to The Star/Key Employers	Vibe & Lifestyle	1BR Rent Estimate
Frisco Square / Historic Downtown	5-10 min	Walkable, urban feel, near City Hall & restaurants. Older, charming homes mixed with new apartments.	$1,400 - $1,600
The Fields / West Frisco	15-20 min (against traffic)	Newer, master-planned, family-oriented. Close to Toyota Stadium and new retail. Expect HOA fees.	$1,250 - $1,450
Parks at Legacy / Starwood	10-15 min	Established, upscale, with mature trees. Great for families, near top-rated schools. Higher cost of living.	$1,350 - $1,550
Stonebriar / Frisco Lakes	10-20 min	Golf-course community, quieter, more suburban. Good value for larger apartments/townhomes.	$1,150 - $1,350
Prosper / Celina (Just North)	20-30 min	More rural, growing rapidly, significantly lower rent. A popular "bedroom community" for Frisco professionals.	$950 - $1,200

Insider Tip: If your job is on the west side of Frisco (near The Star or Fields), consider living in Stonebriar to avoid the brutal southbound DNT traffic in the morning. The tollway is a major artery and can add 20+ minutes to your commute during peak times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Frisco, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and building a network.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with healthcare (Baylor, Medical City) or data center (the new hyperscale data centers in the area) experience can command a 10-20% premium over the median. LEED AP and CCM certifications are also directly tied to higher pay.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Assistant PM to Senior PM, then to Director of Construction (for a GC or developer) or Owner's Representative (representing a client like a hospital or corporation). Owner's reps often have more predictable hours but slightly lower base pay, with bonuses tied to project success.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The key driver will be the "Collin County Growth Corridor"—the northward expansion from Frisco into Prosper, McKinney, and Anna. Major projects include new corporate campuses, industrial logistics parks, and the continued expansion of the Dallas North Tollway. The risk is a market cooling if corporate relocations slow, but the underlying demographic growth of North Texas is a powerful buffer.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative career move is often from a large GC to an Owner's Rep role for a major tenant like a healthcare system or corporate HQ. This requires deep project knowledge and a strong network. Attend Frisco Chamber of Commerce events and join the CMAA North Texas Chapter.

The Verdict: Is Frisco Right for You?

Frisco offers a high-energy, high-growth environment for construction professionals, but it's not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary: Beating the national average with $109,281 median.	High Cost of Living: Primarily driven by housing and property taxes.
Explosive Job Market: 450 jobs and 8% growth signal stability.	Traffic & Commutes: Heavy reliance on cars; tollway congestion is real.
Diverse Project Portfolio: From mega-projects like The Star to healthcare and data centers.	Competitive Market: High demand means high expectations; you must be certified and experienced.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your take-home pay.	Urban Sprawl: Can feel impersonal; less historic charm than Dallas proper.
Quality of Life: Top-rated schools, safe, family-friendly amenities.	Summers are Brutal: 100°F+ days for months can impact outdoor project timelines.

Final Recommendation: Frisco is a top-tier choice for mid-career Construction Managers (4-15 years of experience) seeking career advancement and a dynamic work environment. It is ideal for those who value professional growth over historic charm and are prepared for a car-dependent, suburban lifestyle. If you're an entry-level manager, start here but consider a slightly lower-cost area like Plano or Richardson to build your resume. For experts, the owner's rep opportunities and specialty niches make Frisco a lucrative long-term play.

FAQs

1. What's the job market like for someone with 5 years of experience?
You fall squarely in the high-demand mid-career range. With a CCM or PMP, you should find multiple opportunities, likely in the $100,000 - $125,000 range. Focus on GCs like Hensel Phelps or developers in the industrial sector.

2. Do I need to know Spanish?
While not a formal requirement, it's a significant asset. You'll be managing teams where Spanish is the primary language on-site. Basic proficiency can set you apart.

3. How long is the hiring process?
Typically 4-8 weeks for mid-level roles. The process often includes multiple interviews (phone, video, in-person) and a project portfolio review. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've overcome.

4. Is the market recession-proof?
No market is, but Frisco's growth is driven by population influx and corporate relocations, not just construction booms. The healthcare and education sectors are relatively recession-resistant. The 8% growth projection indicates a buffer against downturns.

5. What's the best way to break into the Frisco market from out of state?

1. Get Certified (CCM/PMP).
2. Update your LinkedIn with location set to "Frisco, Texas" or "Dallas-Fort Worth Metro."
3. Target the specific employers listed above.
4. Reach out to recruiters at firms like Michael Page or Randstad Construction who specialize in the DFW market.
5. Plan a visit to interview in person; it shows commitment and allows you to gauge the commute and neighborhoods firsthand.