The Complete Career Guide for Construction Managers in Irving, TX

Welcome, fellow construction professional. If you're considering Irving as your next career move, you're looking at a city that sits at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex's explosive growth. I've been analyzing this market for years, and I can tell you straight up: Irving isn't just another suburb. It's a strategic hub with its own industrial base, major corporate tenants, and a construction market that's been steadily busy for over a decade. Let's cut through the fluff and look at the real numbers, the real neighborhoods, and the real path forward for a Construction Manager.

The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

Construction Managers in Irving are in a solid position. The median salary here is $109,281/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.54/hour. This is just slightly above the national average for the role, which sits at $108,210/year. The key here is the 8% 10-year job growth projection for the metro area, which is a healthy indicator of sustained demand. There are approximately 508 jobs for Construction Managers in the Irving metro area, a figure that suggests a competitive but opportunity-rich market.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect at different stages of your career, here's a breakdown based on local and regional data:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Irving)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordination, scheduling, basic cost tracking, field supervision under a senior manager.
Mid-Career (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing full project lifecycles, client communication, subcontractor relations, budget management.
Senior-Level (9-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000	Overseeing multiple projects or large-scale developments, strategic planning, business development.
Expert/Executive (15+ yrs)	$140,000 - $175,000+	Executive leadership, corporate strategy, complex public-private partnerships, mentorship.

How does Irving stack up against other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Salaries can be higher (median ~$115,000), but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly steeper.
• Fort Worth: Comparable to Irving, often with a slightly lower median salary but a more relaxed market pace.
• Austin: Salaries are competitive, but the market is intensely focused on tech-driven construction and is subject to higher volatility.
• Houston: Salaries are similar, but the market is heavily tied to the energy sector, which can be cyclical.

Insider Tip: The $109,281 median is a strong benchmark. If you're coming from a coastal city with a higher cost of living, your salary may transfer well, but the real win is the lower tax burden in Texas (no state income tax).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get pragmatic. A median salary is a great headline, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Irving?

First, your take-home pay. With no state income tax, your primary deductions are federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. For a single filer earning $109,281 annually, your estimated monthly take-home pay after federal taxes and FICA is roughly $6,600 - $6,800, depending on your exact withholdings and deductions.

Now, let's budget for an average 1-bedroom apartment. The average 1BR rent in Irving is $1,291/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,700	Based on $109,281 annual salary.
Rent (1BR)	$1,291	City average. Can vary by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity, water, internet. Higher in summer due to A/C.
Groceries	$400 - $500	For one person.
Transportation	$400 - $600	Car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance. Public transit (DART) is an option but limited for construction sites.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/Savings	$500 - $1,000	Highly recommended.
Miscellaneous	$500 - $800	Dining out, entertainment, personal care.
Remaining	~$1,459 - $2,209	Disposable income for savings, debt, or lifestyle.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Irving is around $320,000 - $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000-$70,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,600 - $1,750 (including taxes and insurance). This is very manageable for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. The cost of living index for Irving is 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it's slightly more expensive than the national average but very reasonable for a major metro area.

Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving's job market is diverse, but construction is driven by key sectors: corporate campuses, healthcare, logistics, and public infrastructure. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. The Dallas Cowboys (The Star): The 91-acre corporate headquarters and practice facility in Frisco (just north, but a major Irving-area project) is a constant source of high-profile construction and renovation work. Contractors working on and around this complex are always busy.
2. Irving Independent School District (ISD): With over 300,000 square feet of new construction and renovation projects planned over the next decade, IISD is a reliable public-sector employer for CMs specializing in educational facilities.
3. Texas Health Resources (Irving Campus): The hospital system is continuously expanding. Projects range from new patient towers to specialized medical office buildings. This requires CMs with healthcare construction experience (infection control, specialized MEP systems).
4. Amazon & Logistics Hubs: The DFW region is a logistics epicenter. Irving, with its proximity to DFW Airport and major highways (I-635, SH-114, I-35E), is a prime location for warehouse and distribution center construction. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and regional 3PLs are frequent clients.
5. City of Irving Public Works: The city manages its own capital improvement projects, including road expansions, water treatment facilities, and park developments. This is a stable, long-term career path with excellent benefits.
6. Commercial Real Estate Developers: Firms like Hines, Preit, and local developers like The Weitzman Company are active in Irving's office and retail markets, particularly in the Las Colinas Urban Center and the Telecom Corridor.
7. AECOM & Jacobs Engineering: These global engineering firms have major offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and often seek Construction Managers for large-scale public and private infrastructure projects in the region.

Hiring Trends: The market is strongest in multi-family residential (apartments), industrial (warehouses), and healthcare. There's a noticeable slowdown in traditional office construction, but adaptive reuse and renovation projects are picking up the slack. Hiring is consistent year-round, with a slight spike in Q1 and Q2 as projects break ground.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process for Construction Managers.

State-Specific Requirements:
You must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The specific license is the Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) or Residential Building Contractor (RBC), depending on your focus. For most Construction Managers, a CBC is more versatile.

The Process:

1. Experience: You need at least 4 years of experience in the construction field, with at least 2 years in a managerial role. This can be a mix of education (a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture can substitute for up to 2 years of experience) and work experience.
2. Examination: Pass the Texas Commercial Building Contractor exam. It's a comprehensive test covering project management, estimating, scheduling, safety, and Texas-specific laws and regulations.
3. Bond & Insurance: You must secure a $10,000 surety bond (costs vary but typically $200-$500 annually) and carry general liability insurance (minimum $100,000 per occurrence, often more for commercial work).
4. Application & Fees: Submit an application to TDLR with a fee of $200 (as of 2023; always check TDLR for current rates).

Timeline & Cost:

• Timeline: From starting the application process to holding a license, expect 3-6 months. This includes time to gather experience documentation, study for the exam, and process paperwork.
• Total Estimated Cost: $500 - $1,500 (exam fee ~$150, bond ~$500, insurance ~$500+, application fee $200).

Insider Tip: The TDLR website is your best friend. Start by creating an account and reviewing the "Candidate Information Bulletin" for the exam. Many find success with prep courses from providers like PPI or NCIC.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your choice of neighborhood in Irving will heavily influence your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. Here are four top picks:

1. Las Colinas / Urban Center:

   • Vibe: Upscale, corporate, walkable. Home to many corporate HQs and the iconic Williams Tower.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to most job sites in Irving, Las Colinas, and a short drive to Dallas. DART rail connects you to the airport and downtown Dallas.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,500 - $2,000+
   • Best For: CMs who want a vibrant, modern lifestyle with minimal commute to corporate projects.

2. Valley Ranch:

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly, with great parks and schools. More suburban feel.
   • Commute: Very good. Central location with easy access to I-635 and SH-183. About 20-30 minutes to most major job sites.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600
   • Best For: CMs with families or those seeking a quieter, community-focused environment.

3. Coppell (Adjacent, but a key market):

   • Vibe: Affluent suburb with top-rated schools, lush greenbelts, and a strong community feel.
   • Commute: Good. Direct access to DFW Airport and major highways. Commute to Irving's core is 15-25 minutes.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,800
   • Best For: CMs prioritizing school quality and a polished suburban lifestyle. It's a premium market.

4. Old Irving / Downtown Irving:

   • Vibe: Historic, charming, and rapidly gentrifying. Home to the Irving Heritage District and the Texas Trust CU Theatre.
   • Commute: Good. Close to downtown Dallas via I-35E. More character than the corporate corridors.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500
   • Best For: CMs who appreciate history, local culture, and are willing to be a 10-minute drive from the core business districts.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over 10 years is a solid foundation, but your trajectory depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: CMs with experience in healthcare, mission-critical (data centers), and sustainable building (LEED) can command a 10-20% salary premium. These sectors are booming in DFW.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer -> Assistant Project Manager -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Director of Operations. Many CMs also move into ownership of small contracting firms or transition into real estate development.
• 10-Year Outlook: The DFW metro population is projected to grow by over 1 million people in the next decade. This relentless growth fuels demand for housing, infrastructure, and services. While economic downturns happen, Irving's diverse economy (not solely reliant on one industry) provides a buffer. The move towards modular construction and BIM (Building Information Modeling) will be key trends; staying ahead of this tech curve is crucial.

The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong & Stable Job Market: 508 jobs and 8% growth.	Traffic: DFW traffic is notorious. Commutes can be long if not managed well.
High Earning Potential: Median salary $109,281 is competitive with a lower cost of living.	Hot Summers: Late June through August can be brutal (100°F+). A/C is not a luxury.
Diverse Employer Base: From corporate to healthcare to logistics.	Urban Sprawl: Irving is part of a vast, car-dependent metroplex. You need a car.
Central Location: Easy access to DFW Airport, Dallas, and Fort Worth.	Public Transit Limitations: DART is helpful but doesn't reach all job sites.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage.	Competitive Housing Market: While affordable, the market is competitive, especially for desirable homes.

Final Recommendation:
Irving is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager seeking a blend of professional opportunity and reasonable cost of living. It's particularly well-suited for mid-career professionals (4-15 years experience) who want to step into larger projects without the extreme cost pressures of Austin or Dallas proper. If you can handle the summer heat and the occasional traffic jam, the financial and career upside is undeniable. It's a pragmatic, growth-oriented market for builders.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a specific construction manager license for Texas?
A: Texas does not have a standalone "Construction Manager" license. Instead, you need a Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) or Residential Building Contractor (RBC) license from the TDLR to legally manage construction projects for a fee. This is the industry standard.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a newcomer?
A: It's competitive but not insurmountable. Having Texas-specific experience is a plus, but your national experience and a solid portfolio will carry weight. Networking with local chapters of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is crucial.

Q: What's the best time of year to look for a job in construction here?
A: The busiest hiring periods are late winter (Feb-Mar) and late summer (Aug-Sept), as companies plan for spring/summer projects and the fall/winter season. However, with large industrial and healthcare projects, hiring is year-round.

Q: Is the cost of living really as good as they say?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. While housing and groceries are reasonable, car ownership is non-negotiable, and insurance costs can be high. The 103.3 cost of living index is accurate—it's slightly above the national average but far below coastal cities. The lack of state income tax is the biggest financial equalizer.

Q: What certifications beyond the state license should I get?
A: To stand out in Irving's market, consider the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA, LEED AP for sustainable projects, or PMP for large-scale project management. These can significantly boost your earning potential and make you a top candidate for high-value projects.

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This guide is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), local market analysis, and cost-of-living indices from reputable sources. Always verify the latest requirements with official state and local agencies before making a decision. Welcome to the Texas construction community.