Career Guide for Construction Managers in Killeen, TX

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the Texas construction market, I’ve watched Killeen evolve from a military town into a diverse economic hub. For Construction Managers, this city offers a unique blend of stable government contracts, steady residential growth, and a cost of living that’s hard to beat. If you’re considering a move here, this guide breaks down exactly what you can expect—financially, professionally, and day-to-day.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because your paycheck is the foundation of any career move. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for Construction Managers in the Killeen metropolitan area is $105,548 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.74. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but that gap narrows significantly when you factor in Killeen’s cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Killeen market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Killeen)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, site supervision, budget tracking with oversight
Mid-Career (4-7 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Lead on residential/commercial projects, client management
Senior (8-12 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Large-scale projects (e.g., healthcare, municipal), team leadership
Expert (13+ years)	$130,000+	Strategic oversight, multiple projects, business development

How Killeen Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Median salary ~$115,000, but median 1BR rent is ~$1,500+. The salary premium doesn't offset the 67% higher housing cost.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Median salary $112,000, with a more competitive job market (over 4,000 positions metro-wide), but a higher cost of living index (95-100).
• San Antonio: Median salary ~$108,000, very similar to Killeen, but with a larger metro population and more diverse project types.
• Lubbock: Median salary ~$98,000, lower than Killeen, with a similar cost of living but less military-driven project demand.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Killeen, a significant portion of construction is government-contracted (Fort Cavazos). These roles often come with robust benefits packages, including government-level health insurance and retirement plans, which can be worth an additional 15-20% in total compensation compared to a private-sector equivalent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $105,548 looks solid, but what does it mean for your bank account in Killeen? Let’s run the numbers for a single person with no dependents, using 2023 federal and Texas tax rates (no state income tax).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,795
• Federal Taxes & FICA: ~$1,800 (approx. 20.5% effective rate)
• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,995/month

Now, let’s factor in the local cost of living. The average 1BR rent in Killeen is $900/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 91.8 (US avg = 100). This means your dollar stretches about 8.2% further than the national average.

Sample Monthly Budget (Post-Tax):

• Housing (Rent + Utilities): $1,100 (Rent: $900, Utilities: ~$200)
• Groceries & Household: $600
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $880
• Debt/Student Loans: $400
• Entertainment & Miscellaneous: $800
• Total Expenses: $4,480
• Monthly Surplus: ~$2,515

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,500/month, a Construction Manager in Killeen is in an excellent position. The median home price in the Killeen metro is approximately $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% results in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,500. This is well within the recommended 28% of gross monthly income (~$2,460). Killeen’s housing market is stable, offering good value for buyers compared to the coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Killeen is uniquely anchored by military and institutional construction, with steady residential and commercial growth. The BLS reports 319 jobs in the Killeen metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, aligning with national trends but with less volatility than pure speculative markets.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood): The economic engine of the region. The I Corps (Headquarters, III Corps, and 1st Cavalry Division) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manage a constant pipeline of projects: barracks upgrades, training facilities, roads, and utilities. Contractors like Hensel Phelps and Bristol Bay Native Corporation hold major contracts here. Hiring is steady, but often requires a security clearance or working for a cleared prime contractor.

2. Independent School Districts (ISD): Killeen ISD and neighboring districts like Copperas Cove ISD are in a perpetual state of expansion and renovation. With the student population tied closely to military family sizes, there’s consistent work on new schools, additions, and modernization projects (HVAC, roofing, security upgrades).

3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Killeen: The largest healthcare provider in the area. They are constantly expanding and renovating facilities to serve the growing population, including behavioral health units and outpatient clinics. This requires CMs with experience in healthcare construction, which commands a salary premium of 5-10%.

4. City of Killeen Public Works & Parks: The city manages its own capital improvement projects, including water treatment plant expansions, road improvements (like the ongoing I-14 corridor work), and park developments. These are stable, publicly bid jobs with predictable timelines.

5. Local & Regional General Contractors: Firms like DPR Construction, Manhattan Construction, and locally-owned Simmons-Ortiz are active in the commercial and multi-family sectors. They often manage projects for retail centers (like the growing commercial zones along I-14) and large-scale apartment complexes catering to the military community.

6. Residential Builders: Companies like Lennar and D.R. Horton have a significant presence in the master-planned communities around Killeen (e.g., in Harker Heights and Nolanville). The demand for new family housing is closely tied to Fort Cavazos staffing levels.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but not overheated. The biggest demand is for CMs who can navigate government contracting and manage multi-phase projects. The move of the III Corps headquarters to Fort Cavazos has solidified long-term demand for infrastructure and housing work.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level license for Construction Managers, but it does regulate the trade through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for specific areas like electricians, plumbers, and more. For a Construction Manager, the key credential is the Nationally Recognized Certification.

Key Steps & Costs:

1. Certification: The most valuable credential is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). While not mandated by Texas, it is highly preferred by government and institutional clients (like Fort Cavazos and school districts).
   • Requirements: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + 4 years of relevant experience, or 8 years of experience without a degree.
   • Cost: Exam fee is $450 for CMAA members, $650 for non-members. Study materials and prep courses can add $500 - $1,500.
2. Experience: You can start working as a Project Manager or Assistant without a specific state license. Your experience on licensed trades (e.g., working for a licensed GC) counts toward your CCM eligibility.
3. Timeline: If you already have the experience, you can schedule the CCM exam within 1-2 months of applying. If you need to gain experience, plan for 1-3 years of focused work in construction management.

Insider Tip: In Texas, and especially in Killeen, relationships with local contractors and understanding the Army Corps of Engineers' procurement process are often more immediately valuable than a state license. Start networking with the Killeen Builders Association and attend industry events hosted by the Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your daily life in Killeen will be dictated by your commute to job sites, which are often clustered around Fort Cavazos, the city center, and the I-14 corridor. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
South Killeen (near Fort Cavazos)	Quiet, military-family heavy. 10-15 min commute to most bases and downtown.	$850 - $1,100	CMs working directly on base or with military contractors. Best value for proximity.
Harker Heights	Upscale, newer suburbs. 15-20 min commute. More parks, slightly higher taxes.	$950 - $1,250	Families or managers wanting more amenities (pools, parks) and newer housing stock.
Copperas Cove	Small-town feel, west of Killeen. 20-25 min commute. Lower cost of living.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious professionals; good access to western job sites (like the Cove ISD).
Nolanville	Rural, quiet, and growing. 15-20 min commute. Lower rent, more land.	$700 - $900	Those seeking a slower pace; ideal if you work on residential projects on the outskirts.
Downtown Killeen	Urban, walkable, revitalizing. 5-10 min commute to most sites. Limited rental stock.	$800 - $1,050	Young professionals who want nightlife and a shorter commute; check for new loft developments.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-14 and US 190 can be congested during military shift changes (06:30-07:30 & 16:00-17:00). If your job site is on base, living south or east avoids the worst of the inbound/outbound flow.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Killeen, career advancement for a Construction Manager is less about jumping to a new city and more about specializing and expanding your network.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Construction (Baylor Scott & White): Commands a 5-10% salary premium.
  • Government/USACE Projects: Can add $10,000 - $20,000 to your base salary due to the complexity and security requirements.
  • Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind): A growing niche in Central Texas, though smaller in Killeen than in West Texas. Expect a 10-15% premium for specialized project experience.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Vertical: Move from a CM role to a Senior Project Executive or Regional Director for a national GC like Hensel Phelps.
  2. Horizontal: Move into Public Works Management for the City of Killeen or Bell County, offering excellent job security and pension benefits.
  3. Entrepreneurial: Start your own small-scale contracting firm focusing on military spouse-owned businesses or specific trades (e.g., HVAC, solar installation for military housing). The Small Business Administration (SBA) office at Fort Cavazos is a key resource.

• 10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):
  The 8% job growth is reliable. The primary drivers will be:

  • Fort Cavazos modernization (Biden administration’s focus on military housing).
  • Aging population driving healthcare facility expansions.
  • Infill residential development in established neighborhoods.

The risk is a significant reduction in military spending, but Fort Cavazos’s strategic importance makes it less vulnerable than other bases.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $105,548 salary goes much further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily reliant on defense spending. A major military drawdown would be the biggest economic risk.
Stable Job Market: 319 jobs and 8% growth are tied to long-term institutional projects, not booms/busts.	Cultural & Social Scene: It’s a practical, military town—not a cultural hub. Nightlife and dining are improving but still limited.
Easy Commutes: 15-20 minutes is the norm, even to major job sites. No stressful big-city traffic.	Transience: The constant influx/departure of military families can make lasting friendships harder to build.
Housing Affordability: You can buy a home on a single income without strain.	Summers are Hot: Long, very hot, and humid summers (May-September) can be a shock if you’re from a milder climate.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who prioritize financial stability, affordable homeownership, and predictable career growth over a bustling urban lifestyle. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Mid-career professionals looking to buy a first home.
• Specialists in government or healthcare construction who want to deepen that niche.
• Those with a family seeking good schools and a safe, community-oriented environment.

If you’re at an entry-level stage seeking the most dynamic project diversity, you might prefer a larger metro. For everyone else, Killeen offers a compelling, financially smart foundation for a long-term career.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, everything from groceries to utilities is about 8% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing. For a Construction Manager earning the median $105,548, this translates to a high quality of life and significant savings potential.

Q: Do I need a security clearance to work in Killeen?
A: Not necessarily. Many jobs are with contractors on unclassified portions of the base or with the city/schools. However, having a secret clearance (or the ability to obtain one) is a major advantage for top-tier projects on Fort Cavazos and can directly increase your earning potential by $10,000-$15,000.

Q: How competitive is the job market with 319 jobs?
A: For a metro population of 159,635, 319 specialized positions indicate a seller’s market for qualified candidates. With the right experience (especially government or healthcare), you will likely have multiple offers. The key is networking with local firms and targeting your applications.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job before I move?
A: Use LinkedIn to connect with Project Executives at firms like Hensel Phelps, Bristol Bay, and DPR. Also, check the Fort Cavazos Public Works/DPW job board and the City of Killeen’s website. Be upfront that you’re relocating; many employers are open to hiring out-of-state for the right candidate, especially given the local talent shortage for experienced CMs.

Q: Will the housing market stay affordable?
A: Killeen’s housing market is predicted to remain stable, not explosive. The median home price of ~$220,000 is supported by solid fundamentals (military employment) rather than speculation. While prices may rise with the national trend, it’s unlikely to see the 20%+ annual increases seen in Austin. It’s considered a stable, long-term market for buyers.