Construction Manager in Odessa, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Odessa Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Odessa isn't the first city that comes to mind for a booming construction scene like Austin or Dallas, but that’s precisely where the opportunity lies. The market here is less saturated, and with the energy sector's influence, the work is steady and often pays well. Let's look at the numbers.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Odessa is $105,645/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.79/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the cost of living more than makes up for it, which we’ll dive into later. The metro area supports 243 jobs for this role, with a 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable and consistent, largely driven by commercial, industrial, and residential projects tied to the Permian Basin economy.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on your experience level. These are generalized estimates based on local market trends and BLS data, but they align with the median we've established.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	$36.06 - $40.87
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	$45.67 - $55.29
Senior (10-19 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	$55.29 - $64.90
Expert (20+ years)	$135,000+	$64.90+

When you compare Odessa to other Texas cities, the picture gets interesting. While cities like Houston or Dallas have higher nominal salaries (often $115,000 - $125,000 for mid-career), their cost of living is significantly higher. For example, a comparable role in Austin might fetch $118,000, but rent for a 1BR can easily be $1,600+. Odessa's $105,645 median feels more robust when you factor in the local economy.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A salary is just a number until you see what's left after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. Using Odessa's average 1BR rent of $1,127/month and a Cost of Living Index of 92.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), we can build a realistic monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary.

Here’s a breakdown for a single earner, filing as "Single" with no dependents, using approximate Texas state and federal tax rates (this is an estimate; consult a tax professional).

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,803.75	($105,645 / 12)
Federal Tax	~$1,650	Estimated
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)	~$673	7.65% of gross
Texas State Tax	$0	Texas has no state income tax
Net Monthly Income	~$6,480	Take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,127
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, water, gas, internet
Gasoline	$180	Odessa is car-dependent; commute matters
Groceries	$400	For one person
Insurance (Auto/Health)	$450	Highly variable
Miscellaneous	$500	Dining out, entertainment, savings
Total Expenses	$2,907
Monthly Savings	~$3,573

With a take-home pay of ~$6,480 and expenses around $2,907, you're left with a substantial $3,573 in savings and discretionary spending each month. This is a healthy margin.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Odessa hovers around $260,000 - $280,000. With your strong savings rate, a 10% down payment ($26,000 - $28,000) is achievable within a year of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at today's rates (around 6.5-7%) would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) around $1,800 - $2,000. This is well within the recommended 28% of gross income (which would be ~$2,465/month). Homeownership is very much in reach for a Construction Manager in Odessa.

Where the Jobs Are: Odessa's Major Employers

The job market here is a unique mix of energy, healthcare, education, and public works. As a Construction Manager, your opportunities will be heavily skewed towards commercial/industrial and institutional projects. Here are the key players:

1. Pecos Road & Paving: A major local civil construction firm. They handle everything from state highway projects to commercial site work. They're frequently bidding on TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) jobs in the region. Insider tip: Getting your foot in the door here often means starting with a project engineer role before moving into management.
2. Odessa Regional Medical Center (ORMC) & Medical Center Hospital (MCH): Both hospitals are in a state of perpetual expansion and renovation. ORMC, located off Hwy 191, and MCH, near the university, constantly need managers for facility upgrades, new wings, and specialized medical build-outs. These are long-term, complex projects.
3. Odessa College: The college is a significant driver of construction. They have ongoing campus improvement projects, new technical training facilities (especially for welders and process techs), and student housing updates. The project scale is large, and the requirements are strict.
4. City of Odessa: The public works department is a constant source of employment. They manage water/sewer line replacements, road extensions (like the ongoing projects around the new Loop 338 area), and public building maintenance. These jobs offer stability and benefits.
5. Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA) Members: While not a single employer, the network of oil & gas service companies (like Halliburton, Schlumberger, or local midstream companies) needs construction managers for their facilities, yards, and infrastructure. These roles often pay a premium due to the specialized nature of oil & gas construction.
6. Ector County ISD: The school district is one of the largest in the area and manages a multi-million dollar bond program for new schools and renovations. Projects like the recent additions to Odessa High School or new elementary schools in growing areas like North Odessa require experienced management.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive but not flooded. Employers are looking for candidates with OSHA 30 certification, experience with Procore or similar project management software, and, crucially, Texas-specific knowledge (local soil conditions, permitting with the City of Odessa or Ector County). The energy sector's volatility means industrial projects can ebb and flow, but healthcare and education provide a stable backbone.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level "Construction Manager" license. However, to be a legitimate manager on significant projects, you will need a license, typically as a Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or a Licensed General Contractor.

• For the P.E. Path: This is the most common route for managers overseeing engineering-heavy projects.

  • Requirements: You need an ABET-accredited engineering degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain 4 years of progressive experience under a P.E., and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Timeline: From graduation to licensure, it typically takes 5-7 years.
  • Costs: Exam fees ($250 for FE, ~$375 for PE), application fees ($200), and continuing education. Total can be $1,000 - $2,000 over the process.
  • Local Insight: The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) is the governing body. Odessa's projects often fall under their jurisdiction for structural or civil work.

• For the Licensed General Contractor Path:

  • Requirements: You must apply to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for a specific license type (e.g., Commercial General Contractor). This requires proof of experience, financial responsibility, and passing an exam.
  • Timeline: The process can take 3-6 months once your application is submitted.
  • Costs: License fees range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the classification, plus exam costs.

Insider Tip: For most mid-to-large commercial projects in Odessa, having your P.E. is a significant advantage, especially if you're managing design-build contracts. For residential and smaller commercial projects, a General Contractor license is more common.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Odessa is spread out, and your choice of neighborhood will heavily influence your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s take:

1. North Odessa (near Loop 338):

   • Commute: Excellent to most industrial sites (Permian Basin Petroleum Museum area, ORMC) and new commercial developments. 10-15 minutes to most jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, more suburban feel with newer housing developments. Close to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Managers working on new build projects or at ORMC.

2. Central Odessa (Downtown/Notrees area):

   • Commute: Central to everything, but traffic can be snarled on 8th Street and J Avenue during rush hour. 15-20 minutes to most locations.
   • Lifestyle: More walkable, with older character. You're close to local restaurants, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, and public works offices. The "Notrees" area is historically industrial but has a unique, gritty charm.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: City of Odessa employees or those who value a central location.

3. East Odessa (near MCH and the airport):

   • Commute: Great for jobs at Medical Center Hospital, the airport, or east-side industrial parks. 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. It's a bit quieter than central but still has good access to amenities.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,250 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Healthcare construction managers or those who want a balance of quiet and convenience.

4. South Odessa (near Odessa College and 42nd Street):

   • Commute: Easy access to the college, MCH, and south-side retail. 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly with good schools. A bit more spread out. The area around 42nd and John Ben Sheppard Parkway has lots of shopping and dining.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Project managers working on education or healthcare projects.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the "Ector County Coliseum" for residential living if you dislike event traffic. Also, be aware that some older neighborhoods have older infrastructure (plumbing, electrical), which can be a headache for a construction pro.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Odessa, career growth for a Construction Manager is tied to specialization and networking. The 10-year job growth of 8% is steady, but to advance beyond the median salary, you need to differentiate yourself.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Oil & Gas Facility Construction: This is the highest-paying niche. Knowledge of ASME, API, and NFPA codes can command a 15-20% premium over the median. Project sites are often in the Permian Basin field, requiring travel.
  • Healthcare Construction: Requires understanding of HIPAA compliance, infection control risk assessment (ICRA), and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems for medical facilities. This niche is high-value and recession-resistant.
  • Civil/Infrastructure: Working for TxDOT or large civil contractors (like Pecos Road & Paving) offers a clear path to Project Executive or Regional Manager roles. The licensing (P.E.) is almost mandatory here for top positions.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Engineer -> Assistant Superintendent -> Construction Manager: The traditional path.
  2. Construction Manager -> Senior PM/Project Executive: Requires handling larger budgets ($10M+) and more complex stakeholder management.
  3. Moving to the Owner's Side: Many MCH or ORMC facilities managers are former construction managers. This path offers better hours but slightly lower pay, offset by unparalleled job security.

• 10-Year Outlook: The Permian Basin's economy will remain tied to energy, but diversification (healthcare, education, logistics) is growing. The rise of renewable energy projects (solar/wind in the broader West Texas region) will also create new opportunities for managers with civil/structural experience. The key will be adaptability and continuous learning.

The Verdict: Is Odessa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far. Homeownership is very feasible.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: 243 jobs and 8% growth indicate steady demand, especially in healthcare & education.	Limited Cultural Scene: No major pro sports teams, limited high-end dining, and a small-town feel for a metro of 121k.
High Take-Home Pay: No state income tax and reasonable rent lead to strong monthly savings.	Summer Heat: Brutal, dry heat from June to September. 100°F+ days are common.
Strong Network Potential: The local construction community is tight-knit. Networking at Odessa Chamber events is effective.	Economic Volatility: Tied to oil prices. A downturn can slow industrial projects, though healthcare/education remain stable.
Gateway to the Permian Basin: Experience here is highly valued by national firms operating in the energy sector.	Limited Higher-End Retail: You'll be driving to Midland (45 mins) for many shopping needs.

Final Recommendation: Odessa is an excellent choice for a mid-career Construction Manager (5-15 years experience) looking to build significant equity and savings. It's ideal for those who prioritize financial stability over a bustling urban lifestyle. It's less suitable for early-career professionals seeking a mentor-rich, fast-paced corporate environment or for those who require a vibrant arts, culture, and dining scene. If you're self-motivated, enjoy a close-knit community, and want your paycheck to have real impact, Odessa is a hidden gem in the Texas construction landscape.

FAQs

Q: Is the construction market truly stable, given Odessa's ties to oil and gas?
A: While the industrial sector is tied to oil prices, the broader construction market is insulated. Major employers like the hospitals, Odessa College, and the school district provide a consistent project pipeline. It’s wise to build experience in these "recession-resistant" sectors alongside industrial work.

Q: What’s the best way to network for construction jobs in Odessa?
A: The Odessa Chamber of Commerce hosts regular mixers. Also, join the local chapters of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) or the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). Word-of-mouth is powerful here; tell everyone you're a Construction Manager looking for opportunities.

Q: How important is a P.E. license in Odessa?
A: For civil, structural, or major institutional projects (hospitals, schools), it's often a requirement for the Manager of Record. For commercial tenant fit-outs or residential, it's less critical but still a major career advantage. If you're on the P.E. path, make it a priority.

Q: What should I budget for a vehicle?
A: Essential. Public transport (Odessa Transit) is limited. Budget for a reliable used truck or SUV—$20,000 - $30,000 is a good starting point. Factor in $180/month for gas and $150/month for insurance (Texas has higher rates due to hail and weather).

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime or bonuses?
A: Yes, especially in the energy sector and on