Construction Manager in Tyler, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Tyler, East Texas.

The Salary Picture: Where Tyler Stands

If you're weighing a move to Tyler, let's talk brass tacks first. You need to know if your career will actually pay the bills. The salary landscape for Construction Managers here is interesting—it’s a strong regional market, but not quite at the level of the major metro hubs.

Based on the most recent data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in Tyler is $105,742/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $50.84/hour. To put this in perspective, you're looking at a national average of $108,210/year. So, Tyler sits just slightly below the national curve, which makes perfect sense given the cost of living here. It's a solid, competitive wage for the area.

The job market is stable but not exploding. There are approximately 220 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. This isn't the frantic growth you might see in Austin or Dallas, but it’s steady. It suggests a reliable market where experienced professionals can find consistent work, especially in the healthcare and educational sectors that drive the local economy.

To break it down more granularly, here’s how salaries typically stack up by experience level within the Tyler market. Remember, these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	$36.06 - $43.27
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$105,742 (Median)	$50.84
Senior	10-19 years	$125,000 - $140,000	$60.10 - $67.31
Expert/Executive	20+ years	$145,000+	$69.71+

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Career to Senior is significant in Tyler. This is where you transition from managing projects to potentially overseeing entire regional portfolios or starting your own firm. The $125k+ range is often seen with PMs at larger firms like those involved in Tyler ISD bond projects or major healthcare expansions.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Tyler stack up against the giants in Texas? It’s a different world entirely.

• Dallas-Fort Worth: The median salary for a Construction Manager is closer to $120,000+, but the cost of living is drastically higher. Rent for a 1BR in DFW averages over $1,500/month, and traffic is a major daily stressor.
• Houston: Similar salary potential to Dallas, but heavily tied to the energy sector's volatility. Salaries here can dip during oil downturns. The job market is larger but more competitive.
• Austin: While tech has driven up all wages, construction in Austin is notoriously competitive and often runs on tight margins. Salaries are high ($115,000+), but so is the cost of living and burnout is common.
• Tyler: The trade-off is clear. You accept a ~5-10% lower salary than the major metros for a ~20-30% lower cost of living, less traffic, and a more manageable pace of life. In Tyler, you're not just a number; you're a known quantity in the local business community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's play with the numbers. A median salary of $105,742 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? We'll estimate taxes (federal, FICA, and Texas state tax is 0%) and factor in local rent.

Assumptions:

• Filing Status: Single, no dependents.
• Deductions: Standard deduction.
• Pre-tax contributions: 5% to 401(k).
• Health Insurance: Employer-sponsored, employee pays $300/month.
• Rent: $1,009/month (1BR average in Tyler).

Monthly Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,811.83
• Pre-Tax Deductions (401k + Health): -$740.92
• Taxable Income: $8,070.91
• Estimated Federal Tax (after standard deduction): -$1,250.00
• FICA (7.65%): -$617.42
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,103.59

Monthly Budget Allocation:

• Rent: -$1,009
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Dining: -$500
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): -$450
• Health & Insurance (co-pays, etc.): -$150
• Entertainment/Personal Care: -$300
• Savings/Investment (from take-home): -$1,000
• Remaining Buffer: ~$2,494.59

This leaves a significant buffer. That’s the Tyler advantage.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, yes. With that surplus, homeownership is very within reach. The median home price in Tyler is around $265,000 (as of 2023-2024). With a 20% down payment ($53,000), you're looking at a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,500-$1,600. That’s easily manageable on this salary, leaving you with over $2,000 in monthly surplus after all other expenses.

Where the Jobs Are: Tyler's Major Employers

Tyler’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and logistics. The construction market reflects that. Here are the key players that hire Construction Managers or directly influence the market:

1. Christus Health (Mother Frances Hospital): The largest healthcare provider in the region. They are in a constant state of expansion and renovation. Their $100+ million surgical tower and ongoing facility upgrades mean a steady pipeline of CM roles, both for direct hires and through their preferred GCs.
2. UT Health Tyler: The University of Texas system's presence in Tyler is a major employment driver. They have aggressive growth plans, including new research facilities and patient care towers. They often hire construction managers for owner-side roles to oversee their capital projects.
3. Tyler ISD: With a student population of over 25,000, the school district is perpetually building. They pass bond measures regularly (e.g., the 2022 $238 million bond). They employ project managers directly and work with a cadre of local construction firms.
4. Brookshire Grocery Company (Based in nearby Tyler): While their headquarters is in Tyler, their construction arm manages new store builds, remodels, and distribution center updates across Texas and Louisiana. This provides a different flavor of commercial/retail construction experience.
5. John Soules Foods (TSR, Inc.): A major food processing and packaging company with a significant Tyler presence. Their expansion projects are industrial in nature and require CMs with specific knowledge of food-safe construction and sanitary standards.
6. Tyler Economic Development Council (ETEDC): Not an employer, but the key agency attracting new business. They are actively courting manufacturing and logistics companies. New industrial park developments (like the South Broadway Industrial Park) are a source of future projects.
7. Major Local GCs: Firms like Hensel Phelps (national firm with a local office), Barton Malow, and local stalwarts like W.G. Yates & Sons (though their HQ is in Mississippi, they have a large Tyler footprint) are the primary hiring engines for on-the-ground project management.

Hiring Trend: There’s a clear shift toward healthcare and education. While residential and commercial retail are steady, the biggest growth and highest pay are in managing complex projects for hospitals and schools. Insurers also have stricter codes for these buildings, so CMs with healthcare experience command a premium.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-issued "Construction Manager" license. However, to be a legitimate and competitive professional, you need credentials. The most important one for a Construction Manager is the Texas Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Why a PE? For any project involving structural elements, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, or site development, having a PE on staff (or being one yourself) is a massive advantage. It allows you to stamp and seal drawings, which is critical for many commercial and institutional projects.

Process to Get a PE in Texas:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
2. Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Pass this right after graduation or soon after.
3. Work Experience: Four years of progressive, engineering-level experience under a licensed PE.
4. Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam: Take and pass this in your chosen discipline (e.g., Civil, Structural).
5. Application: Submit an application to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS).

Costs:

• FE Exam: ~$225
• PE Exam: ~$375
• Application Fee: ~$200
• Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,000 (excluding study materials and any prep courses).

Timeline: If you start from scratch (no engineering degree), this path is a 5-7 year commitment. If you have an engineering degree or experience, you can fast-track it. For non-engineers, focus on gaining project management certifications like the PMP (Project Management Professional) from PMI, which is highly valued in the construction industry.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Tyler will affect your commute, lifestyle, and social circle. Here are the top picks:

1. South Tyler (The Golden Road / Old Bullard Road area): This is the fastest-growing part of Tyler. It's close to the new medical facilities, UT Health Tyler, and has excellent schools. You'll find newer homes and apartment complexes. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown or the medical district. Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,250/month for a 1BR.
2. Central Tyler (Downtown / Azalea District): Historic charm, walkability, and proximity to the best restaurants and bars. It's where the younger professionals and empty-nesters tend to cluster. Older homes, but with character. Commute: 5-10 minutes anywhere in town. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400/month (varies greatly by property age/condition).
3. West Tyler / Lake Palestine: For those who love the outdoors. This area is more residential and suburban, offering larger lots and a quieter feel. It's a slightly longer commute to the hospitals but is close to the lake. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150/month.
4. Glenwood / The Hills: A more established, upscale neighborhood with larger homes and mature trees. It's centrally located and attracts senior professionals and executives. Commute: 10 minutes to most locations. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month.
5. UT Tyler Area (East of Highway 69): If you're working for UT Health or the university, living nearby makes for an easy bike commute. This area has a mix of student rentals and single-family homes. Commute: 5-10 minutes to campus. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Tyler is minimal compared to big cities, so you can live farther out and still have a quick commute. The real value is in choosing based on lifestyle—downtown for energy, south for new amenities, west for nature.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Tyler means building a specialized, local network. Here’s how to grow:

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction: This is the golden ticket. CMs with experience in ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) and hospital-grade MEP systems can command a 10-15% salary premium. This experience is transferable nationwide.
• School Bond Projects: Understanding the unique procurement and compliance rules for public school districts (like Tyler ISD) makes you invaluable for that sector.
• Industrial/Food Processing: As seen with John Soules Foods, this niche requires specific knowledge of sanitary design, which is less common and highly valued.

Advancement Path:

1. Project Engineer / Assistant PM (Entry): $75k-$90k
2. Project Manager (Mid): $105k median - You're here, running the show.
3. Senior Project Manager / Project Executive (Senior): $125k-$140k - You handle the largest, most complex projects and mentor PMs.
4. Director of Construction / VP (Expert): $145k+ - You're now business development, portfolio strategy, and executive leadership.
5. Business Owner: Many successful PMs in Tyler eventually start their own boutique firm, specializing in one of the niches above. This is where the highest earning potential lies, but with higher risk.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth is tied to population and healthcare expansion. Tyler is the medical hub for East Texas, serving a catchment area of over 500,000 people. As that population ages, medical facility demands will grow. The trend is toward more complex, smaller-scale projects (renovations, additions) rather than massive new builds, which favors experienced, local CMs who know the codes and contractors.

The Verdict: Is Tyler Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $105,742 median buys a great quality of life.	Limited Job Market Scale: Only 220 jobs total. The market is small and can be insular.
Stable, Growing Demand: Healthcare and education provide recession-resistant projects.	Slower Career Pace: Advancement can be slower than in a boomtown like DFW or Austin.
Manageable Commute & Low Stress: 10-15 minute trips are the norm.	Fewer "Prestigious" Projects: You won't be building a 100-story skyscraper or a world-class stadium.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: You'll know other PMs, architects, and subs.	Social Scene is Limited: It's a family-oriented town. Nightlife is quiet.
Outdoor Access: Beautiful scenery, lakes, and piney woods for weekend escapes.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional severe thunderstorm/ tornado risk.

Final Recommendation: Tyler is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values quality of life over chasing the absolute highest salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years experience) looking to settle down, buy a home, and build a deep local reputation. It's less ideal for a young, single professional seeking intense nightlife or for someone whose career goal is to manage mega-projects for national firms. If you want to be a big fish in a manageable, growing pond, Tyler is a fantastic bet.

FAQs

Q1: Is the salary of $105,742 realistic for a mid-career CM in Tyler?
Yes, that is the verified median. It's achievable with a PE license and 5-8 years of experience, especially if you have experience in healthcare or public school projects. Entry-level will be lower, but senior roles can exceed $140,000.

Q2: Do I need a PE license to work as a Construction Manager in Tyler?
Not legally, but practically, yes for the best jobs. Most employers for major projects (hospitals, schools, large commercial) will require or strongly prefer a PE. It's the key differentiator in the local market.

Q3: How is the job market for a spouse who isn't in construction?
Tyler's economy is diverse. The healthcare sector (Christus, UT Health) is huge and provides many non-clinical jobs (administration, IT, HR). Tyler ISD is another major employer. The retail and logistics sectors also offer opportunities.

Q4: What's the cost of living really like compared to a national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 92.4 (US avg = 100), it's about 7.6% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing. The $1,009 average rent is a fraction of what you'd pay in Dallas or Houston.

Q5: How important is local networking in Tyler?
It's everything. Tyler operates on relationships. Joining the East Texas Builders Association (ETBA) or the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce is not optional—it's essential. Getting to know the project managers at Christus, the facilities directors at UT Health, and the GCs at Hensel Phelps will land you more jobs than any online