Project Manager in Arlington, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Arlington, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Arlington’s job market for Project Managers is robust, fueled by a diverse economy that spans defense, healthcare, logistics, and professional services. The data confirms this: while the median salary for a Project Manager in Arlington is $102,282/year (or $49.17/hour), it sits just above the national average of $101,280/year. This might seem like a small gap, but it’s significant when you factor in Texas’s no-state-income-tax advantage.

The local market is active, with 796 Project Manager jobs currently listed in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, which is solid and indicates steady demand, especially in specialized sectors like aerospace and healthcare IT.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings and industry reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Arlington, TX)	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $85,000/year	Construction, Local Government, Retail Ops
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000/year	Healthcare, Logistics, Professional Services
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$120,000 - $150,000/year	Aerospace/Defense, Utilities, Finance
Expert/Program Mgr	$150,000 - $185,000+ /year	Major Defense Contractors, Corporate HQs

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Salaries are about 5-8% higher, but the cost of living (especially rent) is significantly steeper.
• Fort Worth: Very comparable to Arlington, with a slightly stronger emphasis on healthcare and energy projects.
• Austin: Salaries can be 10-15% higher for tech-focused PMs, but the cost of living is one of the highest in the state.
• Houston: Similar salary ranges, but more concentrated in the oil & gas and healthcare sectors.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Arlington’s defense and aerospace sectors, total compensation often includes robust bonuses (10-20%) and 401(k) matches that aren’t always reflected in the initial offer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $102,282/year, your take-home pay in Texas (after federal taxes, FICA, and no state income tax) is roughly $78,000 - $80,000 annually, or about $6,500/month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Arlington is $1,384/month. This leaves you with a comfortable margin of over $5,000/month for other expenses, savings, and discretionary spending. The Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning Arlington is only 3.3% more expensive than the national average—very manageable.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Arlington is around $320,000 - $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000 - $70,000) on a $102,282 salary, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800 - $2,100/month. This is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income for housing. Many PMs in the area buy homes within 3-5 years of moving here.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated for a $102,282 Salary):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,500	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,384	Can range from $1,200 to $1,600 depending on area
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$150 - $200	Higher in summer due to AC
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$250 - $350	Car is essential; insurance is reasonable
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies by employer plan
Savings/Retirement (15%)	$1,275	401(k) contribution
Discretionary Spending	$1,500 - $2,000	Dining, entertainment, hobbies, travel

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s economy is a unique blend of legacy industries and modern services. Here are the key players hiring Project Managers, with specific local context:

1. Lockheed Martin (Fort Worth Plant): While technically in Fort Worth, it’s the largest employer in the region and a massive draw for Arlington residents. They hire PMs for F-35 Lightning II programs and other defense projects. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a strong focus on security-cleared candidates (Secret or Top Secret). Salaries here often exceed the median by 15-25%.

2. Texas Health Resources (Arlington Memorial Hospital): A major healthcare network. PMs are needed for IT system implementations (like Epic or Cerner), facility expansions, and process improvement projects. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially for PMs with healthcare industry certifications (like PMP or Lean Six Sigma).

3. Arlington Independent School District (AISD): One of the largest school districts in Texas. They employ PMs for capital construction projects (new schools, renovations), technology rollouts, and special programs. Hiring Trend: Stable, with periodic spikes during bond-funded construction cycles.

4. American Airlines (Headquarters in Fort Worth, major presence at DFW): While HQ is next door, thousands of Arlington residents work here. PMs are needed for IT, operations, fleet management, and customer experience projects. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to airline industry health, but DFW’s status as a hub ensures constant activity.

5. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA): A growing research university. Hires PMs for research grants (STEM fields), IT infrastructure, and campus development projects. Hiring Trend: Increasing, with a focus on PMs who can manage academic timelines and cross-functional teams.

6. City of Arlington (Government): The city itself is a major employer. Projects range from public works (road expansion, water systems) to economic development (downtown revitalization, entertainment district projects like the Texas Live! complex). Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for local candidates familiar with city permitting processes.

7. Gexa Energy (Fort Worth-based, serves Arlington): An energy retailer. PMs work on IT system integrations, marketing campaigns, and commercial account projects. Hiring Trend: Moderate, focused on digital transformation projects.

Insider Tip: The DFW Airport is a massive economic engine just 10 minutes from Arlington. It employs PMs for construction, logistics, IT, and airline partner projects. Don’t overlook it in your job search.

Getting Licensed in TX

In Texas, there is no state-specific license required to work as a Project Manager. However, professional credentials are highly valued and often a prerequisite for senior roles.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Cost: Approximately $555 for members, $405 for non-members (exam fee). Requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. Timeline: 3-6 months of study and application.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level credential from PMI. Cost: $225 for members, $300 for non-members. No experience required. Timeline: 1-3 months.
• State-Specific Note: For PMs in construction or engineering, a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Registered Professional Contractor license may be required for certain public works projects. These are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Costs vary but can run $500-$1,000+ for exams and fees.

Getting Started: If you’re moving from another state, your PMI certification transfers seamlessly. Start by contacting the PMI Dallas Fort Worth Chapter for local networking and study groups.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Your commute and lifestyle in Arlington depend heavily on where you live. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
North Arlington	Quiet, older homes, close to DFW Airport & Lockheed Martin. Commute to downtown Arlington is easy via I-30.	$1,250 - $1,450	PMs working in aerospace, logistics, or who value a suburban feel.
South Arlington	Family-oriented, near the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Rangers ballpark). Good schools, more affordable.	$1,200 - $1,400	PMs with families or those who enjoy event venues nearby.
Downtown Arlington	Urban, walkable, with a growing arts and food scene. Home to UTA and the Levitt Pavilion.	$1,350 - $1,650	Younger PMs or those who want a shorter commute to UTA or city hall jobs.
Viridian (East Arlington)	Master-planned community with lakes, trails, and new construction. A bit farther from major highways.	$1,400 - $1,700	PMs seeking a newer, amenity-rich environment and don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute.
Arlington Highlands	Retail and entertainment hub (The Highlands). Lots of apartment complexes, very walkable to dining/shops.	$1,300 - $1,550	PMs who want a vibrant, social environment with easy access to I-20.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-30 and I-20 during rush hour can add 20-30 minutes to your commute. If you work at Lockheed Martin (west side), North Arlington is ideal. If your job is in downtown Arlington or near UTA, living south or downtown cuts your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Arlington offers solid advancement paths, particularly in specialized fields.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with secret security clearance can command $15,000 - $25,000 above the median salary, primarily through defense contractors. IT/Software PMs (Agile, Scrum) are in high demand and can earn 10-20% more than the general median.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM/Program Manager. In Arlington’s corporate landscape, moving into Program Management (overseeing multiple related projects) is the next logical step, often with a salary jump to $140,000+. Another path is into Project Management Office (PMO) leadership, focusing on standardizing processes across an organization.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is promising. The biggest opportunities will be in healthcare IT (driven by Arlington Memorial and other regional hospitals), aerospace modernization (Lockheed Martin’s ongoing F-35 work), and logistics/supply chain (thanks to DFW Airport and Amazon’s massive fulfillment centers in the region). PMs who invest in continuous learning (e.g., cloud certifications, data analytics) will be most resilient.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse job market with 796 openings and growth in key sectors.	Car-dependent city with limited public transit; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Affordable cost of living relative to salary; home ownership is attainable.	Summers are brutally hot (often 100°F+), impacting utility bills and outdoor activities.
Central location between Dallas and Fort Worth, with DFW Airport as a global gateway.	Public school ratings are variable; research districts carefully if you have kids.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay significantly.	Limited walkability in most neighborhoods; the urban core is still developing.
Pro sports and entertainment (Cowboys, Rangers, Texas Live!) add to quality of life.	Traffic congestion around major highways (I-30, I-20) during peak hours.

Final Recommendation:
Arlington is an excellent choice for Project Managers, especially those in defense, healthcare, or logistics. The median salary of $102,282 goes far here, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to build wealth through homeownership. It’s ideal for mid-career PMs seeking stability and growth without the extreme costs of Austin or Dallas. For entry-level PMs, it’s a great market to get experience, though starting salaries may require careful budgeting. If you value a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort, and you’re not deterred by Texas heat and traffic, Arlington is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Project Managers competitive in Arlington?
It’s competitive but not saturated. With 796 jobs in the metro, there’s steady demand. The key differentiator is specialization. A PM with PMP certification and experience in a high-demand sector (aerospace, IT) will have multiple offers, while a generalist may face more competition.

2. How important is a PMP certification in Arlington?
Very important. While not legally required, most major employers (Lockheed Martin, Texas Health, American Airlines) list PMP as a "preferred" or "required" qualification for mid-to-senior roles. It’s a clear benchmark for your skills and can directly impact your salary offer.

3. What’s the commute like from Arlington to Dallas or Fort Worth?
From central Arlington, the commute to downtown Dallas is about 25-40 minutes (via I-30), and to downtown Fort Worth is 20-35 minutes (via I-30 or I-820). Living on the east side of Arlington (near I-20) can shorten the Dallas commute, while the west side (near I-30) is better for Fort Worth. Always use traffic apps (Waze, Google Maps) for real-time updates.

4. Are there networking opportunities for Project Managers locally?
Yes. The PMI Dallas Fort Worth Chapter hosts regular meetings, workshops, and networking events, many of which are accessible to Arlington residents. LinkedIn groups like "DFW Project Management Community" are also active. Attending these can lead to job referrals and mentorship.

5. What’s the hiring process like for government vs. private sector jobs?
Government jobs (City of Arlington, AISD) often have longer, more formal hiring processes (4-8 weeks) with structured interviews and background checks. Private sector roles, especially in tech or consulting, can move faster (2-4 weeks) but may have more technical assessments. Defense contractors will have rigorous security clearance processes that can take 6-18 months.

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Sources: Salary data is based on the provided figures and cross-referenced with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and local job market aggregators (Indeed, Glassdoor). Cost of living and rent data are from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and local real estate market reports. Licensing information is from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.