Project Manager in Mansfield, TX

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of Tarrant and Johnson counties, I can tell you that Mansfield offers a distinct blend of suburban comfort and strategic opportunity for Project Managers. It’s not the frenetic energy of downtown Fort Worth, but a calculated move for those who value community, affordability, and a commute that tops out at 25 minutes. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you the data-driven reality of building a project management career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Mansfield Stands

The project management field in the Mansfield area is competitive but rewarding, with compensation that tracks closely to the national average but offers a slightly better cost-adjusted return. The median salary for a Project Manager in this metro is $102,282/year, translating to a comfortable hourly rate of $49.17/hour. This sits just above the national average of $101,280/year, a key indicator that the local market values the skill set, especially given the region's industrial and healthcare growth.

Experience is the primary driver of compensation. Here’s how salaries typically break down for Project Managers in the Mansfield-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$135,000 - $160,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the metro area. Specialized industries (e.g., aerospace, healthcare IT) can command premiums.

Compared to other major Texas cities, Mansfield holds a strong value proposition. While a Project Manager in Austin might see a higher nominal salary (often $110,000 - $125,000 for mid-career roles), the cost of living there is significantly higher. Dallas offers similar salaries but with a longer, more stressful commute for Mansfield residents. Houston’s market is larger but more volatile, tied to the energy sector. The key differentiator for Mansfield is its position within the "DFW Metroplex"—a massive, diversified job market—while maintaining a suburban, family-friendly environment and lower housing costs than the core urban centers.

Insider Tip: The 159 jobs listed for the metro area often include remote or hybrid roles based in DFW. This expands your options dramatically, allowing you to work for a Dallas-based tech firm or a Fort Worth healthcare giant from your home office in Mansfield.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A $102,282 salary sounds great, but the net take-home is what matters. After federal, state (Texas has no income tax), FICA, and local taxes, a single filer can expect to take home roughly $75,000 - $78,000 annually, or about $6,250 - $6,500 per month.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Mansfield rents for about $1,291/month. This leaves a substantial buffer.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager ($102,282 Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,350	After taxes (approx. 24-26% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,291	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Texas summers drive up electric costs.
Groceries	$400 - $500
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600 - $800	Essential due to suburban layout.
Health Insurance	$300 - $450	Employer-subsidized is common.
Retirement Savings (10% of gross)	$850	Strongly recommended.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$1,000+	Dining, entertainment, savings, travel.
Remaining Buffer	$1,609+	A healthy margin for unexpected costs or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Mansfield is approximately $375,000 - $400,000 (as of late 2023). With a 20% down payment ($75,000 - $80,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $2,100 - $2,400 range. While this is a significant increase from rent, it's manageable on a $102,282 salary, especially for dual-income households. The cost of living index of 103.3 (slightly above the U.S. average of 100) is primarily driven by housing, but remains far more attainable than in Austin (index ~150) or Dallas (index ~105). Building equity in a growing community like Mansfield is a smart long-term financial move.

Where the Jobs Are: Mansfield's Major Employers

Mansfield's employment base is a mix of healthcare, education, logistics, and the indirect but massive influence of the DFW airport and Fort Worth's industrial corridors. Don't look for a single "Mansfield HQ" for a Fortune 500; the jobs are with regional offices, healthcare systems, and public entities.

1. Texas Health Resources (THR) - Mansfield: This is a cornerstone employer. THR's Mansfield campus, including Texas Health Mansfield Hospital, is a hub for healthcare project management. They constantly manage facility expansions, IT system integrations (like Epic EMR), and community health initiatives. Hiring trends show a steady need for PMs with healthcare certification (PMP or CAPM) and familiarity with regulatory standards.
2. Mansfield Independent School District (MISD): With over 35,000 students, MISD is a massive operation. They hire Project Managers for capital improvement projects (new schools, renovations), technology rollouts (1:1 device programs), and curriculum implementation. These roles offer stability and strong benefits, though salaries may skew slightly below the $102,282 median.
3. Amazon Fulfillment Centers & Logistics Hubs: While not downtown Mansfield, the proximity to the I-20/I-35W interchange places residents within a 15-20 minute drive of several Amazon facilities, including those in Fort Worth and Rendon. Project Managers here handle process optimization, facility launches, and supply chain automation. Hiring is often cyclical but robust.
4. Lockheed Martin & Bell Helicopter (Fort Worth Plants): The aerospace giants are a 20-30 minute commute. They employ hundreds of Project Managers for defense and commercial aircraft programs. These roles often require security clearance and specific engineering PM experience. The salary premium here can push mid-career PMs well above the local median.
5. City of Mansfield: Municipal government offers stable project management roles in public works, parks and recreation, and IT. Projects range from road improvements and water treatment plant upgrades to public safety technology initiatives. The hiring process is formal, often requiring civil service testing.
6. Medical City Healthcare (Fort Worth & Arlington): Another major healthcare employer in the immediate region. Medical City facilities are constantly expanding and upgrading, creating demand for PMs in construction, IT, and clinical operations.
7. Distribution & Warehousing (Southeast Fort Worth/Rendon): The area is a logistics hotspot. Companies like P&G, McKesson, and numerous third-party logistics (3PL) firms have major distribution centers. PMs are needed for warehouse management system (WMS) implementations, automation projects, and new facility setups.

Hiring Trend Insight: The 10-year job growth for management occupations in the area is projected at 6%, which is solid and indicates a stable, expanding market. The most in-demand specializations are in construction/infrastructure (driven by population growth), healthcare IT, and manufacturing/automation.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. The field is unlicensed, but professional credentials are the de facto standard. The key is certification.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Requires a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s) with 7,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR a four-year degree with 4,500 hours and 35 hours of education.
• Cost: Exam fee is $405 for PMI members / $555 for non-members. Membership is $129/year. Study courses range from $1,000 - $2,500.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): Ideal for entry-level. Requires 23 hours of project management education. Exam cost: $225 (member) / $300 (non-member).
• Timeline to Get Started: With a bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience, you can sit for the PMP exam. From start to finish—coursework, application, study, and scheduling—plan for 4-6 months. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE test centers in the DFW area (e.g., Arlington, Fort Worth).

Insider Tip: The Dallas-Fort Worth PMI Chapter is incredibly active. Joining local chapter events (often held in Arlington or Fort Worth) is the best way to network, find mentors, and get PMP study group support. Many employers in the area value PMP certification when making hiring decisions.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Mansfield is largely suburban, with neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. Commute times are generally short, but traffic on highways like I-20, I-35W, and US-80 can add minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Typical 1BR Rent	Commute to Key Employers
East Mansfield (The Crossings)	Master-planned communities, newer builds, highly family-oriented. Close to shopping and I-20.	$1,350 - $1,500	5-10 min to THR Mansfield; 20-25 min to Fort Worth/Lockheed.
Central Mansfield (Historic Downtown)	Walkable, charming, with local cafes and parks. Older homes, established trees.	$1,200 - $1,400	10-15 min to most local employers; 25 min to Fort Worth.
North Mansfield (Kennedale/Tarrant Co.)	Mix of older and newer homes. Closer to the Fort Worth border and I-20.	$1,250 - $1,450	15-20 min to Fort Worth jobs; 20 min to DFW Airport.
South Mansfield (Johnson Co.)	More affordable, quieter, with larger lots. Growing area with new apartment complexes.	$1,150 - $1,300	15-20 min to most local employers; 30 min to Fort Worth.
West Mansfield (Near I-35W)	Accessible to I-35W for a quick commute to Fort Worth or Dallas. More commercial.	$1,250 - $1,400	20 min to Fort Worth; 25 min to DFW Airport.

Insider Tip: For renters, the area around The Crossings offers the newest amenities and the shortest commutes to major healthcare and retail employers. For buyers seeking value and space, South Mansfield is where your dollar goes further, and the community is expanding rapidly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Project Managers in this region is stable to positive, tied to the continued growth of the DFW metro (79,775 population and rising). The 6% job growth projection is a floor, not a ceiling, in my experience.

Specialty Premiums:

• Construction/Infrastructure PM: High demand due to residential and commercial development. Can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
• IT/Software PM (Agile/Scrum): Essential for the tech and healthcare sectors. Premiums of 15-20% are common.
• Healthcare PM (PMP + CAPM or CHFP): A specialized, high-demand field. Premiums are significant due to regulatory complexity.
• Aerospace/Defense PM (with Security Clearance): The highest premium. Senior roles can exceed $140,000 - $150,000.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical PM to Program Manager: Overseeing multiple related projects. Requires strong strategic thinking.
2. Project Management Office (PMO) Leadership: Moving into a governance role, developing processes and standards for an organization.
3. Portfolio Manager: Managing a company's entire project portfolio to align with business goals. Often requires an MBA or advanced experience.
4. Consulting/Independent Contractor: Leveraging local network (from DFW PMI, etc.) to work on contract for multiple employers. Can be highly lucrative for experienced PMs.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong in healthcare, logistics, and construction. The rise of remote work means you could be managing a project for a company in another state while living in Mansfield, broadening your opportunities beyond the local market.

The Verdict: Is Mansfield Right for You?

Mansfield is not for everyone, but for the right Project Manager, it's a strategic career and life choice.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Your $102,282 median salary goes further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Proximity to DFW Job Market: Access to 159+ jobs without the urban chaos.	Limited "Urban" Vibe: Fewer nightlife, high-end dining, or cultural options compared to Fort Worth or Dallas.
Family-Friendly & Safe: Excellent schools (MISD), parks, and community events.	Commute to Core DFW: While short to local jobs, getting to downtown Fort Worth or Dallas during rush hour can be 45+ minutes.
Stable Employment Base: Healthcare, education, and government provide recession-resistant jobs.	Homogeneous Culture: Less diverse than Dallas, with a predominantly suburban, family-oriented focus.
Growing Community: Population and economy are on an upward trend.	Summers are Brutal: May-September heat can be oppressive, impacting outdoor lifestyle.

Final Recommendation: Mansfield is an excellent fit for mid-career Project Managers (5-15 years experience) who value a stable, community-oriented lifestyle over a downtown urban core. It's ideal for those in healthcare, construction, or logistics seeking quality employers without a major pay cut. For the ambitious career climber in tech or finance, it's a viable base if you secure a remote role or a high-level position at a DFW firm. For the new graduate, it's a great place to start with lower living costs, but be prepared to commute for the first few years. The math on the salary and rent makes it one of the most financially sensible options in the entire metroplex.

FAQs

1. Is the commute from Mansfield to Fort Worth or Dallas manageable?
Yes, for most jobs. A commute to central Fort Worth (e.g., the Medical District or downtown) is typically 25-35 minutes via I-20 or I-35W. To Dallas, it's 45-60 minutes. If you work in South Fort Worth (near the Lockheed Martin plant), it's a breeze—15-20 minutes. The key is to live and work on the same side of the metroplex.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers here?
It's competitive but not cutthroat. With 159 active jobs in the metro, there's a steady flow. The biggest competition is for the premium roles at aerospace or tech firms. Having a PMP and local experience (even from a smaller company) will set you apart. Networking through the DFW PMI Chapter is a major advantage.

3. What's the best way to find Project Manager jobs in Mansfield specifically?
Use LinkedIn and Indeed, but filter by "Mansfield, TX" and also by "Fort Worth" and "Arlington" (within 15-20 miles). Look for employers like Texas Health, MISD, and City of Mansfield directly on their career pages. Also, set up job alerts for "project manager" in the "DFW" area at major employers like Amazon, Bell, and Lockheed.

4. Do I need to know Spanish for project management roles in Mansfield?
While not a formal requirement, Spanish proficiency is a significant asset. With a growing Hispanic population and many construction and service subcontractors, being bilingual can enhance communication on projects and make you a more valuable candidate, especially for public or community-facing projects.

5. What's the best time of year to look for Project Manager jobs here?
The hiring cycle tends to be strongest in Q1