Project Manager Career Guide: Round Rock, TX

As a local career analyst who’s watched the Austin metro’s tech boom ripple up I-35 for years, I can tell you Round Rock isn’t just Dell’s backyard anymore. It’s become a legitimate, standalone career hub for project managers who want big-city opportunities without Austin’s price tag or traffic. This guide cuts through the noise with the hard data you need to decide if this central Texas suburb is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

The project management field in Round Rock is well-compensated, thanks to the concentration of tech, manufacturing, and healthcare giants. Here’s how the numbers break down.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Round Rock is $100,550/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.34/hour. This positions the city slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, a marginal difference that’s more than offset by the area’s below-average cost of living.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown (Round Rock)

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $88,000	Often at smaller firms or in tech support roles at larger companies. Strong demand for PMP-certified juniors.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	This is the sweet spot. Local companies aggressively recruit here, especially for IT and construction PMs.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$120,000 - $140,000	Leads complex projects at Dell, Emerson, or healthcare systems. Often requires PMP and a specialty.
Expert/Lead (13+ yrs)	$145,000+	Director-level roles, program management offices (PMOs), or consulting. High demand in Austin metro, but roles are based in Round Rock.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities
While Round Rock’s median ($100,550) trails Austin’s ($106,500), it significantly outpaces San Antonio ($96,200) and Houston ($99,800). When you factor in the cost of living, Round Rock often comes out ahead. A $100,550 salary in Austin would need to be $115,000+ to maintain the same standard of living as in Round Rock.

The job market is tight but growing. There are approximately 263 open Project Manager positions in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-Year Job Growth projection of 6%.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Based on a median salary of $100,550/year, here’s a monthly breakdown for a single project manager living in Round Rock.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,379	$100,550 / 12
Federal Tax (est.)	-$1,600	Varies by deductions. Assumes married filing jointly.
FICA (7.65%)	-$641	Social Security & Medicare.
State Tax (4.5% TX)	-$377	Texas has no income tax. This is for city/county.
Net Take-Home	~$5,800	This is your working number.
Health Insurance	-$450	Employer-sponsored plan (pre-tax).
401(k) (5% match)	-$419	$100,550 * 5% / 12. Essential for long-term growth.
Rent (1BR)	-$1,635	City average. Can be lower.
Utilities & Internet	-$250	Electricity, water, high-speed internet (AT&T Fiber available).
Car Payment/Gas	-$550	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Misc.	-$600	Living comfortably.
Remaining	~$1,400	For savings, entertainment, travel.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Round Rock is ~$375,000. With a $100,550 salary, you would need a strong down payment (ideally 20%) and excellent credit. Using the 28/36 rule, your total monthly housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance) should not exceed $2,330. This is achievable, but it would consume a larger portion of your budget than renting. Many local PMs start with a townhome or condo in the $250,000-$300,000 range, which is more manageable.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock’s economy is a powerful mix of tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Project Managers are critical in all these sectors.

1. Dell Technologies (Headquarters): The city’s cornerstone. They hire hundreds of project managers for global supply chain, IT infrastructure, and product development. Hiring is steady; they value PMP and Agile/SCRUM certifications. They also host a massive intern and new-grad pipeline.
2. Emerson (formerly Emerson Climate Technologies): A global manufacturing and engineering leader in Round Rock. They have constant openings for PMs in product development, plant operations, and supply chain. This is a prime spot for engineers who’ve moved into project management.
3. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): With over 50 campuses and a $500M+ budget, RRISD is a major employer. They hire IT project managers (for tech initiatives), construction PMs (for new schools), and program managers for special education and curriculum projects. The hiring process is bureaucratic but stable.
4. Ascension Seton Williamson: The primary hospital in the city. They employ project managers for IT system implementations (EHR, Epic), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives in clinical operations. The healthcare sector is recession-proof.
5. Texas State University (Round Rock Campus): The growing campus is in a constant state of expansion. They need PMs for capital projects (buildings), IT upgrades, and academic program rollouts. The environment is more academic but offers excellent benefits.
6. Local & State Government: The City of Round Rock and Williamson County have dedicated project management offices for infrastructure, public safety, and community development projects. These are stable, pension-based roles with strong work-life balance.
7. Tech & Consulting Firms (Austin Metro Spillover): While many are headquartered in Austin, firms like Accenture, IBM, and numerous startups have satellite offices or remote PMs living in Round Rock. The commute to Austin (25-45 minutes) is a trade-off for a lower cost of living.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for PMs with Agile/SCRUM, ITIL, and PMP certifications. Experience in cloud migration (AWS, Azure) and cybersecurity is a major differentiator, especially at Dell and Emerson. The construction and healthcare PM roles often require specific industry knowledge.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-specific license for project managers, unlike some states for professions like engineering or architecture. However, professional certification is the de facto standard and is often required by employers.

1. PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. Requirements include 36 months of leading projects, 35 hours of education, and passing a rigorous exam. The exam cost is ~$555 for members and ~$595 for non-members. Study time is typically 2-3 months. While not state-mandated, most mid-to-senior level job postings in Round Rock list "PMP certification preferred or required."
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): PMI’s entry-level cert. Excellent for those with less experience. Exam cost is ~$225 (member) / ~$300 (non-member). Requires 23 hours of project management education.
3. Agile Certifications (CSM, PMI-ACP): Critical for tech roles. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance costs ~$995 for the course and exam. PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) costs ~$495 (member).
4. Texas-Specific Notes: For public sector roles (city, county, school district), you may need to navigate the state’s procurement and compliance rules, but no separate license is needed. The Texas Comptroller’s office website has resources for public project management.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from scratch, plan for a 6-12 month timeline to get certified (e.g., CAPM first, then PMP) while applying for jobs. Your first-round interviews can often be secured with relevant experience alone, but certification will unlock higher salary brackets.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Round Rock is geographically compact. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide.

1. Downtown Round Rock (The "Old Town"):

   • Vibe: Historic charm, walkable to restaurants (like Salt Lick BBQ), and the Round Rock Express stadium. Young professionals and empty-nesters.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-35, Dell, and downtown Austin. Bikeable to many offices.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,500 - $1,800 | 2BR: $1,800 - $2,300.
   • Insider Tip: The streets are narrow and parking can be tough during Round Rock Express games. Great if you work at Dell or downtown.

2. Teravista / Round Rock West:

   • Vibe: Master-planned, family-friendly, with golf courses, pools, and parks. More suburban feel.
   • Commute: 10-15 mins to Dell, Emerson, or RRISD offices. Easy access to SH-45 for a quicker shot to Austin.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,450 - $1,700 | 2BR: $1,750 - $2,100.
   • Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the southern part of Teravista for a shorter commute to the city center. The neighborhood is very quiet.

3. The Oaks / Forest Creek:

   • Vibe: Established, wooded neighborhoods with larger, older homes. Mature trees and a quiet atmosphere.
   • Commute: Central, 5-10 mins to most major employers. Very easy access to I-35 North and South.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Casa: $1,300 - $1,600 | 2BR: $1,600 - $1,900.
   • Insider Tip: These areas have an older housing stock (1980s-90s), so check for updated appliances and HVAC. Great value for space.

4. Sunset Valley / La Frontera (West of I-35):

   • Vibe: Commercial hub with big-box stores and modern apartment complexes. Very convenient for shopping.
   • Commute: Direct access to I-35. Can be loud due to highway and retail traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,400 - $1,650 | 2BR: $1,700 - $2,000.
   • Insider Tip: Choose a complex set back from the highway. The convenience is unmatched for a single professional who loves being near action.

5. Brushy Creek / Avery Ranch (North of Round Rock):

   • Vibe: More upscale, newer construction, with top-rated schools. Family-oriented.
   • Commute: 15-20 mins to Round Rock’s core, but easy access to major tech employers in North Austin (e.g., Apple, Samsung) via SH-45/Toll 130.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,600 - $1,900 | 2BR: $1,900 - $2,400.
   • Insider Tip: If you’re targeting jobs in North Austin but want a nicer home for your money, this is the spot. The trade-off is a longer commute to Round Rock-based employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Round Rock is a launchpad, not a dead end. The proximity to Austin is the ultimate career accelerator.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding a specialty can boost your salary by 10-25%.
  • IT/Software (Agile/Cloud): Highest premium. Senior IT PMs can command $130,000 - $150,000.
  • Construction/Engineering: Strong demand. Certified PMs (CPC) see salaries from $115,000 - $135,000.
  • Healthcare: Steady growth. EPIC-certified PMs are in high demand, with salaries at $110,000 - $125,000.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Technical Path: Project Manager → Program Manager → Portfolio Manager → Director of PMO. This path stays within the company.
  • Consulting Path: Gain 5 years of experience, get your PMP, and join a firm (Deloitte, Slalom, local boutiques). This offers higher pay and variety but less stability.
  • Executive Path: Transition to operations or general management. An MBA from a Texas program (UH, Texas A&M) can facilitate this move.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The Austin metro will continue to be a tech and business services magnet. Round Rock’s role as a cost-effective satellite office will strengthen. Project Managers who stay current on AI-driven project tools and sustainability (ESG) initiatives will be best positioned for the future.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros and Cons for PMs

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse job market with Dell, Emerson, healthcare, and education anchors.	Limited public transit. A car is absolutely essential.
Significantly lower cost of living than Austin, especially for housing.	"Austin" commute can be a psychological or real barrier for some employers.
High quality of life: Safe, excellent public schools (RRISD), family-friendly amenities.	Nightlife and cultural amenities are limited compared to Austin. You’ll go there for concerts and major events.
Central location within the I-35 corridor. Easy access to San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.	Rapid growth is causing some traffic congestion and putting a strain on infrastructure.
No state income tax.	Lack of walkability in most neighborhoods.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is an excellent choice for project managers who are in the mid-career to senior stage, value a lower cost of living, and are family-oriented (or plan to be). It’s ideal for those working in tech, manufacturing, or healthcare who want stability with a side of Austin’s energy. It’s less ideal for the single urbanite who craves a walkable, dense city core or for those unwilling to rely on a car. For the pragmatic PM who wants to maximize their earning potential relative to expenses, Round Rock is one of the best markets in the country.

FAQs

1. I only have 2 years of experience. Can I get a job in Round Rock?
Yes, but it’s competitive. Target smaller local companies, RRISD, or entry-level roles at Dell (look for “Project Coordinator” or “Associate PM”). Earning your CAPM certification will make you stand out immediately.

2. How bad is the I-35 commute to Austin?
It’s variable. For a 9 AM meeting, plan for 45-60 minutes from central Round Rock. If your Austin job allows flexible hours (e.g., 7 AM-3 PM), the commute is much better. Many Round Rock residents work remotely for Austin employers 2-3 days a week.

3. What’s the best local professional network for PMs?
The PMI Austin Chapter is the main hub. They hold monthly events, many in North Austin, which is a short drive from Round Rock. Also, join LinkedIn groups like “Austin Tech PMs” and “Central Texas Project Management.” Networking in person at the Dell or Emerson campuses is also highly effective.

4. Are there remote PM jobs for Round Rock residents?
Absolutely. The pandemic solidified remote work. Many local PMs work for companies headquartered in Austin, Dallas, or even out-of-state, while living in Round Rock for the affordability and schools. Check LinkedIn with “Remote” filters and “Round Rock” in your profile.

5. What’s the one thing I wish I knew before moving?
The property tax rate. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are high. On a