Construction Manager Career
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from providing cost estimates and hiring subcontractors to ensuring that all aspects of building code are complied with during the process of construction. They may directly oversee a construction crew, or they may hire other construction managers who will oversee lower-level staff.
It’s also important for construction managers to have good communication skills, because an important part of their job is making sure that everyone involved in the project’s construction is kept abreast of progress. This may involve meeting with private clients or with city inspectors, and will almost certainly require discussions with architects and engineers.
Construction Manager Career Snapshot
While most construction managers are based out of an office, they spend the majority of their time either on their construction site or meeting with others involved in their projects. As a construction manager, you can expect to work irregular hours and overtime, especially as project deadlines approach. Some construction managers are expected to be available at all times in case an emergency arises.
Further details on a career as a construction manager are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly pay for construction managers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 12% have some college with no degree.
Construction Manager Education
The majority of construction managers have bachelor’s degrees in fields like constructing science or building science, but it is possible to be hired without a degree; 12 percent of construction managers have not completed college. Two major certifications are available to help advance a construction manager career: you can choose to become a Certified Construction Manager or a Certified Professional Constructor, depending on which certification organization you prefer.
Construction Manager Salaries
The median salary for a construction manager was $87,400 in May of 2015 according BLS.gov statistics. The top 10 percent of earners made $155,200 or more, while the bottom 10 percent made $52,350 or less.
Construction Manager Job Duties
The majority of a construction manager’s time is spent directly overseeing construction projects in an on-site capacity. However, they also spend a significant amount of time meeting with engineers, architects, and trade specialists and discussing potential problems. They’re also responsible for hiring, managing, and disciplining a staff of construction workers.
Construction Manager Job Outlook
In 2014, there were 373,200 construction managers in the United States; that number is expected to grow 5 percent by 2024. This is in line with average job growth.
Construction Manager Skills & Traits
| Construction Manager Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Construction Managers: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Active listening • Critical thinking • Speaking • Complex problem solving • Coordination | • Problem sensitivity • Deductive reasoning • Ordering information • Oral comprehension | • Level sensors • Levels • Notebook/personal computers • Scanners | • Communicating with supervisors and peers • Decision making • Problem solving • Resolving conflicts |
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