Construction managers
SOC Code: 11-9021Also known as:
Bridges and Buildings Supervisor, Commercial Construction Project Manager, Commercial Construction Superintendent, Commercial Superintendent, Concrete Foreman
Median Annual Salary
$106,980
+8.7% growth (2024-2034)
47K
Openings/Year
550K
Current Jobs
What Construction managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
💰 Salary
$106,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.7%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
47K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
550,300
Projected Employment (2034)
598,400
Related Careers
Civil engineers
$99,590 •
+5.0% growth
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
$64,200 •
+2.1% growth
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
$78,690 •
+5.3% growth
Construction and building inspectors
$72,120 •
-0.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Judgment and Decision Making
Management of Personnel Resources
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
- Develop or implement quality control programs.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
- Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
- Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.
- Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
- Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
- Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
- Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Construction managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a construction managers:
Business Administration and Management, General
336,590 degrees awarded •
2,332 colleges offer this program
Business/Commerce, General
57,976 degrees awarded •
815 colleges offer this program
Operations Management and Supervision
12,273 degrees awarded •
150 colleges offer this program
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
5,089 degrees awarded •
143 colleges offer this program
Construction Management, General
4,235 degrees awarded •
137 colleges offer this program
Public Works Management
24 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Construction Project Management
12 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Construction managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become construction managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make?
The median annual salary for construction managers is $106,980.
What education do construction managers need?
Most construction managers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Business/Commerce, General, Operations Management and Supervision.
Is becoming construction managers a good career choice?
Construction managers is projected to see +8.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 46,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for construction managers?
Top colleges for aspiring construction managers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Boston University, University of Florida, San Diego State University, California State University-Long Beach.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to construction managers?
Construction managers may also be known as: Bridges and Buildings Supervisor, Commercial Construction Project Manager, Commercial Construction Superintendent, Commercial Superintendent, Concrete Foreman, Construction Area Manager, Construction Coordinator, Construction Director, Construction Foreman, Construction Management Supervisor, Construction Manager, Construction Project Manager, Construction Services Manager, Construction Superintendent, Electrical Superintendent, Energy Efficient Site Manager, Environmental Construction Program Manager, General Superintendent, Job Superintendent, Maintenance of Way Superintendent (MOW Superintendent).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.