Life As a Construction Manager
Position Description 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.
What Do Construction Managers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Develop construction budgets to compare green and non-green construction alternatives, in terms of short-term costs, long-term costs, or environmental impacts.
- Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.
- Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
- Develop or implement quality control programs.
- Develop or implement environmental protection programs.
- Apply for and obtain all necessary permits or licenses.
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Construction Manager Needed Skills
Construction Managers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Construction Manager Jobs
- Home Improvement Contractor
- Street Contractor
- House Wrecker
- Construction Manager
- Concrete Foreman
What Kind of Construction Manager Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 403,800 jobs in the United States for Construction Manager. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 44,800 new jobs for Construction Manager by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 33,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Construction Manager are Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Construction Manager
Construction Managers make between $55,240 and $161,510 a year.

Construction Managers who work in New Jersey, Delaware, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Construction Managers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $96,500 |
Alaska | $115,580 |
Arizona | $92,520 |
Arkansas | $78,250 |
California | $117,770 |
Colorado | $97,170 |
Connecticut | $112,570 |
Delaware | $124,000 |
District of Columbia | $103,310 |
Florida | $94,150 |
Georgia | $105,330 |
Hawaii | $109,850 |
Idaho | $78,880 |
Illinois | $95,020 |
Indiana | $86,210 |
Iowa | $84,710 |
Kansas | $87,270 |
Kentucky | $89,990 |
Louisiana | $99,610 |
Maine | $84,410 |
Maryland | $106,050 |
Massachusetts | $109,130 |
Michigan | $101,810 |
Minnesota | $93,230 |
Mississippi | $79,380 |
Missouri | $96,680 |
Montana | $96,000 |
Nebraska | $93,080 |
Nevada | $94,350 |
New Hampshire | $91,490 |
New Jersey | $145,400 |
New Mexico | $89,410 |
New York | $131,950 |
North Carolina | $109,520 |
North Dakota | $109,640 |
Ohio | $103,700 |
Oklahoma | $85,950 |
Oregon | $98,110 |
Pennsylvania | $106,270 |
Rhode Island | $132,750 |
South Carolina | $100,030 |
South Dakota | $95,820 |
Tennessee | $82,870 |
Texas | $98,420 |
Utah | $83,990 |
Vermont | $92,730 |
Virginia | $109,980 |
Washington | $100,180 |
West Virginia | $113,320 |
Wisconsin | $113,270 |
Wyoming | $96,050 |
What Tools & Technology do Construction Managers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Construction Managers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Scheduling software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
How to Become a Construction Manager
Education needed to be a Construction Manager:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Construction Manager?

Construction Managers Sector

Construction Managers work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those who work as a Construction Manager sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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