What Does it Take to Be a Construction Manager?
Construction Manager Definition 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.
A Day in the Life of a Construction Manager
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
- Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
- Direct acquisition of land for construction projects.
- Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
- Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
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Construction Manager Skills
When polled, Construction Managers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Construction Manager Jobs
- Painting Contractor
- Weatherization Operations Manager
- Mine Supervisor
- Project Superintendent
- Project Manager
Job Demand for Construction Managers
There were about 403,800 jobs for Construction Manager in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 33,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Construction Managers Salary
The average yearly salary of a Construction Manager ranges between $55,240 and $161,510.

Construction Managers who work in New Jersey, Delaware, or New York, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Construction Managers in different U.S. states.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Construction Managers may use on a daily basis:
- 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 Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Scheduling software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
How do I Become a Construction Manager?
Education needed to be a Construction Manager:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Construction Managers Work

Below are examples of industries where Construction Managers work:

Related 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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