What Do Construction Manager Do?
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Construction Manager
- Develop or implement quality control programs.
- 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.
- Implement new or modified plans in response to delays, bad weather, or construction site emergencies.
- Develop or implement environmental protection programs.
- Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
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What Every Construction Manager Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Construction Managers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Plumbing and Heating Contractor
- Project Specialist
- Construction Director
- Construction Consultant
- Masonry Contractor Administrator
Construction Manager Employment Estimates
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. 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.
Construction Manager Average 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.
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 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 Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Scheduling software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
Becoming a Construction Manager
What education is needed to be a Construction Manager?

What work experience do I need to become a Construction Manager?

Where Construction Managers Work

Construction Managers work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Construction Manager in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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