Construction Manager

Your Fit

Income

$105K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Construction Manager?

Construction Managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to completion. They work on a variety of projects, such as building residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads and bridges.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Construction Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Construction Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$64K per year	$82K per year	$105K per year	$136K per year	$172K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $57K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Construction Manager do?

Work environment

Construction Managers typically split their time between working in an office and being on-site where construction is taking place. They may be exposed to all weather conditions and often visit construction sites regularly to monitor progress and resolve on-site issues.

Quick task list

Oversees construction projects from conception to completion.
Budgets, schedules, and coordinates all aspects of the construction process.
Selects, hires, and negotiates contracts with contractors and subcontractors.
Ensures compliance with legal requirements, building codes, and safety regulations.
Communicates with clients, construction staff, and other stakeholders.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Construction Management: Specializing in managing the construction of houses and housing developments.
Commercial Construction Management: Overseeing the construction of commercial buildings like offices, malls, and hotels.
Industrial Construction Management: Managing the construction of industrial facilities, such as factories and power plants.
Infrastructure Construction Management: Focusing on the construction of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and utilities.

Description

Construction Managers are key players in the construction industry, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They need to have a thorough understanding of the construction process, including design, planning, budgeting, and execution. This role requires not only technical knowledge of construction but also strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Effective communication is vital, as Construction Managers need to coordinate with a wide range of people, including architects, engineers, builders, and clients. They must be able to translate complex construction concepts into understandable terms for clients and negotiate contracts with contractors and suppliers. Being adaptable and able to handle unexpected challenges, such as delays or emergencies, is crucial.

Stays up to date with the latest construction technologies and methods is important. Construction Managers often use specialized software for project management and scheduling. They also need to be aware of changing building codes and safety regulations to ensure compliance.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Seeing a project progress from plans to a completed structure.
Solving complex challenges and making significant decisions.
Leading and coordinating a team to achieve a common goal.

You might make a good Construction Manager if you are...

Interested in building and construction processes.
A strong leader with excellent communication skills.
Good at organizing, planning, and multitasking.
Able to make decisions under pressure.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding safety and legal compliance.

Pros:

High Demand: Construction managers are in demand due to ongoing construction projects in residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Lucrative Salary: Offers competitive salaries and benefits, commensurate with the level of responsibility.
Dynamic Work Environment: Each project brings new challenges and opportunities, making the work varied and interesting.
Leadership Role: Opportunity to lead entire construction projects, manage teams, and make significant decisions.

Cons:

High-Stress Levels: Managing construction projects can be stressful due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and unexpected issues.
Long Hours: Often requires working beyond standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly as project deadlines approach.
Physical Demands: The role may involve spending a lot of time on construction sites, which can be physically taxing.
Risk of Delays and Overruns: Project delays and cost overruns can be challenging and impact job satisfaction.

How to become a Construction Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering is typically required. However, significant construction experience and a high school diploma may be sufficient for some positions.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially Geometry and Algebra: Essential for understanding construction plans and measurements.
Physics: To grasp the basic principles of force, material strength, and other concepts relevant to construction.
Technical Drawing or CAD Courses: Useful for understanding architectural and engineering drawings.
Business Studies: To develop a basic understanding of project management and budgeting.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Construction or Woodworking Clubs: Provides hands-on experience with building and materials.
Leadership Roles in Team Projects: Develops skills in team management and coordination.
Volunteering in Community Building Projects: Offers practical experience in construction and project management.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: In construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or a related field.
Internships in Construction Firms: To gain practical, on-site experience and industry insights.
Certifications: Such as Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or LEED Certification for green building practices.
Trade Schools or Apprenticeships: For hands-on training in specific construction skills.

More resources

Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) - Provides certification, education, and resources for construction management professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis, offering detailed information about the role of a Construction Manager.
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Offers professional development, advocacy, and resources for construction professionals.
American Institute of Constructors (AIC) - Provides certification and resources for individuals in the construction management field.
Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) - Offers education and resources focused on the financial aspects of construction management.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Provides resources and education for professionals in the home building industry, including construction managers.
Procore - An online resource offering construction management software, training, and best practices in the field.

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