OVERVIEW
What Is a Construction Manager?
Ìý
Construction managers (CMs) keep construction projects moving forward, on schedule, and within budget. They help ensure construction sites are safe and compliant with regulations, protecting workers from potential injuries and companies from costly liabilities. Construction managers also coordinate the many professionals involved to keep the project running smoothly from start to finish.Ìý
So what is a CM’s role in relation to projects of all sizes and scopes? This guide explores what construction management involves and the role and responsibilities of a construction manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Construction managers oversee construction projects from pre-construction through completion. Functioning in a role similar to a project manager, CMs use their knowledge of building trades—including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and general construction—to coordinate daily operations and help ensure projects stay on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality and safety standards.
Construction managers work closely with general contractors, subcontractors, site personnel, architects, and engineers throughout the construction process. They run estimates, help allocate resources, manage personnel, monitor project progress, and address challenges that arise on the job site.Ìý
Common responsibilities of construction managers include:
Hiring subcontractors and coordinating their work.
Collaborating with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals.
Preparing construction budgets, cost estimates, project schedules, and work timetables.
Construction project management such as resolving job site issues, delays, and unexpected challenges.Ìý
Ensuring compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and other legal requirements.
Reviewing contracts and communicating project requirements.
Reporting construction progress, timelines, budget adherence, and potential risks to project owners, clients, managers, and teams.Ìý
ÌýFor larger projects, senior construction managers may oversee multiple construction managers, who are each responsible for specific phases of the project such as foundation work, mechanical systems, electrical, or plumbing.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Construction Manager?
Due to the complexity of overseeing large-scale projects, construction managers typically need a combination of education and hands-on industry experience. Common degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Supply Chain and Operations Management, architecture, engineering, or a related online construction management degree. These programs often cover topics such as:
Project design, control, and management
Cost estimating, budgeting, and contract administrationÌý
Construction processes, codes, and materialsÌý
Leadership and administrationÌý
Statistics and mathematicsÌý
In addition to earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, many construction managers develop their skills through hands-on industry experience. New construction managers are often hired in assistant roles, working with experienced construction professionals to build industry knowledge. Earning an advanced degree, such as an M.S. in Management and Leadership, and pursuing professional certifications can help accelerate career progression.
Three popular certifications from the Construction Management Association of America are:Ìý
—A professional certification for experienced construction managers that demonstrates expertise in project delivery, risk management, and construction project leadership.
—A certification designed for professionals transitioning into construction management who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of construction management practices.
(CMIT)—A structured pathway for early- to mid-career construction managers that provides foundational training and experience-building opportunities while preparing candidates for advanced certification and leadership roles.
Best Degrees for a Construction Manager
Business
Business Management – B.S.
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61%Ìýof graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition:Ìý$3,830 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:Ìý
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.
- Time: 61%Ìýof graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3,830 per 6-month term.
- Courses:Ìý36 courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Detail Oriented
- Management
- Leadership
- Operations:
Business
Project Management – B.S.
Step into your first project management role with the education and...
Step into your first project management role with the education and credentials you need.
- Time:Ìý61%Ìýof graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3,830 per 6-month term.
- Courses:Ìý39 courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Agile project management
- Project planning and scheduling
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Team coordination
- Procurement and change management
- Process improvement
- Project documentation and reporting
- Project management software
The B.S. in Project Management equips you with the focused project management knowledge to guide projects from start to finish. Prepare for your career in project management and Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam eligibility through industry-aligned courses at your pace and on your schedule.
Business
Supply Chain Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 6Ìýmonths from start to finish.
- Cost:Ìý$2,500 for the certificate.
- Courses:Ìý4 courses total in this program.
This program is designed for individuals who are ready to take their supply chain experience to the next level and become a front-line leader in their organization.
Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, a supply chain fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:Ìý
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Retail
- E-Commerce
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time:ÌýGraduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition:Ìý$4,805 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:Ìý
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
SKILLS
What Skills does a Construction Manager Need?
Construction managers work with a variety of stakeholders and oversee numerous activities throughout a construction project. Success in a construction management career requires a mix of technical, business, analytical, and interpersonal skills.Ìý
Analytical skills: Construction managers develop project strategies, resolve issues and delays, and address unforeseen challenges along the way. They use cost-estimating and planning software to forecast project time, costs, and material expenditures.Ìý
Business skills: Choosing a competent team and building strong working relationships is critical to a construction manager’s success. CMs also need strong administration skills and an aptitude for working with numbers.Ìý
Customer service skills: Whether they’re dealing with project managers, owners, supervisors, inspectors, general contractors, government officials, or the public, construction managers must have strong interpersonal skills to foster positive and productive relationships.ÌýÌýÌý
Leadership skills: A construction manager must understand more than just the technical aspects of construction. They must also be skilled at site management, and leading, educating, and supporting teams. Strong leadership includes maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and precision while working effectively with diverse groups of people.Ìý
Additional skills construction managers need include:
Scheduling and task management
Subcontractor coordinationÌý
Program managementÌýÌý
Budgeting and cost analysis
Contract administration, management, and procurementÌý
Construction technology and planning softwareÌý
Reading blueprints, technical drawings, and project specifications
Safety complianceÌý
Risk management
Data analysis and the ability to track performance metricsÌýÌý
Familiarity with Agile softwareÌý
Problem-solving under deadline pressureÌýÌý
How Much Does a Construction Manager Make?
$106,980
According to the (BLS), construction managers earn a median annual salary of $106,980 as of May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,160 and the highest 10% earned more than $176,990. Education, certifications, years of experience, company, and location often play a factor in compensation. The BLS also reports higher earnings in specialty fields like heavy and civil engineering construction.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
9%
Employment of construction managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the . This is largely due to ongoing demand in the construction industry for building new residences, retail outlets, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and improved infrastructure as the population and economy continue to grow.
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