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Construction Managers


At a Glance

  • Manage projects such as buildings, roads, or bridges
  • Prepare progress reports
  • Hire, train, supervise, and sometimes fire employees
  • Are responsible for work outcomes
  • Work long hours
  • May travel overnight to job sites
  • Many have a bachelor's degree and construction experience

Career summary

Construction managers schedule and coordinate the work on construction projects.

Construction managers may be known as constructors.

#from wois 1152 nothing else brought over.

#review 3/20/19 lh

Construction managers are in charge of construction projects, such as buildings, roads, or bridges. They review plans for a project and figure out how to build it. Using pre-building tests, they show the long-term costs of construction including energy use and impact to the environment. They consider various construction methods and decide which one is best for the job.

Construction managers plan all activities for projects. They may create budgets to compare the costs of non-green to green construction methods. They plan how long each step of the project will take and when each team of workers will be needed. Construction managers hire employees. Construction managers make sure workers follow safety rules. They hire trade contractors to complete specific pieces of the project, such as plumbing or painting.

They must meet green building standards like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). They may hire workers with LEED certifications or train workers to use green building skills.

Construction managers check on the progress of construction activities. They make sure materials arrive on time and are what was ordered. They monitor the quality of the work and worker safety. Managers make sure they have all the necessary permits. They track and control construction costs in order to avoid overspending. They prepare reports about progress on the project. Construction managers meet on a regular basis with owners, contractors, and architects to monitor the project.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to construction managers.

Common work activities

Construction managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, construction managers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Construction managers frequently:

It is important for construction managers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for construction managers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Construction managers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a construction manager, you typically need to:

Education after high school

In the past, employers hired workers who had years of experience as construction workers. Now employers look for managers who have both experience and at least an associate degree. Many construction managers have a bachelor's degree. Recommended areas of study are construction science, construction management, or civil engineering. Colleges, universities, and community colleges offer these programs. Courses cover project control and development, site planning, and building design. You also study construction methods and materials. Other courses include value analysis, contract administration, and building codes.

Work experience

Regardless of your major, experience working in construction is important. You can get experience through an internship, a cooperative education program, or working in the industry. These experiences offer you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. They also allow you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

With a degree in building science or construction management you generally start as an assistant. You work with project managers, cost estimators, schedulers, and field engineers. The length of on-the-job training you receive varies by employer and your skills. In general, construction managers receive up to one year of training.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Many construction managers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

An increasing number of employers prefer workers who have a combination of experience and college training in civil engineering or construction management. This often depends on the type of employer. Firms specializing in construction management look closely at education, while general contractors look for experience in the construction trades. Both require some experience working at a job site. Employers also prefer applicants with strong communications skills who can work with diverse groups of people.

Some managers may start out as estimators or purchasing agents to gain experience in the construction industry. Other workers, especially those employed by general contractors who look for field experience, first complete apprenticeships and, after working as skilled workers, advance to foremen. From there a worker becomes a supervisor and then a manager. Education and experience in the office tasks of managers, such as computer skills and familiarity with budgeting and spreadsheet software, are important in this approach.

Voluntary certification through the Construction Management Association of America or American Institute of Constructors listed in the Other Resources section of this description can be valuable. Certification as an aging-in-place specialist through the National Association of Home Builders may be an asset for workers in the residential remodeling industry. This certification provides the technical knowledge, resources, and tools for working with older and maturing adults who want to modify their homes so that they can live in them as long as possible as they age. Some workers may also benefit from a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professional credential which is awarded to workers who have shown a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED green building rating systems, and the certification process. The LEED program is administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

Costs to workers

Workers may have to pay fees for certification and membership fees to participate in professional organizations.

#The COA tool statement is at least 11 years old and the reference book note seemed silly to me, so didn't use. Lh

#Verified that these assns still offer certification. 3/20/19 lh

#Added comment about aging-in-place specialsts from April 22, 2010 article in Journal of Business, 5/6/10, cj.  still offered 3/20/19 lh

Tips

It is important to get exposure to all types of construction work. Experience as a cement mason, carpenter, laborer, or other craft worker would be helpful. (See architecture and construction occupations.) This experience can be obtained through internships or part-time jobs. Entry-level work as a cost estimator is important for understanding the bid process, the interpretation of plans and specifications, and other aspects of a building project. Find a knowledgeable person in the industry to act as your mentor. Courses in accounting, stock control, building inspection, and health and safety laws are helpful.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

Construction managers (SOC 11-9021)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $28.35 $35.54 $46.08 $58.42 $71.53
Monthly $4,913 $6,159 $7,986 $10,124 $12,396
Yearly $58,960 $73,920 $95,840 $121,510 $148,780
    Bellingham Hourly $31.28 $35.85 $43.12 $52.19 $67.24
Monthly $5,421 $6,213 $7,473 $9,045 $11,653
Yearly $65,078 $74,562 $89,678 $108,558 $139,865
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $28.62 $35.67 $43.63 $49.94 $63.00
Monthly $4,960 $6,182 $7,561 $8,655 $10,918
Yearly $59,545 $74,193 $90,739 $103,870 $131,024
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $28.81 $34.06 $39.18 $53.99 $73.97
Monthly $4,993 $5,903 $6,790 $9,356 $12,819
Yearly $59,914 $70,838 $81,500 $112,283 $153,857
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $28.31 $39.91 $56.43 $65.20 $79.63
Monthly $4,906 $6,916 $9,779 $11,299 $13,800
Yearly $58,871 $83,017 $117,384 $135,614 $165,642
    Longview Hourly $28.24 $34.87 $47.00 $58.77 $71.56
Monthly $4,894 $6,043 $8,145 $10,185 $12,401
Yearly $58,733 $72,529 $97,762 $122,230 $148,839
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $32.07 $38.06 $55.88 $71.10 $83.46
Monthly $5,558 $6,596 $9,684 $12,322 $14,464
Yearly $66,712 $79,173 $116,228 $147,881 $173,590
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $26.95 $30.33 $46.06 $57.71 $69.56
Monthly $4,670 $5,256 $7,982 $10,001 $12,055
Yearly $56,058 $63,082 $95,802 $120,030 $144,683
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $30.26 $38.06 $48.69 $60.72 $74.28
Monthly $5,244 $6,596 $8,438 $10,523 $12,873
Yearly $62,939 $79,181 $101,268 $126,313 $154,508
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $27.96 $33.26 $37.72 $44.44 $57.26
Monthly $4,845 $5,764 $6,537 $7,701 $9,923
Yearly $58,149 $69,176 $78,443 $92,435 $119,089
    Vancouver Hourly $30.70 $38.36 $47.86 $60.64 $79.97
Monthly $5,320 $6,648 $8,294 $10,509 $13,859
Yearly $63,874 $79,778 $99,551 $126,140 $166,332
    Wenatchee Hourly $21.40 $23.73 $29.12 $43.14 $55.84
Monthly $3,709 $4,112 $5,046 $7,476 $9,677
Yearly $44,506 $49,364 $60,584 $89,723 $116,145
    Yakima Hourly $25.85 $33.46 $44.43 $50.14 $57.72
Monthly $4,480 $5,799 $7,700 $8,689 $10,003
Yearly $53,778 $69,597 $92,429 $104,306 $120,057
United States Hourly $26.56 $33.98 $44.89 $59.48 $77.65
Monthly $4,603 $5,889 $7,779 $10,308 $13,457
Yearly $55,240 $70,670 $93,370 $123,720 $161,510

Wages depend on the size and nature of the construction project. The area of the country and economic conditions can also affect earnings.

Many salaried managers receive benefits such as paid vacations and life and health insurance. Some receive bonuses when projects are completed on time or ahead of schedule. In addition, managers may be able to use a company vehicle. Construction managers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

 

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Construction Managers (SOC 11-9021)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 16,736 20.0% 16.1% 1,936
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 301 19.6% 13.4% 35
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 184 14.1% 8.6% 18
    Benton and Franklin Counties 789 19.6% 15.0% 91
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 655 20.5% 11.9% 76
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 1,309 20.9% 15.2% 154
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 520 26.9% 14.1% 69
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 1,201 25.2% 14.6% 154
    King County 6,603 19.0% 19.6% 746
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 345 24.1% 13.8% 43
    Pierce County 1,539 18.9% 15.2% 173
    Snohomish County 2,241 18.2% 12.4% 250
    Spokane County 1,031 18.6% 13.9% 116
United States 471,800 9.8% 5.2% 40,200

National employment

About 40% of construction managers are self-employed. Almost all managers work in the construction industry.

Major employers:

National outlook

As the construction industry continues to grow, new jobs for managers will be created. New construction of residential homes, office buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and restaurants will all provide job growth in this occupation.

Changes in building technology and the move toward environmentally-friendly building practices require supervisors with experience in these fields. However, employment of construction managers also depends on the economy. Many workers are laid off during periods of low construction activity.

People who have a bachelor's degree or higher plus construction experience, should have the best chances of finding jobs.

Other resources

A Career in Construction Management (external link) (PDF file)
American Concrete Institute (external link)
38888 Country Club Drive
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
248.848.3700
American Institute of Constructors (external link)
PO Box 26334
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.683.4999
American Wood Council (external link)
APA-The Engineered Wood Association (external link)
7011 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
253.565.6600
Associated Builders and Contractors (external link)
440 - 1st Street NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20001
202.595.1505
Associated General Contractors of America (external link)
2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
703.548.3118
Associated General Contractors of Washington (external link)
1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98109
206.284.0061
Building Industry Association of Washington (external link)
111 - 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
800.228.4229
360.352.7800
Construction Management Association of America (external link)
7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 800
McLean, VA 22102
703.356.2622
Construction Management links (external link)
Design-Build Institute of America (external link)
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20004
202.682.0110
Engineer Girl! (external link)
National Academy of Engineering
Green Building Certification Institute (external link)
International Code Council (external link)
500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
888.422.7233
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (external link)
335 - 116th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.451.7920
National Association of Home Builders (external link)
1201 - 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
800.368.5242
202.266.8200
National Association of Women in Construction (external link)
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551
Society of Women Engineers (external link)
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636
US Green Building Council (external link)

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem