Construction Manager

Career Overview

Construction managers are responsible for the oversight of daily construction operations on projects of all types: examples include commercial and industrial structures, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and public works projects. They schedule and coordinate the work of engineers, construction tradesmen and subcontractors.

Construction managers are involved in the planning process with architects and engineers, seeing the project through the planning and permit process along with the actual construction activities. Large projects often have a construction manager in charge of one component of the project, such as foundation work, structural erection, or internal systems such as plumbing and electrical.

Education

Most construction managers entering the field should have a bachelor's degree in construction management or science, civil engineering or a related field. Some construction managers have come up through the ranks, and many of those have returned to school to get the degree that allowed them to move up. Construction managers must be able to understand the business of construction: contracts and regulations as well as plans and specification requirements.

Current Employment

There were nearly a half million construction managers working in 2006, according to the Department of Labor. Over half were self employed, as managers of their own construction or specialty subcontracting firm.

Job Outlook

Construction management positions are expected to grow at the rate of 16% over the decade 2006 - 2016, faster than the average rate for overall growth of all job categories. Increased population will lead to increased building, and the expanding complexity of new commercial structures will cause a demand for trained oversight personnel.

Salary Range

Lowest 10%  $43,210
Median Salary  $73,700
Highest 10%  $135,780

Source: U.S. Department of Labor