Plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.
Pay
$72,130
Lower reported wage
$106,980
Median
$176,990
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
A bachelor’s in construction, business, engineering, or a related field is typical. Construction experience is important alongside the degree.
New managers commonly begin as assistants under experienced managers. Training can last a year or several years, depending on the firm.
An associate degree plus experience may fit smaller projects. Extensive trade experience is another route, especially for self-employed general contractors. Check licensing where you will work.
Some states require construction managers to be licensed. Professional certifications are optional credentials that may demonstrate experience; they do not replace applicable licensing requirements.[1]
OSHA 10/30 Outreach courses provide safety training, not professional certification or a trade license. OSHA makes this program voluntary, although a state, locality, or employer may require it.[2]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
BLS describes assistant-manager training after hiring. It does not establish a universal trainee wage or whether a particular college internship is paid.[1]
Costs to check before enrolling
Compare degree costs with experience-based routes. Ask about internship pay, travel or relocation reimbursement, licensing fees, and employer support for further credentials.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
Majors and routes to explore
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
Engineering is another related degree route identified by BLS. Construction experience and employer requirements still matter.[1]
Daily life
What you would do
Plan budgets and schedules, interpret contracts, coordinate trades, track progress, and respond to delays or emergencies.[1]
Where you could work
Often a field office at a construction site. Managing multiple projects may involve travel or time away from home.[1]
Hours and flexibility
Most work full time; some exceed 40 hours. Project deadlines can require extra hours, and managers may be on call for emergencies.[1]
Physical and emotional demands
The job combines site work with decisions about budgets, deadlines, and safety. Several activities and contractor teams may need coordination at once.[1]
How you could advance
New managers learn as assistants; large projects may have multiple managers responsible for different phases under a senior manager. Experience is central to taking on more responsibility.[1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
Questions to ask yourself and an employer
Would deadlines and emergency calls fit my family or other responsibilities?
Do I enjoy coordinating people, costs, and competing priorities on a worksite?
