Construction Managers

SOC: 11-9021 O*NET: 11-9021.00
Median Salary
$106,980
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.7%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
46.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

What does a Construction Managers do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$65,160
10th percentile
Early Career
$83,480
25th percentile
Median
$106,980
50th percentile
Experienced
$139,330
75th percentile
Top Earners
$176,990
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$65,160
25th
$83,480
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$106,980
Mean: $119,660
75th
$139,330
90th
$176,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans $111,830 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $83,480 and $139,330
  • Salary spread is 52.2% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 348,330 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:550,300

Top Industries

Construction79.7%
Construction of Buildings40.3%
Specialty Trade Contractors26.9%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+8.7%
Annual Openings:46,800

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)550,300
Current
2034 (Projected)598,400
+8.7%
+48,100
Employment Change
+8.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: Faster than average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Construction Managers professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
51,960 jobs$99,6001.66x
California
35,790 jobs$129,0000.88x
Florida
28,090 jobs$103,3201.27x
North Carolina
17,100 jobs$104,7501.55x
Illinois
16,740 jobs$108,5701.22x
Ohio
14,900 jobs$96,4401.19x
Colorado
13,150 jobs$113,5202.01x
Arizona
9,080 jobs$110,1201.26x
Massachusetts
9,000 jobs$147,7501.09x
New Jersey
8,580 jobs$130,5800.89x
New York
8,170 jobs$135,5300.38x
Michigan
7,910 jobs$103,6100.80x
Georgia
7,840 jobs$101,3600.71x
Alabama
7,520 jobs$92,6201.59x
Virginia
7,020 jobs$107,0000.76x

Understanding the Data

Location Quotient (LQ):

  • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
  • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
  • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average

Data Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

Key Growth Factors

  • Faster than average growth expected
  • High current market demand

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1
Judgment and Decision Making
100%
#2
Management of Personnel Resources
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Coordination
66%
#7
Time Management
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Speaking
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%

Skills Overview

Judgment and Decision Making
advanced5.0
100%
Management of Personnel Resources
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Coordination
intermediate3.3
66%
Time Management
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:
Sort by:

Judgment and Decision Making

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Management of Personnel Resources

advanced
Importance94%
skills
4.7/5.0

Critical Thinking

intermediate
Importance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0

Active Listening

intermediate
Importance80%
skills
4.0/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0

Coordination

intermediate
Importance66%
skills
3.3/5.0

Time Management

intermediate
Importance60%
skills
3.0/5.0

Active Learning

basic
Importance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0

Speaking

basic
Importance46%
skills
2.3/5.0

Monitoring

basic
Importance40%
skills
2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Air Traffic Controllers82%
5 shared skills
Bakers80%
5 shared skills
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers73%
5 shared skills
Upholsterers73%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors67%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists67%
5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Must Have:
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
  • Coordination
  • Time Management
  • Active Learning

Mid Career

Expected:
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving

Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
  • Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
  • Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
  • Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Construction Managers

Technology Intensity
Very High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires expert digital literacy

1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Procore software

🔥 Hot Tech

Autodesk AutoCAD

🔥 Hot Tech

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

🔥 Hot Tech

Autodesk Revit

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Access

🔥 Hot Tech

Yardi software

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Acrobat

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft SharePoint

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Dynamics

🔥 Hot Tech

SAP software

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Creative Cloud software

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Procore software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Microsoft Access
Yardi software
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
SAP software
Adobe Creative Cloud software

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • Vendor-specific software certifications
  • Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • Coursera - University-level programs
  • Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
  • Can you meet moderate physical demands?
  • Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
  • Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (9)General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Management & Supervision (1)Training & Development (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1

Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
100%
Planning & Development100% perform
2

Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
98%
Planning & Development97% perform
3

Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
96%
General Responsibilities94% perform
4

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
94%
General Responsibilities91% perform
5

Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
92%
General Responsibilities88% perform
6

Requisition supplies or materials to complete construction projects.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
90%
General Responsibilities85% perform
7

Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
88%
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform
8

Develop or implement quality control programs.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
86%
Planning & Development79% perform
9

Direct acquisition of land for construction projects.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
84%
Management & Supervision76% perform
10

Apply green building strategies to reduce energy costs or minimize carbon output or other sources of harm to the environment.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
82%
General Responsibilities73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
  • 33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
  • Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Construction Managers

💡 Career Planning Tips

  • Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
  • Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
  • Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
  • Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Construction Managers professionals typically have a ECR Holland code and highly value working conditions

EEnterprising
CConventional
RRealistic

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Construction Managers

Dependability

Critical

Dependability

Importance Level4.70

Attention to Detail

Critical

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.55

Leadership

Very Important

Leadership

Importance Level4.40

Integrity

Very Important

Integrity

Importance Level4.40

Initiative

Very Important

Initiative

Importance Level4.35

Stress Tolerance

Very Important

Stress Tolerance

Importance Level4.25

Complete Work Styles Profile

Dependability
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.5
Leadership
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Initiative
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Persistence
4.0

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

  • While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
  • Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
  • Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
  • Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years

Preparation Level

Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training:

Significant preparation with related work experience

💼 Experience Requirement

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

Common pathways to gain experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Several years of work experience
  • Professional certifications often required
4

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required

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