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.
Construction Managers
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?
How much can you earn?
National Salary Distribution
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
Current Employment
Top Industries
10-Year Outlook
Employment Projections
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Construction Managers professionals work across the United States
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
Skills Overview
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.
Judgment and Decision Making
advancedManagement of Personnel Resources
advancedCritical Thinking
intermediateActive Listening
intermediateComplex Problem Solving
advancedCoordination
intermediateTime Management
intermediateActive Learning
basicSpeaking
basicMonitoring
basicHighly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
- ✓Active Listening
- →Coordination
- →Time Management
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
- ★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
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
Key Digital Competencies:
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Procore software
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechYardi software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
📚 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?
💡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
Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
🔴Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
🔴Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.
🔴Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
🔴Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
🔴Requisition supplies or materials to complete construction projects.
🔴Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
🔴Develop or implement quality control programs.
🔴Direct acquisition of land for construction projects.
🟡Apply green building strategies to reduce energy costs or minimize carbon output or other sources of harm to the environment.
🟡💡 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
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
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Construction Managers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Leadership
Very ImportantLeadership
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 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
Preparation Level
Experience Needed
📚 Education Requirement
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
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
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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