How to Become a Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish. They work on both residential and commercial builds, as well as infrastructure projects like roadways, bridges, and tunnels. Construction managers need a bachelor’s degree and construction experience. Degrees in business, engineering, and construction can lead to entry-level jobs. These construction specialists need organizational, customer service, and budgeting skills.

On-the-job training can supplement skills gained from a construction management degree. Many work in residential and commercial construction companies or heavy construction firms. About 39% of construction managers own their own business. Read on to learn how to become a construction manager.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A construction management degree can provide a strong foundation for successful construction management careers. Classes cover business duties, building processes, and emerging technology like green energy. However, new construction managers must also learn about construction processes and gain on-the-job experience.

Earning a bachelor’s in construction management typically requires 120 credits, including general education requirements and construction management courses. Online programs usually do not require on-campus attendance. Learners may also pursue business management bachelor degrees or engineering bachelors degree.

A construction management degree requires a strong foundation in math and engineering. Classes may include construction finance, cost estimating, and soils in construction.

Students also develop important skills related to time management, communication, and organization. Schools may offer electives or degree concentrations in topics such as residential construction management or commercial construction management. Many schools incorporate hands-on learning through co-op or internship programs.

Students may pursue construction management degrees in standalone programs or in divisions of a school of engineering or business. Some schools may offer credit for prior learning, skilled trades training, or professional experience. This credit can reduce the time required to complete a bachelor’s in construction management.

After completing your construction management degree program, you can apply for jobs or seek out an apprentice program. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training, allowing you to earn a paycheck while learning. Job titles for early career professionals may include:

Job applicants need a resume and professional references. An entry-level construction manager earns an average of $62,017, according to Payscale data from April 2024. Pay increases to $71,515, as of July 2024, for construction managers with 1-4 years experience.

Students having difficulty finding an entry-level position may contact their school’s career services office or connect with alumni. Some schools offer college-to-career bridge programs to help students find employment, or they offer internship opportunities for new graduates.

After gaining professional experience in the construction industry, students may pursue a master’s in construction management. A master’s degree program can also help career changers prepare for a new line of work. Master’s programs typically require two years to complete.

Many schools offer online master’s in construction management degree programs. Some schools offer an MBA with a construction management concentration. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), graduate tuition and fees averaged $20,513 a year in 2021-2022. Many students take out loans to cover the costs, though schools may offer fellowships or scholarships.

The curriculum incorporates business, technology, and management, with opportunities to tailor the degree to individual career goals. Popular concentrations include:

Students may also consider a graduate certificate program, which typically requires one year.

Individuals can leverage their education and work experience to find construction management jobs. Job titles may include:

A master’s in construction management can help an application stand out for these higher-level positions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 6% of construction managers complete a master’s degree program, but education and experience can increase salary expectations. Payscale reports that a mid-career construction manager with 5-9 years of experience earns an average of $84,308, as of July 2024.

Continuing education courses can ensure construction managers stay up to date on construction techniques, building codes, and technology changes. State licensing boards and professional credentialing organizations also require continuing education each year.

Continuing education includes career-specific training on various topics, allowing individuals to choose courses that interest them. Individuals interested in careers in research or academia may continue their education with a doctorate in construction management, typically offered through engineering colleges.

Many states require contractors to hold a valid license before bidding on jobs. Requirements vary by state but typically include an exam on building codes and regulatory requirements. The license will specify the dollar value of construction jobs a contractor can work on.

Construction managers may seek professional certification to highlight their knowledge and skills. Options include the Construction Management Association of America and the American Institute of Constructors certifications. Certification requirements include passing an exam and professional experience.

Colleges and universities should hold institutional accreditation, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures the academic quality of a school and assures that your degree will be recognized by future employers. Online colleges are accredited just like their campus-based counterparts.

Some schools choose to seek accreditation specifically for their construction management degrees. Independent organizations review a program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, and student success. Construction management programs may receive accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and National Architectural Accrediting Board.

According to NCES data, U.S. students paid an average of $19,020 in tuition and fees in 2020-2021. Graduate students paid an average of $19,792 in tuition in 2019-2020. Students should keep in mind that college comes with additional costs. Hidden costs like books, technology, room and board, and other expenses can add up. Scholarships and grants can reduce these costs. Choosing an online program may also save learners money.

Construction manager salary expectations vary by experience, education, location, and industry. The BLS reported a median salary for construction managers of $104,900 in May 2023. However, construction managers in the natural gas pipeline industry reported an average salary of $213,120. Most construction managers work in nonresidential building construction, which reported an average salary of $121,870. Alaska offered the highest pay for construction managers at $143,450, on average.