Construction Managers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $114,990/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$69,690$189,440

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +8.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 46,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Judgment and Decision MakingManagement of Personnel ResourcesCoordinationTime ManagementActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionNegotiationMonitoring

Top knowledge areas

Building and ConstructionAdministration and ManagementMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalProduction and ProcessingEconomics and Accounting

Core tasks

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

• Develop or implement quality control programs.

• Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.

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

• Direct and supervise construction or related workers.

• Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.

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

• Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Construction Managers?

The median pay for Construction Managers is $114,990 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Construction Managers?

Employment for Construction Managers is projected to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Construction Managers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Construction Managers?

About 46,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.