Construction Managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to completion. They work on a variety of projects, such as building residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads and bridges.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 4.5% (above average)
Annual job openings: 46,800
Direct AI exposure: 20% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 60% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $115K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $70K per year | $89K per year | $115K per year | $152K per year | $189K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $64K above the national average. | ||||
Construction Managers typically split their time between working in an office and being on-site where construction is taking place. They may be exposed to all weather conditions and often visit construction sites regularly to monitor progress and resolve on-site issues.
Construction Managers are key players in the construction industry, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They need to have a thorough understanding of the construction process, including design, planning, budgeting, and execution. This role requires not only technical knowledge of construction but also strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Effective communication is vital, as Construction Managers need to coordinate with a wide range of people, including architects, engineers, builders, and clients. They must be able to translate complex construction concepts into understandable terms for clients and negotiate contracts with contractors and suppliers. Being adaptable and able to handle unexpected challenges, such as delays or emergencies, is crucial.
Staying up to date with the latest construction technologies and methods is important. Construction Managers often use specialized software for project management and scheduling. They also need to be aware of changing building codes and safety regulations to ensure compliance.
A bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering is typically required. However, significant construction experience and a high school diploma may be sufficient for some positions.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.