What Is Construction Management?

Construction management involves planning, budgeting, coordinating, and supervising construction projects from start to finish. As a construction manager, you may work on various construction projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. 

Construction management can be rewarding if you enjoy design, seeing a project grow from beginning to end, and the prospect of partnering with builders, designers, and clients throughout the construction lifecycle process.

Explore what a construction manager does, the skills you need to have, some reasons to consider becoming one, and how you can start becoming a construction manager. 

What does a construction manager do?

Construction managers review proposals for projects to estimate timelines and milestones, cash flow requirements, project protocols, resourcing needs, and requirements for human resources, equipment, and resources at different stages of the project. They work closely with clients, architects, subcontractors, and engineers to ensure every project aspect runs smoothly. Construction managers may oversee a single construction project or several at once. 

Some core responsibilities found in construction manager roles include:

• Cost management: Maintain awareness of all costs associated with a project; budget management; anticipate any changes to project scope that could impact cost. 

• Contract administration: Create contracts for subcontractors and suppliers; manage payments to contractors; source materials and suppliers.

• Health and safety management: Ensure everyone on-site follows health and safety regulations; prepare health and safety documentation; implement suitable protocols for ongoing practices and regular monitoring.

• Quality management: Deliver projects that meet clients' specifications; ensure all work complies with quality standards; facilitate regular checks throughout the project lifecycle; use a total quality management approach (TQM) to help reduce costs in remedial work; minimize delays; maintain relationships with clients, contractors, and staff.

Construction manager key skills

Carrying out a construction project involves a lot of planning, organization, and problem-solving. It requires a strong set of both workplace and technical skills. Learn about some skills you need to succeed as a construction manager.

Analytical and critical thinking skills

Construction managers must interpret designs, plans, and technical drawings. In this job, you must also understand complex contracts and interpret building codes and regulations. You’ll need to translate all this information into easy-to-follow instructions for their on-site workers.

Motivational skills

Construction managers must ensure their teams meet deadlines, stay within budget, and produce quality work. To do so, you must motivate team members with guidance, feedback, and recognition, as well as resolve conflicts and keep the team focused on its goals. As a construction manager, you may have less positional power when engaging with subcontractors than when working with employees because they may be self-employed or work for another company. Being fair and consistent is important to earn respect and loyalty.

Attention to detail

The construction manager is responsible for ensuring the quality of work on site is up to standard with local building codes and regulations and meets client expectations. This requires attention to detail throughout the entire process, including managing mistakes and minimizing their impacts.

Communication skills

Communication is critical as construction managers interact with a range of people, including the public, clients, and tradespeople. You must have good interpersonal skills, both orally and in writing. You may need to communicate changes to a team of tradespeople in the morning, run through plans with an architect over lunch, and meet with planning officers in the afternoon to sign off on building work. This requires a confident and well-rounded communication skill set.

Contract management skills

A construction manager may need to negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and ensure the satisfaction of all parties involved in a building project. This requires persuading, compromising, and making mutually beneficial, binding agreements.  

Health and safety knowledge

Construction managers must be aware of worksite health and safety issues and understand relevant legislation and regulations. This is vital because of the risks associated with construction work. You need to know best practices to minimize risks to all project stakeholders. 

Project management skills

Managing building projects requires coordinating a range of activities involving different people and completing milestones on time and within budget. An understanding and experience with project management methodologies can be important in complex projects.

Read more: 12 Key Project Management Skills

Reasons to become a construction manager

The construction management industry is broad, offering a wide range of career options. The following are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider becoming a construction manager.

1. Job opportunities are growing.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that US employment for construction managers will grow by 9 percent between 2023 and 2033 [1], faster than the 4 percent average of occupations overall. This means more opportunities. New building technologies are also facilitating new and exciting projects.

2. Global opportunities exist.

Thousands of construction projects are happening around the world at any given time. Construction management professionals are needed everywhere to complete these projects successfully, so plenty of options exist for those who like to work in different parts of the world.

3. It can be financially rewarding.

According to Glassdoor, the average construction manager's salary in the US is $101,332 [2]. While salaries will vary depending on your experience level, location, and other factors, this job has good earning potential.

4. You're interested in managing complex projects.

Construction managers have a lot of responsibilities, including:

• Managing crews and subcontractors

• Maintaining schedules

• Ensuring projects meet quality standards

• Providing detailed estimates

• Overseeing compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and health regulations

The job is rewarding for those who enjoy challenge and complexity. No two days are the same; no two projects are the same.

5. You love seeing things through to completion.

You get to see construction projects progress from the initial concept to built reality, which can be satisfying. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the project and learn about all areas of construction and stages of construction.

Types of projects that construction managers work on

Construction managers oversee and direct various construction projects, including building roads and highways, bridges, hospitals, schools, factories, power plants, and residential housing. As a construction manager, you might work for the federal government, large corporations, private landowners, or property owners. Your career can take you into different types of construction projects.

Civil construction projects

Civil construction is one of the oldest branches of the industry. This type of work involves building infrastructures such as roads and bridges.

Industrial construction projects

Industrial construction is another traditional branch of the industry. It involves building factories, warehouses, industrial facilities, and power plants. In this field, construction managers may need to understand complex engineering principles related to electricity generation and manufacturing processes.

Residential construction projects

Residential construction involves building homes and other buildings where people live. Familiarity with a variety of architectural styles and techniques for building different types of foundations and structures is beneficial in this field.

Agricultural construction projects

Agricultural construction includes barns, silos, and other structures related to farming operations. Familiarity with agricultural techniques helps build facilities compatible with current farming practices and the needs for future growth.

Institutional construction projects

Construction managers often work on institutional construction projects, such as schools, universities, hospitals, and community centers. Institutional projects often involve multiple contractors working together to complete the project. These projects usually are highly complex.

Construction management salary and job titles

Construction management jobs and titles vary depending on the company hiring for the position. Discover some of the job titles related to construction management you may see during job searches, along with their average annual salary: 

*All annual US salary data is the average annual base pay sourced from Glassdoor as of November 2024.

• Construction manager: $101,332

• Construction project manager: $100,524

• Construction consultant: $103,004

• Project Manager: $89,559 

• Chief construction inspector: $112,871

• Senior construction manager: $117,385

• Construction foreman: $69,322

• Construction engineer: $97,255

How to become a construction manager

To become a construction manager, consider your education, certification, experience, and business sense.

Construction management degree choices

A bachelor's degree is typically desired for construction managers. While the following construction manager degrees are based in different fields, they all overlap in their core curriculums and are valuable in the construction industry. 

Construction management

Construction management is an obvious degree choice for an aspiring construction manager. In this degree program, you'll learn about construction's legal, financial, and business aspects. This may include surveys, cost estimation, construction law, software programs, materials, the supply chain, and much more. Some programs offer internships or hands-on experiences that allow you to apply what you've learned in real-world situations.

Construction science

Construction science focuses on analyzing, planning, and managing building projects. A construction science degree supports project management skills and knowledge of construction methods, design, and contracts.

Architecture

An architecture degree also provides a solid foundation for a future career as a construction manager. In addition to providing knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and architectural design principles, architecture programs offer hands-on experience through studio classes that teach drafting techniques.

Engineering

Engineering degrees can open the door to becoming a construction manager. You can choose from several engineering degrees, including mechanical, civil, industrial, and electrical engineering. Each degree type provides its own specialization level that could make an engineer more attractive to specific types of employers.

Is it worth getting a construction management degree?

It is generally worth it to consider earning a construct management degree as many employers prefer candidates with a degree and relevant experience. Many construction managers earn a bachelor's degree to learn some of the fundamental skills in the craft such as project management, design, building methods, and business. Some employers may accept construction managers who have a high school diploma and years of experience in the field.

Professional certificates and training

Education and training come first, but the following certifications can improve your chances to advance within a construction manager career.

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) offers the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation, and the Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI) administers the exam. To be eligible to earn the CCM credential, you must have 48 months of Responsible-in-Charge (RIC) experience. You may also need additional experience.

The amount of additional general design or construction experience you need will depend on your education, ranging from eight years if you don’t have any post-high school qualifications to none if you have a qualifying bachelor’s degree or higher. Only certain majors count under the eligibility criteria, including:

• Mechanical engineering

• Construction science

• Civil engineering

• Construction management

• Architectural engineering

• Industrial engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Chemical engineering

• Architecture

Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) and Certified Professional Contractor (CPC)

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) offers two levels of certification: Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). To take the CAC certification exam, you must have graduated from a four-year construction management degree program or have four years of related experience or a combination of experience and education.

The CPC requires eight years of experience if you haven’t done the AC, two of which are in the management of construction projects. If you’ve taken the AC, you’ll qualify for the CPC if you have four years of construction experience after completing it, two of which must have been in a construction management capacity. Both certifications require that you pass an exam.

Certified Safety Manager Construction (CSMC)

The Certified Safety Manager-Construction (CSMC) is a certification for safety professionals who have demonstrated expertise in construction safety and health. The National Association of Safety Professionals administers the CSMC credential.

The CSMC designation demonstrates your professional knowledge and expertise in construction safety management.

How to train to become a construction manager

When it comes to getting a job in construction, experience matters. When you become a learner in a construction management program, you’ll get a combination of experience through hands-on training and classroom instruction.

Explore some ways to build your resume while you attend school.

Get an internship.

Some colleges offer paid internships, allowing you to earn some money while gaining valuable experience. You can also look for internships with a high school diploma or associate degree.

Become an apprentice.

Many contractors are willing to teach someone with no experience in construction as long as they’re ready to work hard and learn. Apprenticeships can be a great opportunity to learn a lot about the industry.

Volunteer your time.

If you don’t have any paid experience yet in the construction industry, volunteering to work on charitable projects in the US or abroad is another way to gain experience. Depending on your interests and skill level, you can volunteer in various capacities, including working on-site or in a construction project management office.

Get started in construction management with Coursera

Construction management is a growing industry with many different career paths, skills, and industries you can work in. You can find construction management courses from top universities and industry leaders on Coursera. Learn construction management online with courses like the Construction Management Specialization, offered by Columbia University.