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Construction Manager

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AVG. SALARY

$93,740

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree or higher +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Construction Managers Career Video

Insider Info

Construction project managers direct construction projects. They plan things like buildings, roads and pipelines.

They typically coordinate all design and construction processes. This includes selecting, hiring and overseeing specialty subcontractors.

Managers must understand building science. They also need practical experience in the industry. They must understand contracts, blueprints and plans. They have to know about regulations. It's also important to be able to use computers and cost estimating software.

These workers might also be known as construction superintendents. Other titles include project engineer, project manager and construction manager.

These professionals work for engineering firms, architectural firms or surveyors. They may also work for specialty trade contractors, local governments or real estate developers.

Many people have an outdated image of construction as a shovels-and-dirt industry. "That's far from the truth," says Paul McLellan. He works in the construction field.

While they're hardly wearing business suits to the site, construction workers aren't getting their hands as dirty as they used to. "Equipment is much more sophisticated," McLellan says. "The types of materials are lighter [and] easier to use."

High-tech communication and spreadsheet software have also made the manager's job much easier than it once was.

Some types of construction require special skills. These include the ability to construct clean environments suitable for building microchips. New building materials and complex building codes also make the job more complicated.

More and more women are entering the field. This may be because the equipment is both lighter and easier to handle.

"We have women that work for us that physically can do the work," says McLellan. "Twenty-five years ago, you couldn't do that."

However, it will take a little time before we really see a difference in the number of women in the industry. "It's a slow process, but it's rolling along pretty nice now," McLellan says. "We're seeing [women] more and more."

The actual tasks of the construction manager, however, do not generally involve operating construction machinery. They play a supervisory role and oversee the building process, usually from a field or off-site office.

Travel may be necessary for international projects. A lot of movement on the construction site may also be required -- those who are wheelchair-bound may experience difficulty doing this.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Coordinate all aspects of a construction job

  • You have to understand contracts, blueprints and plans
  • Being able to use computers and cost estimating software is important
  • A university degree and work experience are essential