Construction Manager: Types, Career Path, and How to Become One

Key takeaways

A construction manager is a professional who coordinates a building project from start to finish and often works from a field office to monitor progress and supervise employees.

• Construction managers plan and coordinate building projects from the initial stages to completion while overseeing budgets, schedules, and safety compliance.

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster than average growth for this job between 2023 and 2033 [1].

• You can begin your construction manager career path by pursuing a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or civil engineering.

Read more to learn about the specialized roles and technical skills required to be a construction manager. Afterward, build your professional knowledge in this area by enrolling in Columbia University's Construction Management Specialization.

What does a construction manager do?

A construction manager coordinates a building project from start to finish. Managers often work at the construction site from a field office to monitor progress, make on-the-spot decisions, and supervise employees.

Typical duties in this role can include:

• Preparing budgets, cost estimates, and work timetables

• Negotiating with subcontractors and vendors

• Collaborating with architects, engineers, and specialized trade workers

• Scheduling and coordinating subcontractors

• Overseeing work progress to meet deadlines

• Ensuring compliance with local and state building and construction codes

• Monitoring the job site for safety hazards

• Managing any emergencies or work delays

In substantial projects, like an office building, a construction manager may focus on only one aspect of the building project (plumbing, electric wiring, foundation, etc.). In a smaller-scale project, they may be responsible for the oversight of the entire build.

Types of construction managers

Construction projects vary from industrial, commercial, and residential to more specialized projects like roads, bridges, and monuments. Because of the diversity of projects, some construction managers specialize in one particular niche.

Some focus on smaller renovation-type projects, while others oversee massive new builds or focus solely on transportation infrastructure. Take a look at this breakdown of some of the different types of construction management positions:

• Residential building project managers focus on renovating or constructing housing, including apartment complexes, multifamily units, or single-family homes.

• Commercial construction managers oversee the construction or renovation of commercial buildings, including retail shops and corporate offices.

• Infrastructure managers oversee the building of roads, bridges, or other public infrastructure assets.

How much do construction managers make?

A construction manager's salary will depend on several factors, including years of experience, location, and industry.

The median annual salary for a construction manager in the US is $106,980, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. The BLS also predicts a faster than average job growth of nine percent.

How to become a construction manager

Becoming a construction manager usually requires a college degree and on-the-job training. Let's review some of the more common steps to follow when you're interested in this career.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.

Most companies require a bachelor’s degree in construction management or related fields such as architecture or civil engineering. If you are targeting smaller-scale projects, you may be able to secure a role with an associate degree, but you may need to pair it with relevant work experience in the field.

2. Build your experience.

Begin your career as an assistant construction manager to receive necessary training. In this role, you'll work under the guidance of an experienced manager to learn the operational nuances of a job site. This period of professional development can last from several months to a few years, depending on the specific requirements of your firm or client.

3. Develop key skills.

A successful construction manager must build technical and workplace leadership skills:

• Technical proficiency: Mastery of project management principles, deep knowledge of standard building codes, and familiarity with various construction practices and industry-specific software.

• Workplace leadership: Strong abilities in negotiation, risk management, and time management, alongside adaptability and clear communication.

4. Obtain professional certification.

To stand out as a candidate, it may be beneficial to become certified in your field. While not a mandatory requirement for employment, this certification validates your competency in specialized areas such as legal compliance, contract administration, and cost and quality management. Popular options include:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America. CMAA offers different combinations of education and experience. If you have an architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) degree, you will need four years of experience as RIC.

• Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). This requires a four-year construction management degree and four years of related experience.

• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). This requires eight years of experience if you haven't done the CAC. offers two levels of certification: 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.

• Certified Safety Manager-Construction (CSMC) from the National Association of Safety Professionals. This is for safety professionals who have demonstrated expertise in construction safety and health.

Construction manager career path

If you study construction management or work as a construction manager, you may have the opportunity to take on other, more specialized roles as your career advances. These include the following:

• A surveyor measures and determines property boundaries. In this position, you could prepare maps for clients, travel to find the precise locations of important landmarks, and verify data accuracy.

• The facilities manager oversees the daily operations of a building and how it is used, including security, communications, maintenance, and utilities.

• The building services engineer ensures that a building functions properly. This means maintaining current building standards as well as designing and implementing improvements for the building and its utilities and technologies.

• Site engineers are involved with the technical and organizational side of construction projects. This is a more specialized construction management role, focusing on time management, supervising staff, and providing technical advice.

• The sustainability consultant works to make buildings more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Reasons to become a construction manager

Being a construction manager can be a lucrative opportunity if you enjoy overseeing large projects. Let's review some of the benefits associated with this role.

1. Job opportunities are growing.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that US employment for construction managers will grow by nine percent between 2023 and 2033 [1], faster than the four 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 median total pay for a construction manager is $115,000 [2]. While salaries will vary depending on your experience level, location, and other factors, this job has strong 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 enjoy 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.

Learn about construction management on Coursera

Stay updated about construction management and other popular careers with our LinkedIn newsletter Career Chat. Or, check out the following digital resources:

• Find the right course: Which Management Course Should You Take?

• Watch on YouTube: Essential Skills for Career Success playlist

• Take a skill assessment: Measure your current skill level and uncover learning opportunities to help you grow

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