How to Become a Construction Manager?
Are you thinking of becoming a Construction Manager or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Construction Manager, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Construction Manager job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Construction Manager
If you're considering starting your Construction Manager career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Construction Manager and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Construction Manager career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Construction Manager career path, a Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Construction Manager internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Construction Manager?
77% of people working as a Construction Manager earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Construction Manager?
- Cost Estimates
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Outlook
- Reviews
- Quantity Surveying
- Effective Communication
- Excellent Organizational
- Written Communication
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Construction Manager, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Construction Manager field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Construction Manager specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Construction Manager
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Construction Manager. In general, you can become a Construction Manager after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Construction Manager role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified construction manager.4
Advance in Your Construction Manager Career
Following entry-level, there are several Construction Manager career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Construction Manager to progress to the senior construction manager position. Each advanced Construction Manager position requires approximately 5 years of experience at each level to advance in your Construction Manager career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Construction Manager career path.5
Continued Education for Your Construction Manager Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Construction Manager career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in engineering can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $136,270 compared to $54,588 for those without that type of degree.Construction Manager Career Path
Construction Manager
5 - 7Years of Experience
$84K - $132K /yrMost Likely Range
20% advanced to
Senior Construction Manager
2 - 4Years of Experience
$109K - $175K /yrMost Likely Range
Construction Manager IV
5 - 7Years of Experience
$90K - $147K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Construction Manager Career Path
Construction Manager I
Construction Manager
Senior Construction Manager
Construction Manager Manager
Construction Manager IV
Senior Manager of Construction Management
Construction Manager V
Deputy Director of Construction Management
Head Construction Manager
Vice President of Construction Management
Senior Vice President of Construction Management
Chief Construction Manager
$50K
$132K
$214K
$296K
$460K
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Related Careers in the Skilled Labor & Manufacturing Industry
Interested in other Skilled Labor & Manufacturing careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Construction Manager skills. Discover some of the most common Construction Manager career transitions, along with skills overlap.