How to Become a Construction Project Manager?
Are you thinking of becoming a Construction Project Manager or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Construction Project 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 Project Manager job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Construction Project Manager
If you're considering starting your Construction Project Manager career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Construction Project Manager and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Construction Project Manager career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Construction Project Manager career path, a Bachelor's Degree in civil 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 Project 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 Project Manager?
92% of people working as a Construction Project Manager earned a Bachelor's Degree
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Construction Project Manager, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Construction Project Manager field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Construction Project Manager specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Construction Project Manager
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Construction Project Manager. In general, you can become a Construction Project Manager after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Construction Project Manager role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified construction manager.4
Advance in Your Construction Project Manager Career
Following entry-level, there are several Construction Project Manager career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Construction Project Manager to progress to the senior construction project manager position. Each advanced Construction Project Manager position requires approximately 5 years of experience at each level to advance in your Construction Project 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 Project Manager career path.5
Continued Education for Your Construction Project Manager Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Construction Project Manager career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in civil engineering can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $142,972 compared to $55,994 for those without that type of degree.Construction Project Manager Career Path
Construction Project Manager
5 - 7Years of Experience
$100K - $165K /yrMost Likely Range
17% advanced to
Senior Construction Project Manager
2 - 4Years of Experience
$93K - $153K /yrMost Likely Range
Principal Construction Project Manager
No Years of Experience Reports
$96K - $160K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Construction Project Manager Career Path
Construction Project Manager I
Construction Project Manager
Senior Construction Project Manager
Construction Project Management Manager
Principal Construction Project Manager
Director of Construction Project Management
Vice President of Construction Project Management
$50K
$96K
$142K
$188K
$280K
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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 Project Manager skills. Discover some of the most common Construction Project Manager career transitions, along with skills overlap.