Carpenter
Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.
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Skilled Trades & Construction career
Construction Manager
Also called: Project Manager (Construction) · Construction Superintendent · General Contractor · Site Manager
What construction managers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a construction manager do?
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects, managing schedules, subcontractors, safety, quality and communication with owners and architects. The median pay is $114,990 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus field experience, and employment is projected to grow +9.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$114,990$55.28/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+9.1%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year49,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years plus field experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs609,100Employment, 2025
What construction managers do
Construction managers make sure buildings, roads and other projects are finished safely, on time and on budget. They prepare estimates and schedules, hire and coordinate subcontractors, manage submittals, requests for information and change orders, track costs, and run job site meetings. Superintendents focus on daily field operations, while project managers handle the contract, budget and client relationship.
Most construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or architecture, but many rise from the trades after years of field experience. Credentials such as the CCM, PMP and OSHA 30 help. It is one of the best-paying careers in construction, with strong demand as infrastructure and building spending grows.
Typical duties
- Prepare cost estimates, budgets and schedules
- Select and coordinate subcontractors
- Manage submittals, RFIs and change orders
- Run job site and owner meetings
- Monitor safety, quality and code compliance
- Track costs and progress and report to owners
- Close out projects with punch lists and documentation
Work environment and schedule
Construction managers split time between job site trailers and offices. They walk active sites in all weather, wearing PPE, and spend significant time on computers and phones.
Schedule: Most work full-time, often more than 40 hours a week, with early starts and pressure around deadlines.
A day in the life
- Walk the site with the superintendent and check the three-week look-ahead schedule.
- Lead the daily coordination meeting with trade foremen.
- Review and send submittals for mechanical equipment to the architect.
- Price a change order for added electrical work requested by the owner.
See a full day in the life of a construction manager →
Construction Manager salary
Half of construction managers earned more than $114,990 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $69,690 for the lowest 10% to $189,440 for the top 10%.
Full construction manager pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a construction manager
- Get education or field experience
- Start as an assistant
- Learn estimating and scheduling
- Earn credentials
- Manage projects
Most construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture or a related field. Some advance from skilled trades with years of experience and coursework. Associate degrees and certificates help superintendents move into management.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a construction manager →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Cost estimating
- Scheduling (CPM)
- Contract management
- Blueprint reading
- Construction safety
People skills
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Decision making
All construction manager skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay and leadership responsibility
- Variety: every project is different
- Strong demand
- Path for tradespeople to advance
Cons
- Long hours and deadline pressure
- Responsibility for safety and budgets
- Juggling many people and problems
- Weather and supply delays
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Credential from the Construction Management Association of America.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Project management certification from PMI.
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction: Safety training expected of supervisors.
- LEED Accredited Professional: Credential for green building projects.
Career path
- Project Engineer or Assistant Superintendent: Handle RFIs, submittals and field tasks.
- Project Manager or Superintendent: Run projects in the office or field.
- Senior Project Manager: Lead larger or multiple projects.
- Director of Construction or Owner: Lead operations or a construction firm.
Learn the job before day one
Our Construction Manager training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a weekly subcontractor coordination meeting and process a change order, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Compare: Construction Manager vs. Carpenter · Construction Manager vs. Building Inspector · Construction Manager vs. Project Manager · Construction Manager vs. Civil Engineer
Construction Manager FAQ
Do you need a degree to be a construction manager?
A bachelor’s degree is typical, but many managers advance from the trades with experience and training.
What’s the difference between a superintendent and a project manager?
Superintendents run daily field work; project managers handle contracts, budgets and client communication.
What certification helps most?
The CCM and PMP are widely recognized, and OSHA 30 is expected for field leaders.
How much does a construction manager make?
The median annual wage for construction managers was $114,990 ($55.28 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $69,690 and the highest 10% earned more than $189,440.
How long does it take to become a construction manager?
Most people need about 4 years plus field experience of training. Most construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture or a related field. Some advance from skilled trades with years of experience and coursework. Associate degrees and certificates help superintendents move into management.
Do you need a degree to be a construction manager?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many construction managers move up from the trades as foremen and superintendents, adding estimating, scheduling and safety skills and credentials such as the CCM or PMP.
More construction manager questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9021 (Construction managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Construction managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.