Skills Needed for the Highest-Paying Construction Management Jobs

Construction managers are among the highest-paid and in-demand construction positions in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 46,200 new construction management positions will become available between 2018 and 2028. At a 10% growth rate, that’s higher than the national average.

If you’re seeking a position as a construction manager, you will be well-compensated and have opportunities for growth while learning on the job. However, there are skill requirements for such a coveted position that you should be aware of.

In this article, we will guide you through the typical job responsibilities, how much you can expect to make, and what qualifications or skills you will need to succeed as a construction manager. Continue reading to learn more.

Construction managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from start to finish. Due to the nature of the job, construction managers usually conduct their business in-office and out on the field at construction sites.

Some in-office responsibilities include:

• Coordinating cost estimates, budgets, and construction timetables
• Preparing project plans
• Analyzing construction methods
• Obtaining work permits
• Hiring building specialists (such as architects, engineers, etc.) who will assist in the planning and execution of each project
• Reporting construction progress to clients
• Scheduling walk-throughs of construction projects for clients

While in the field, construction managers supervise the project and instruct others to execute tasks. Responsibilities in the field may include:

• Overseeing and resolving on-site emergencies
• Assessing the project’s progress by interacting with team members
• Responding to work delays
• Ensuring that building, safety, and legal regulations are followed

Depending on the location and type of project, construction managers may be required to travel frequently and work long, irregular hours. This is especially true for managers responsible for more than one project at a time. In general, the position requires a high level of communication with one’s team and clients.

Because of the skill level required, high demand, long hours, and numerous responsibilities, construction managers are the most well-paid position in the construction industry.

The national 2019 median pay for construction managers was $95,260 per year, or $45.80 per hour, with the lowest 10% earning less than $56,140, and the highest 10% earning upward of $164,790.

In addition to their salary, construction managers can earn bonuses, which is contingent on the number of projects they manage in a given year. Even better news for aspiring construction managers is that the national average salary is trending upward, as it was $93,370 in 2018.

These are the fields in which construction managers command the top average salaries:

• Heavy and civil engineering construction ($98,870)
• Nonresidential building construction ($97,100)
• Specialty trade contractors ($92,710)
• Residential building construction ($85,800)

It’s worth noting that the employment of construction managers can be negatively impacted by an economic downturn, as seen during and after the Great Recession. When the demand for new construction falls, construction managers may experience extended periods of unemployment or inactivity.

However, there are reasons for optimism. With the population growing, national infrastructure redevelopment projects underway, and increasingly popular initiatives to renovate outdated buildings to be more energy-efficient, the national demand for construction is expected to increase over the next decade.

With this increased demand, firms will need knowledgeable construction managers to oversee these projects to ensure they are completed on time and under budget.

It is not unheard of for someone with a high school diploma to become a construction manager after gaining years of practical experience in related fields.

However, with construction technology and processes becoming more complex, construction managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree for consideration.

Job seekers who combine construction experience with degrees in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering are especially desirable and have the best job outlook.

Although not required, you can stand out from other job candidates by earning certifications:

• The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) offers the Certified Construction Manager distinction and a construction manager-in-training program.
• The American Institute of Constructors offers Associate Constructor and Certified Professional Constructor distinctions to those who have the required professional experience and pass the examination.

Some states, such as California, require construction managers to obtain a license to operate. It is recommended that you check with your state licensing board to determine if you will need one.

If you are hired and new to the construction management position, your role may be to assist a more experienced manager. Under this apprenticeship, you will be expected to learn management techniques over the course of several months or years.

Regardless of education, level of experience, or area of specialty, construction management is a demanding position. There are a number of critical skills that any construction manager must possess to be successful, including:

• Analytical skills. Construction managers are responsible for planning the overall project strategy, handling unexpected delays, and solving any unforeseen problems that may arise over the course of a project’s development. Managers may also need to know how to use cost-estimating and planning software to form an accurate estimation of the cost, materials, and time required for a given project’s completion.
• Budgeting skills. While construction managers coordinate with professional cost estimators, they also need to be skilled in contract management. Hiring the appropriate staff and forging relationships with vendors are important skills for maintaining a project’s budget. Construction managers may also need to be able to process invoices from subcontractors and issue invoices to clients as needed.
• Time management skills. The construction manager is responsible for making sure every deadline is met so that each phase of a project’s construction can proceed in a timely manner. Construction managers working on multiple projects must be able to effectively manage their own time spent between job sites.
• Team management skills. Construction management is a collaborative job. In addition to making hiring decisions, managers will be responsible for coordinating with, supervising, and motivating their personnel through all phases of development.
• Customer service skills. Construction managers must be able to maintain good relationships with their firm’s owner(s), clients, and inspectors.
• Oral and written communication skills. Construction managers need to give clear orders, explain complicated information to their personnel and clients, and discuss technical details with building specialists. Construction managers must write proposals, plans, and budgets. Additionally, they provide clients and their firm’s owners with documented progress of their work.
• Leadership skills. Construction managers will be in charge of effectively delegating responsibilities and tasks to their personnel to achieve a project’s realization.
• Technical skills. Construction managers must have up-to-date knowledge of construction methods and technologies, as well as the ability to understand contracts, technical drawings (from an architect, for example), and specifications.
• Risk management skills. Construction managers need to understand and promote firm, industry, and government safety practices and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

Now that you know that you have the skills and qualifications for the highest-paying jobs in construction management, Joblist can help you find the perfect position with companies that are hiring right now.

You can check out construction manager positions in your preferred location, and Joblist will make the process easy by compiling all of the hottest jobs available in your area. Refine your search further by your desired income, benefits, or the type of company you are seeking.

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