What does a construction manager do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects from start to finish. They typically need a bachelor's degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field, and work experience matters a great deal, especially for people who qualify without a four-year degree.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 11-9021.00 (Construction Managers) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Licensing | Some states require licensing |
| Median annual wage | $114,990 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 9 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 609,100 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 49,700 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a construction manager do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Prepare cost estimates, budgets and work timetables.
- Interpret and explain contracts and technical information to other professionals.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers and other construction specialists.
- Select subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities.
- Monitor projects and report progress and budget matters to the construction firm and clients.
- Respond to work delays, emergencies and other problems with the project.
- Ensure that the project complies with legal requirements, such as building and safety codes.
Work environment
Largest employers by share of jobs: Self-employed workers 38 percent; specialty trade contractors 17 percent; nonresidential building construction 15 percent; residential building construction 9 percent; heavy and civil engineering construction 8 percent. Most construction managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week, including extra hours near deadlines and on-call time for emergencies. They may also earn bonuses, which depend on the amount of business they generate.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Construction managers typically need a bachelor's degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field. Some earn an associate's degree in construction management or construction technology, which combined with experience may suffice for managing small projects.
- Training and experience: Newly hired managers typically work under an experienced manager for up to one year, though some firms' training lasts several years. Experience is important, especially without a bachelor's degree, and qualifying through experience alone generally requires many years in carpentry, masonry or other construction specialties.
- Licensing and certification: Some states require construction managers to be licensed; CareerOneStop lists requirements. Professional certification is not required but demonstrates a level of knowledge and experience.
Skills that matter
The OOH names analytical skills, business skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills and technical skills. O*NET lists the knowledge, skills and tasks for this occupation in its Construction Managers summary.
How much do construction managers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $114,990 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,690 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $189,440.
Median annual wage by industry, May 2025 (BLS):
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Nonresidential building construction | $126,690 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | $124,430 |
| Specialty trade contractors | $104,100 |
| Residential building construction | $98,390 |
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for more detail. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 49,700 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Choose a route. Compare a bachelor's degree with an associate's degree plus site experience, and ask what your state requires for licensing.
- Document projects. Budgets, schedules, subcontractor coordination and code compliance are the duties employers look for. Give project sizes and outcomes on your resume.
- Consider certification. It is not required but can show knowledge and experience.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec. Our career change resume guide helps if you are moving up from a trade.
Related occupations
Architects; Architectural and engineering managers; Civil engineers; Cost estimators; Landscape architects; Project management specialists.
Related guides on LiveRec: civil engineers, project managers, carpenters.
Frequently asked questions
Do construction managers need a degree? A bachelor's degree is typical, but experience is important, and an associate's degree plus experience may suffice for small projects.
Do construction managers need a license? Some states require it. Check your state's rules.
How much do construction managers make? BLS reports a median of $114,990 per year as of May 2025.
Is construction management in demand? BLS projects 9 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction Managers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Construction Managers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9021.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.