Professionals in construction management oversee various elements of the building process. These professionals help ensure construction teams build safe, efficient projects on time. Learning about the different career paths in construction management could help you determine which is best for your goals and interests. In this article, we list eight construction management career paths and answer some frequently asked questions to help you find your next position.
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What is construction management?
Construction management is the process of overseeing a building project. In this field, professionals can work in a variety of roles related to different stages of construction. They may help plan the initial designs, set project budgets and deadlines, or supervise a construction team. During these construction stages, they work to create new roads, bridges, residential buildings, and commercial buildings.
These management roles are leadership positions. Individuals in these careers typically have special training, education, or job experience that helps them lead construction project teams.
8 construction management career paths
If you are interested in a construction management position, consider the following career paths:
1. Field Engineer
National average salary: $71,090 per year
Primary duties: A field engineer is a professional who solves problems and analyzes efficiency within a project. They can specialize in a variety of industries, including construction. Construction field engineers may discuss a project’s needs with clients and an engineering team, help create new designs for large projects, and assess a project’s building process and systems. They may also review materials and make suggestions to improve efficiency.
2. Construction Superintendent
National average salary: $77,703 per year
Primary duties: A construction superintendent supervises the daily operations of a building project. They often work on a job site to oversee the building tasks. Their responsibilities typically include writing cost estimates for the construction project, creating work schedules for construction team members, and monitoring the building’s progress. They may also review the building’s quality to ensure it meets safety guidelines.
3. Sustainability consultant
National average salary: $78,655 per year
Primary duties: Sustainability consultants are environmental experts who analyze companies’ energy consumption and make suggestions. They may work during the construction process to help design environmentally friendly buildings. Their duties can include advising clients on sustainable choices, researching construction trends and analyzing construction materials.
4. Construction manager
National average salary: $78,965 per year
Primary duties: Construction managers are professionals who oversee the construction stage of a project. Their duties may include creating cost estimates, ordering materials, and managing the construction team members. They also work to ensure the team builds the project safely by reviewing local guidelines and regulations. They may also update the client or project owner and negotiate prices with subcontractors.
5. Construction project manager
National average salary: $81,358 per year
Primary duties: A construction project manager is responsible for all stages of a building project, from the initial design to the final production. Their duties include collaborating with clients to create project deadlines, managing a project budget, hiring team members, and monitoring progress. They may also prepare estimates for all parts of a project, including the marketing and land costs.
6. Site engineer
National average salary: $87,953 per year
Primary duties: A site engineer is a professional who manages certain parts of the construction process. Their duties include collaborating with land surveyors, reviewing the building plans and ensuring the building project meets safety regulations and specifications. They may also advise clients on job site locations and project designs.
7. General contractor
National average salary: $88,293 per year
Primary duties: General contractors are construction professionals who oversee a construction crew. They may work on residential or commercial building projects. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size of the project, but common duties include ensuring a building meets local safety guidelines, hiring subcontractors to complete tasks, and managing a team of professionals on the job site. They may also apply for building permits and collaborate with the client regarding the project’s progress.
8. Construction project director
National average salary: $92,210 per year
Primary duties: A construction project director is a professional who oversees large construction projects. They are responsible for managing all departments and teams, including other construction managers. Their duties can include dividing projects into smaller achievements, creating a timeline for all construction stages and delegating tasks to different project teams.
FAQ about working in construction management career paths
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about working in construction management:
What education do construction management professionals need?
The educational requirements can vary for different construction management career paths, but these positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. For smaller projects, it may be possible to become a construction manager or general contractor with an associate degree or high school diploma.
If you’re interested in a construction management career, a bachelor’s in engineering, architecture, or construction management may prepare you for these various roles.
What are the requirements for becoming a construction manager?
The requirements can vary depending on the job title, location, and project size. In some locations, construction managers need a license in architecture, design, or contracting. Consider checking the guidelines in your area to ensure you meet all career requirements.
Many companies require construction managers to have several years in construction or a related field. They may also require or prefer managers with a certificate. These are usually optional, but a certificate program can help you show employers you have trained in construction or project management. Possible certificates include:
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Associate Constructor Certification: Aspiring construction managers may earn this certificate through the American Institute of Constructors. This program helps show employers that the individual has trained in construction management.
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Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Professionals may earn this designation through the Construction Management Association of America. It shows potential employers that the individual has trained in construction management, budgeting, and cost estimation.
How long does it take to become a construction manager?
The time it takes to become a construction manager can vary depending on your area of focus, education, and training. For most positions, individuals need a four-year bachelor’s degree and at least one year of professional experience under the supervision of a senior manager. Some roles may hire professionals with a high school diploma or associate if they have five or more years of professional construction experience.
I hope you find this article helpful.
