Career Overview

Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from beginning to completion. They help manage schedules, budgets, materials, workers, subcontractors, quality, and safety, while working with clients, architects, engineers, and other professionals to keep projects on track.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in construction management, construction science, engineering, architecture, business, or a related field is a common pathway. Some people advance into construction management after gaining substantial experience in a construction trade or other construction role. Practical experience, internships, and on-the-job training can be valuable preparation. Requirements vary by location.

Future Outlook

Construction managers should continue to be needed as communities build, renovate, and maintain homes, businesses, public facilities, and infrastructure. Growing construction activity, major infrastructure projects, building renovations, and increasingly complex construction technology are creating ongoing demand for people who can coordinate projects effectively.

Work Environment

Construction managers divide their time between offices and construction sites. They may visit several sites, coordinate teams, solve problems, review progress, and make decisions about schedules, materials, budgets, and safety. The work can involve long hours when projects have tight deadlines.

Recommended High School Courses

• Business
• Communication
• Construction Management
• Computer-aided Design Competency
• Mathematics
• Blueprint reading
• Construction safety