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Construction Manager

Run a construction project: the budget, the schedule, and the trades on site.

What it pays in the U.S.

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

Median pay (national)$114,990about $55.28 an hour
Typical range$69,690 – $189,440lowest to highest tenth of earners
Usual way inBachelor's degreethen 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

Wage figures are 2025 survey data for United States, shown nationally because no state figure was reported. They describe what people in this job earn now, not what any one person will be offered.

Demand in United StatesBright outlook

Employment is projected to change 9% between 2024 and 2034. About 46,800 openings are projected each year. CareerOneStop flags this career for: Rapid Growth.

What the work actually is

  • Evaluate construction methods and determine cost-effectiveness of plans, using computer models.
  • Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
  • Develop or implement environmental protection programs.
  • Contract or oversee craft work, such as painting or plumbing.
  • Develop or implement environmental protection programs.
  • Develop or implement quality control programs.

Read the full Occupational Outlook Handbook entry from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Licensing, by state

Licensing is set by each state, so there is no national answer. Choose a state above to see which licenses it requires for this career, or look one up with the CareerOneStop License Finder.

Certifications employers recognize

These are national certifications, issued by industry bodies rather than a state. Most are optional, but they are how you prove skill to an employer.

Apprenticeships, by state

Registered apprenticeships pay you while you train. Each state runs its own registration office, which is where to start when you want to find an open program.

Choose a state above to see the offices that register apprenticeships there.

Search open programs directly at apprenticeship.gov.

Now find the schools.

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