How to become construction managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$114,990

25th–75th pct. $88,550–$151,640

Top pay (est.)

$246,300

Top 10% $189,440

Pay in 5 years

$135,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$158,900est.

$136,600–$184,400

Outlook score

79/100

★★★★☆ Good

AI replacement risk

46%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+9.1%

50K openings / yr

How to become construction managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Construction Managers

Key skills

Monitoring

4.5

Coordination

4.5

Judgment and Decision Making

4.4

Critical Thinking

4.4

Reading Comprehension

4.2

Time Management

4.1

Complex Problem Solving

4.1

Management of Financial Resources

4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction

5.8

Administration and Management

5.0

Administrative

4.9

Mechanical

4.8

Engineering and Technology

4.8

Customer and Personal Service

4.7

Design

4.7

Production and Processing

4.7

What the work involves

Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsScheduling Work and Activities

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionVisualizationDeductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInformation Ordering

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

40%

Post-secondary certificate

15%

High school diploma

15%

Associate's degree

10%

Some college

10%

Master's degree

Less than high school

Training before entry

4–10 years

30%

None / short demo

20%

6–12 months

15%

2–4 years

10%

Up to 1 month

10%

Over 10 years

1–2 years

1–3 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

20%

1–2 years

15%

6–8 years

15%

8–10 years

15%

None

10%

2–4 years

10%

6–12 months

10%

Over 10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as construction managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.