PlanexAI

How to Become a Construction Manager

Plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $114,990 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.

Median pay

$114,990/yr

Typical range

$69,690 to $189,440

Job growth

7%

Openings / yr

46,800

Majors that lead here

Key skills

  • Project Management
  • Cost Estimation
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Safety Compliance
  • Scheduling

Helpful certifications

  • CCM (Certified Construction Manager)
  • PMP
  • OSHA 30-Hour

Is this career a fit?

Remote-friendly

8/100

Work-life balance

38/100

Stress level

68/100

Satisfaction

70/100

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Construction Manager make?

The median pay for a Construction Manager is $114,990 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $69,690 to $189,440, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to become a Construction Manager?

The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Business Administration.

Is Construction Manager a growing field?

The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 46,800 U.S. openings a year.

What skills does a Construction Manager use most?

Common skills for this role are Project Management, Cost Estimation, Blueprint Reading, Safety Compliance, and Scheduling.

Planning to become a Construction Manager?

Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.

Not sure this is right for you?

Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.

Take the major quiz

Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.