Construction Managers
Construction managers plan and oversee building projects from start to finish, coordinating schedules, budgets, and workers through supervisory staff. They work on diverse projects including commercial buildings, infrastructure, and facilities maintenance. Most construction managers split time between job sites and offices.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against construction managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A construction manager's week typically involves reviewing project schedules and budgets, inspecting work progress on site, meeting with contractors and subcontractors, and resolving logistical issues. Days often include office work managing documentation and permits alongside time spent at construction sites monitoring quality and safety. Problem-solving and coordination with multiple teams occupy much of the work.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to thrive if you enjoy organizing complex projects and making systematic decisions. You like taking charge of operations, keeping things running efficiently, and working within structured processes. Success typically comes to those who combine hands-on attention to detail with the ability to lead and direct others.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Senior Sourcing Manager (PDS/Construction) · JLL · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $130,000–$165,000
- Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary · National Institute of Standards and Technology · Gaithersburg, Maryland · $85447–$187093
- Construction Manager · BJ's Wholesale Club · United States · Remote
- General Manager, Construction · Flex · United States · Remote
- General Manager, Construction · Flex · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $108,890 | $155,360 | $197,010 | 10,280 |
| Washington | $130,010 | $155,070 | $177,990 | 6,010 |
| Massachusetts | $127,020 | $145,010 | $173,520 | 9,870 |
| Alaska | $121,290 | $139,190 | $171,370 | 1,720 |
| New Jersey | $110,230 | $138,230 | $177,150 | 6,910 |
| California | $102,780 | $133,160 | $168,070 | 34,750 |
| Delaware | $105,320 | $132,150 | $168,950 | 610 |
| Oregon | $97,270 | $131,420 | $165,350 | 4,300 |
| New Hampshire | $101,340 | $129,260 | $157,400 | 660 |
| Hawaii | $101,450 | $128,910 | $159,440 | 2,890 |
| Maryland | $97,490 | $128,330 | $161,450 | 5,770 |
| District of Columbia | $103,660 | $126,430 | $161,240 | 1,250 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) — Construction Manager Certification Institute
- Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) — Construction Specifications Institute
- Concrete Construction Special Inspector — American Concrete Institute International
- Construction Foreman — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Construction Workforce Development Professional — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) — Construction Specifications Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 6 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against construction managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.