The construction industry is a major force in the global economy, and it’s currently experiencing significant growth. With this growth comes a need for qualified professionals who can manage projects from start to finish. A career as a construction manager is perfect for those who are organized, love to solve problems and have an inclination for building things.
For those who consider this field, understanding the steps from entry-level to an executive position is important for a successful career. Formal education provides a solid base for a career in construction management. While it’s possible to rise through the ranks with only on-the-job experience, an online Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Arkansas State University is a significant advantage. This program is designed to teach students the basics of project control, cost estimation and construction methods.
Coursework includes subjects like construction physics, project management and business. It also has a hands-on internship that provides real-world experience before graduation. A master’s degree can be an excellent way to continue your education and increase earning potential, especially for those who aspire to senior-level or executive roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth of 9% for construction managers through 2034, which is much faster than the average.
Career Progression Timeline and Milestones
A successful construction manager career path typically follows a clear timeline, with specific roles and milestones that mark professional development. This progression usually looks like:
- Entry-level (0-5 years): Your career will likely begin as a project engineer, project coordinator or assistant superintendent. These roles are focused on learning the daily operations of a construction site. You’ll be responsible for tasks like preparing daily reports, assisting with scheduling, tracking project progress and reviewing submittals. The median salary for an entry-level professional is around $66,384 per year, though this can vary by location and company.
- Mid-level (5-10 years): After gaining more experience, you’ll be ready to become a construction project manager. In this role, you take on more responsibility, overseeing entire projects from inception to completion. You’ll manage budgets, coordinate teams, communicate with clients and make sure the work is completed on time. A mid-level construction manager can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $87,093 and upwards of $111,000.
- Senior-level (10+ years): With more than a decade of experience, you can move into roles like senior project manager or director of construction. These positions often involve managing multiple projects simultaneously or overseeing larger, more complex projects. You’ll mentor junior staff, handle contract negotiations and solve difficult problems. Senior managers can earn an average salary of $136,375 and upwards of $203,000 per year.
Essential Skills Development
To progress through the construction manager career path, you need to continuously improve your professional skills. While technical skills are important, your success will also depend on your interpersonal skills.
- Technical abilities: A mastery of project planning and scheduling software is non-negotiable. You also need to understand cost control, estimating and quality assurance. Staying current with new construction technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) is also important.
- People-based skills: Your ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including workers, architects and clients, is important. You’ll need to be a strong leader who can motivate teams, delegate tasks and resolve conflicts. Decision-making, problem-solving and adaptability are also highly valued, since you’ll run into unexpected problems on every project.
Specialization and Executive Leadership
The field of construction is massive, and finding a niche can greatly benefit your career. You can specialize in areas like residential, commercial or heavy civil construction. For example, a person focusing on commercial construction might oversee office buildings and retail spaces, while a civil specialist might work on bridges, roads, solar panels or public utilities. Each specialization has a different set of challenges and opportunities.
The final stage of the construction manager career path is transitioning into an executive leadership role, such as Vice President of Operations or even a C-suite position like Chief Operations Officer. This transition requires an even different set of talents. You’ll move away from daily project supervision and toward business strategy, financial management and company-wide decision-making. These roles are about meeting goals, expanding the business and building strong client relationships. Executive salaries can vary significantly: while the median average is $155,780, it can climb beyond $260,000, depending on the size of the company.
Becoming a construction manager takes continuous learning and growth. By knowing the educational requirements, following career progression and dedicating yourself to developing technical and personal skills, you can have a successful career from entry-level to the highest level of executive leadership.
Learn more about A-State’s online BS in Construction Management.