Construction Managers
O*NET 11-9021.00 · SOC 11-9021
Construction Manager is a strong career choice. Median pay is $115k a year with +9.1% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 49,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Plan and coordinate construction projects end to end
- →Manage subcontractors, suppliers, and on-site crews
- →Ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations
- →Control project budgets, schedules, and change orders
- →Inspect work quality and resolve construction issues
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Construction Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Construction Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Construction Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Construction Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Construction Managers is projected to grow 9.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Construction Manager make?
The median Construction Manager earns $115k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Construction Manager jobs?
Our model puts Construction Manager at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Construction Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 9.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 49,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Construction Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Construction Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Construction Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Construction Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes