Construction Manager: Duties & Salary

by Willette Francis

The construction manager's role is critical and essential to the successful completion of a construction project, which is why the proper education and training is crucial. As the leader of a project, construction managers ensure that all manner of work is carried out efficiently and with utmost skill. Construction managers are instrumental in the construction of some of the most beloved buildings in major cities throughout the nation, from the Empire State Building to the Sears Tower, construction managers make these beautiful works of architecture possible.

What does a construction manager do?
Construction managers are responsible for seeing a construction project through from start to finish, including scheduling, coordinating, and hiring the right workers for the current job. There may also be times where the construction manager forgoes being responsible for a complete project and will only be responsible for part of it. Where construction managers are employed varies; they are either self-employed or work a salaried position for a construction company. Depending on their place of employment, construction managers are also known as project managers, constructors, construction superintendents, project engineers, program managers, construction supervisors, or general contractors. No matter the given title, they are all responsible for making sure a project runs smoothly, efficiently, on time, and, most importantly, on budget.

Construction sites often call for a team of workers to complete the job. This is where the construction manager's managerial skills come into play. In addition to managing workers, they also have to have working relationships with engineers, architects, and owners who are integral elements of the construction process. In general, the planning, scheduling, and designing are overseen by the construction manager. Larger projects are divided among construction managers and by project segments making it much easier to manage the project. Other activities that construction managers look after are cost estimation; acquisition of materials; selecting general and trade contractors; and assessing labor needs, including hiring and firing, and the progress of workers and contractors' individual projects at the construction site. Most of the work takes place out of a main office or a field office. Daily activities are decided on the job site and there may be times where the construction manager has to manage on-site in another state and possibly another country.

How much are construction managers paid and what kinds of construction manager jobs can I get?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for construction managers were $73,700 with the highest 10 percent earning over $135,780. Salaries for other construction managers, such as building equipment contractors, electrical contractors, non-residential building construction, exterior contractors, and residential contractors ranged from $69,000 to more than $75,000. These annual salaries may vary for those who are self-employed depending on the size of the company. The employment outlook looks very promising from now until 2016 and will be especially good for those with post-secondary degrees. Job titles for those performing duties and responsibilities related to construction managers include architects, civil engineers, cost estimators, landscape architects, engineering managers, and natural science managers. These workers have similar skill sets as construction managers.