Construction Management Salary: How Much Do Construction Managers Make?
If you're pursuing a career in construction management, you may be wondering: How much do construction managers make? What kind of salaries can you expect? And is a degree in construction management worth it?
This guide will answer these questions by exploring construction manager salaries, career opportunities, and industry trends, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, and Indeed to provide the most up-to-date salary insights and job outlook information.
What Is Construction Management?
Construction management oversees projects at all stages, from planning and budgeting to execution and quality control. Professionals in this field ensure that projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing personnel and resources.
- Planning project timelines and budgets.
- Coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors.
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
According to Adeeba Raheem, assistant professor of construction management at UTEP, the industry is highly collaborative: "You cannot work in silos." For this reason, strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Construction Management Salary: How Much Do Construction Managers Make?
As of May 2023, construction managers earned a median annual salary of $104,900. This means half of the professionals in the field made more, while the other half made less. Salaries ranged from under $64,480 for the lowest 10% to over $172,040 for the top 10%.
Construction manager salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry sector. Below is a breakdown of average wages for key positions in construction management.
Careers in Construction Management and Their Salaries
1. Construction Project Director ($151,508)
Responsible for ensuring projects meet quality and timeline expectations. Duties include risk management, securing permits, and overseeing supervisors.
2. General Contractor ($98,339)
Supervises daily operations on commercial and residential projects. Manages subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers.
3. Construction Cost Estimator ($93,873)
Analyzes costs of materials, labor, and equipment. Strong analytical and budgeting skills are required.
4. Construction Superintendent ($87,425)
Oversees projects from start to finish, ensuring compliance, budgeting, and site safety.
5. Construction Inspector ($72,978)
Ensures projects follow building codes, safety regulations, and zoning laws.
Factors That Influence Construction Manager Wages
- Education: A degree in construction management can significantly impact salary potential.
- Experience: Senior roles like project director command higher salaries.
- Location: States with higher construction demand offer competitive wages.
- Industry: Commercial and government projects often pay more than residential projects.
Construction Manager Salary by State
Below is a comparison of average salaries in different U.S. states:
Is a Master's in Construction Management Worth It?
If you're looking to advance your career and maximize your salary, a master's degree in construction management can be a valuable investment.
But is a construction management degree worth it? For many professionals, the answer is yes. With growing demand for skilled managers and competitive salaries in the industry, earning this degree can open doors to leadership roles and higher earning potential.
Today, you don’t have to put your obligations on hold to earn your master’s degree and advance your career. With an online master’s program, you can study while you work.
Hearing from our students can give you insight into what your experience in an online program might be like.
"I wanted to get more career options and greater freedom to build whatever I want, wherever I want. With this degree, I am able to join any project at any phase of the job." - Nathanael Rodriguez, Student, Master of Science in Construction Management.
Benefits of a Construction Management Degree
- Higher earning potential: Access to senior roles with six-figure salaries.
- Increased job opportunities: Preferred by large firms and government agencies.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and professionals.
UTEP’s 100% online M.S. in Construction Management is designed for students with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, business, and related fields. Whether you want career advancement or change, this program offers flexibility and industry-relevant skills.
