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A career in construction management involves getting involved in construction projects from the initial idea until the project is completed. A construction manager can work for a company, with a company, or work as a consultant on a construction project. If you have an eye for detail and can work well individually as well as with a team, a construction management online degree can open a lot of doors for you.
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Basically, a construction manager is responsible for the remodeling, reconstructing, or building a physical structure. To successfully build a structure, a construction manager may work with architects, a construction crew, a company, or any other individual or business responsible for the project.
In essence, a building construction manager must be able to see the big picture—the finished product—as he or she plans different phases of the construction project, which means monitoring each phase of the project and ensuring that deadlines are met and budgets are adhered to.
Keep in mind that the construction of a structure is never a “straight line.” You may have to deal with inclement weather, interruptions in the construction schedule, cash flow problems, etc. To be a good construction manager means that you must be able to manage all areas of a project, as well as be on call in critical situations.
Educational Requirements for Construction Managers
Although an associate’s degree and several years of experience can often substitute for a bachelor’s degree, most construction managers opt to earn four-year degrees to be competitive in the field. A bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines is recommended:
• Construction Science
• Construction Management
• Building Science
• Civil Engineering
In addition to earning a degree, practical experience is required to become a construction manager. That’s why it is important to take an internship in college and get paid work experience to qualify for management positions.
Average Salaries for Construction Managers
While earnings for self-employed construction managers vary widely, here is a breakdown of average yearly earnings, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition:
Residential Building Construction $74,770
Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors $76,880
Other Specialty Trade Contractors $78,410
Nonresidential Building Construction $79,950
Building Equipment Contractors $81,590
As you can see, construction managers earn competitive yearly salaries. Independent contractors may earn much more than depicted above.
Earn an Online Construction Management Degree
If you enjoy working on a construction project from start to finish, consider earning a construction management degree online. If you’re currently working in the field, your experience coupled with your completed degree program will prepare you for this challenging career. For more information about earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management, visit the American Council for Construction Education website.
