Is Construction Management a Good Career?

Although the pandemic hit the construction industry hard throughout 2020, it is rebounding fiercely with demand for housing soaring. Building permits, housing starts, and housing completions have increased over the last year and experts predict a boom in commercial construction of at least 40 percent. If you’ve ever wondered about entering the construction management field, now may be the perfect time to start building your career.

Demand for Construction Managers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for construction management jobs is expected to increase much faster than average through 2030. And those already in the profession are earning well, with a median salary of nearly $100,000.

A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America found a shortage of construction managers. Construction Managers are in short supply as a result of a rebounding economy, an aging workforce, and a dwindling supply of new talent. During the 2008 recession, many construction workers decided to pursue other career paths and never returned to the field. Other possible reasons for the shortage include a lack of planning for the future, and cuts in budgets that result in fewer trainees. More than 40 percent of leaders in the industry considered a lack of field managers as a top risk for the industry. That risk could be your reward.

What Do Construction Managers Do?

It’s only a good time to enter the field of Construction Management if the job suits your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. As a Construction Manager, you would plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Your responsibilities might include:

• Plan the construction project with timelines and milestones
• Follow the architect’s and engineer’s plans and make sure the new building complies with all specifications
• Hire construction workers or arrange for subcontractors
• Negotiate the contract with the building owner
• Obtain work permits
• Ensure compliance with local and federal building codes
• Arrange for the proper onsite equipment
• Follow all safety regulations for the construction workers
• Use Construction Management software to track progress
• Ensure the project comes in on time and on budget
• Alert the building owner of any issues that will increase costs or extend the time needed to finish
• Provide progress reports and include photos

Construction managers may have a main office but spend most of their time in a field office onsite, where they monitor projects and make decisions about construction activities.

What Degree Would You Need to Be a Construction Manager?

Before you can enter the field, you’ll need to earn your degree in Construction Management. Large construction firms increasingly prefer candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field. Construction Managers might work for a construction contracting firm, government agency or an architectural or engineering firm, and many are self-employed. If you want to run your own construction business someday, you will also need to learn how to market your services and bid on construction jobs.

Do you already work in a construction-related career? Now’s the time to improve your credentials and move up the ladder to management. With an online program, you could stay on the job and attend your classes when it’s convenient. Be sure to ask if your employer offers any type of tuition reimbursement.

At National American University, we offer an online Associate and Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a construction or a business field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or click learn more to start to build a better career.