Except for a few downturn years, a career in construction management has been stable for the past fifty years. Whether it has been residential, commercial, or industrial projects, construction management jobs have paid well and offered rewarding benefits.
If construction management is your career choice, select an accredited school and enroll in its program. An associate degree from a technical college is always a great choice.
What Is Construction Management?
Construction managers are professionals who design and/or construct houses and business buildings. They thrive in the overall planning, coordination, and control of projects from start to completion. Construction management typically consists of these other responsibilities:
- Meet clients’ expectations of their envisioned projects
- Meet quality, budget, and scheduling standards
- Supervise construction crews and hire subcontractors
- Work with inspectors, suppliers, and supervisors on projects
- Plan for tools, equipment, and building materials to complete projects
- Create backup plans for delays and shortages of labor and materials
- Obtain necessary codes, licenses, and permits for jobs
- Work onsite and in the office with construction software
Each construction project is different, and managers must be flexible and adaptable to work with many different clients, subcontractors, and suppliers. This career is both rewarding and challenging and may be the right one for you.
Demand For Construction Managers
The demand for construction managers and skilled workers is currently high. Many companies are experiencing shortages of qualified workers in all building trades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLM), these facts are current for construction managers:
| 2022 Median Pay | $101,480 (less for entry-level jobs) |
| Entry-Level Education | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree |
| On-The-Job Training | Ongoing training as needed |
| Number of Jobs in 2022 | 505,800 |
| Job Outlook 2022-2032 | 5% growth rate – faster than average |
| New Jobs Projected Each Year | 38,700 |
Construction managers must work with people from other countries who are here on work visas. Speaking a second language is a plus for managers and makes them more attractive to some employers. Companies look for managers who are good leaders and self-starters. If you can handle the challenges and stresses in this career, you will be well rewarded.
| “Except for a few downturn years, a career in construction management has been stable for the past fifty years.” |
Benefits And Challenges Of This Career
Every career has its pros and cons, or should we say benefits and challenges. Construction management has its share of them in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Managers typically enjoy good job security and competitive pay. There are also diverse workdays, work flexibility, and room for career advancement. This career allows you to work outdoors and work in different cities. Managers work with a variety of people such as worker crews, clients, suppliers, inspectors, and subcontractors.
There are also some challenges in construction management jobs. There are the elements of risk and danger, some stressful days, dealing with labor and material shortages, and some long and physically demanding days. Managers must also stay within the planned budgets and project completion dates.
Construction Management Career Paths
There are several career paths available for those who hold an associate degree and some construction work experience. The most common paths are new residential and residential remodeling managers. Other jobs and career paths include:
Construction Project Manager- General Contractor
- Commercial Construction Manager
- Industrial Construction Manager
- Self-Employed Contractor
- Building Inspector
- Project Estimator
- Highway Construction Manager
Managers with industry certifications have the best chance to acquire better jobs. Study for and pass the appropriate exams for your state to obtain certifications. Managers should also be licensed and bonded for the projects they take on. Your college student services office will help you select a career path and alert you to jobs you are interested in and qualified for.
Where To Obtain Construction Management Training
The fastest way to a career track in construction management is to earn an associate degree at a technical college. ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge offers an Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Construction Management. It can be completed in two years or less and will prepare you for entry-level jobs.
Our training program provides excellence in teaching in classroom settings, laboratory experiences, and field trips. The hands-on training lets students work with real-world tools and equipment and simulated job experiences.
Career services and financial aid are available (for those who qualify.) Learn more about this fascinating career and our training program. Talk to one of our admissions representatives today – you will be glad you did!
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
