Every working professional dreams of holding a management position of some sort. This could include supervision of employees, control over project scheduling, or the overseeing of budgets. A construction management position is a combination of all three.
If you are considering a career in construction management, there is good news. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted steady growth in these jobs for the next 10 years. This position requires knowledge in the planning and implementation of project schedules, but many people have found it possible to rise through the ranks without a college degree.
Job Description
A construction manager oversees construction projects from beginning to end. He or she is responsible for offering subcontractor bids and ensuring that all costs associated with labor and materials does not exceed a budget. The scheduling of every phase of construction, from initial site work to final landscaping, is under the control of the project manager.
In other words, the job duties of a construction manager range from planning a project to cost estimating and awarding contracts to other companies. This type of position involves a thorough understanding of labor and materials costs; one of the primary responsibilities is making sure that the figures given to a financial institution for the purpose of securing a construction loan are accurate.
Education and Experience
If you are interested in a construction management position, the best experience you can get is on-the-job training. Although many technical schools offer management courses and degrees, there is no substitute for learning on the job. Many project managers spend several years as an employee of a subcontractor. Rough framing and roofing, painting, appliance installation, and interior design are just a few of the jobs subcontracted by the manager. These fields are rather easy to enter, and you will learn how different subcontractors collaborate to complete a project on time and on budget.
Cooperative education programs offer certification to people who demonstrate knowledge in the construction management field. This is not a required step in becoming a manager, but it should be considered. People who hold a certificate are more likely to get noticed by companies that are hiring for new construction projects.
Average Salary
Construction project managers are paid very well. The national average for this position in 2012 was approximately $90,000. Of course, this figure represents the average for all management positions, including those with years of experience. Most starting salaries are in the $60,000 range.
Job Security
For the most part, construction managers enjoy a high level of job security. This is because the position does not necessarily require exact knowledge of all phases of construction. A manager may, for instance, oversee a residential apartment complex project one year before moving on to manage the construction of a commercial warehouse the next.
This can be a very satisfying career for those who can demonstrate a talent for planning and implementation. If you are able to travel and put in the effort through on-the-job training, you can expect to earn a good living as a construction project manager.
