What Is Construction Management?

Published on: April 15, 2025

If you’re passionate about the construction industry, hands-on projects, teamwork, and coordinating complex tasks, a career in construction management might be perfect for you. Construction managers plan construction projects from start to finish. These highly trained, skilled professionals use their knowledge of construction budgeting and coordination to help bring complex construction projects to a successful conclusion.

Before making your decision to pursue a career in this field, read on to explore what construction management entails and how to become a construction manager.

What Does a Construction Manager Do?

Simply put, construction managers plan and supervise construction projects. They play an integral role in construction activities. Without these professionals, construction crews would struggle to complete projects to the satisfaction of their clients.

Project Planning and Scheduling

A construction manager is a project owner who maps projects from beginning to completion. Timing is crucial in construction projects, so construction managers are scheduling experts. They understand how to organize activities and choose the correct sequence of tasks in each construction project.

Budgeting and Cost Management

Budget management is a particular challenge in construction. Fluctuating material costs, change orders, labor costs and more can all affect construction budgets. Going over budget in a construction project can lead to delays and even project failure — making budgeting critical to project success. Construction managers leverage their detailed knowledge of construction sequencing and problem-solving to control construction costs while meeting the needs of their clients.

Quality Control and Compliance

Construction managers are highly skilled at quality management. It’s their job to maintain quality while working within a budget. To do this, construction managers must know construction methods and building codes, how to work with various materials and more. They supervise construction projects at every stage to ensure quality.

Contractor and Team Coordination

Construction managers work with the general contractor and workers on the construction site to coordinate every step of the project. Managers coordinate communication and help ensure that each team onsite is working together to meet project goals and timelines. Since contractor teams are often onsite at different times, and change orders can affect the project at every stage, construction managers must be advanced team coordinators.

Risk Management and Problem-Solving

Risk management is the process of identifying and mitigating risks. Construction managers continuously identify risks throughout projects — from cost to safety to scheduling challenges — and apply strategic problem-solving skills to mitigate them. They use their detailed knowledge of occupational safety and regulations to keep projects moving while keeping workers safe.

Key Skills for Construction Management

Construction managers need a core set of skills to do their jobs effectively. Many of these competencies can be taught in school and strengthened through their years on construction sites.

Strong Leadership and Communication

Construction managers must work with clients, construction crews, general contractors, architects, and other stakeholders. They assume a leadership role in these projects to ensure that the project continues, despite any obstacles to successful completion.

Effective communication is essential to their role, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle. In addition, construction managers need confidence in their knowledge of construction projects so they can provide guidance to stakeholders.

Technical Knowledge of Construction Practices

Construction managers must draw upon their technical knowledge of the construction process, including:

The ability to read and interpret blueprints

Knowledge of building codes

Familiarity with civil engineering

The ability to use power tools and operate heavy machinery

Many construction managers gain experience working on construction sites before they secure a construction manager role. They also benefit from a college degree to help them think critically about construction practices and apply that knowledge in real-world settings.

Time Management and Organization

Time management and organization skills are essential for construction managers. They spend their time going from one construction site to another, holding meetings, answering emails and text messages, taking phone calls and producing plans for each project. Their day may include many interruptions and transitions from one setting to another. Without the proper time management and organization skills, construction managers would not be able to keep up with their workload.

Financial and Budgeting Skills

Construction managers need practical financial knowledge to help them create project budgets and stick to them. Project budgets are complex, with many moving parts, so construction managers must be able to realistically develop and stay on budget throughout projects.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

Of course, issues frequently arise during construction projects — and when they do, construction managers must be flexible and able to solve problems as they develop to help keep projects moving.

Is Construction Management a Good Career?

Employment prospects for construction managers look promising. If you enjoy working with teams, solving problems and completing projects, then a construction management job may be an ideal career choice. According to the outlook from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

There were 520,900 construction manager jobs in the U.S. in 2023.

Approximately 45,800 construction manager jobs are expected to become available each year through 2033.

The construction industry is poised to keep growing through 2033, with availability for construction manager positions projected to grow 9%.

The median pay for a construction manager was $104,900 per year in 2023.

How to Become a Construction Manager

For those aspiring to a career in construction management, several key steps will help you build the necessary qualifications and experience.

Earn a Relevant Degree

Many construction companies expect their construction managers to hold a bachelor’s degree either in construction management or in a construction-related field.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Managers in the construction industry are expected to have hands-on experience working in construction and a general familiarity with construction work.

Obtain Industry Certifications

Many institutions offer industry certifications that can establish your skills for a position in construction management. Obtaining these credentials helps build core competencies while showing your enthusiasm for the role. Look to organizations like the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the American Institute of Constructors.

Develop Leadership and Technical Skills

Construction managers develop leadership and technical skills through education and experience. In school, consider participating in student organizations where you hone teamwork and leadership abilities. On the construction site, volunteer to learn new technical skills when the opportunity arises.

Build a Professional Network

Join organizations like the CMAA to build a professional network. The more people you know, the easier you can develop professionally, access resources and advance your career down the road.

Other Career Opportunities With a Construction Management Degree

Aside from the role title of construction manager, there exist various other opportunities for people who complete a construction management degree.

Project Manager

Construction project managers manage individual projects from start to completion. Project managers make budgets, develop timelines, outline project scope and more.

Site Supervisor

Construction site supervisors oversee construction activities on construction sites. These professionals ensure that workers operate safely and efficiently on the job site.

Estimator

Construction estimators help produce accurate bids for construction projects before they begin. These professionals assess and predict construction costs.

Construction Engineer

Construction engineers manage construction projects to ensure they’re built according to the plans provided. Construction engineers may also oversee the project budget and communication.

Facilities Manager

Construction facilities managers oversee and coordinate construction activities on the construction site like maintenance, inspections, and quality checks and more.