Construction Managers
Description OES Code: 15017
Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Include specialized construction fields such as carpentry or plumbing. General Managers of large construction contracting firms should be reported as General Managers and Top Executives.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $23.37
25th Percentile $26.90
50th Percentile $34.20
75th Percentile $43.55

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $22.95
25th Percentile $26.30
50th Percentile $31.57
75th Percentile $35.87

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Construction managers must be "on call" often 24 hours a day, to deal with delays, bad weather, or emergencies at the site. Most work more than a standard 40-hour week because construction may proceed around-the-clock. This type of work schedule can go on for days, even weeks, to meet special project deadlines, especially if there are delays.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 23,700
Projected Employment 2008 29,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 24.1%
Separations 1998-2008 4,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 350
Projected Employment 2006 490
Percent Change 1998-2006 40%
Separations 1998-2006 50

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Construction managers work out of a main office from which the overall construction project is monitored, or out of a field office at the construction site. Management decisions regarding daily construction activities generally are made at the jobsite. Managers usually travel when the construction site is in another State or when they are responsible for activities at two or more sites. Management of overseas construction projects usually entails temporary residence in another country.

Although the work usually is not considered inherently dangerous, construction managers must be careful while touring construction sites. Managers must establish priorities and assign duties. They need to observe job conditions and be alert to changes and potential problems, particularly those involving safety on the jobsite and adherence to regulations.

Advancement
Advancement opportunities for construction managers vary depending upon an individual's performance, and the size and type of company for which they work. Within large firms, managers may eventually become top-level managers or executives. Highly experienced individuals may become independent consultants; some serve as expert witnesses in court or as arbitrators in disputes. Those with the required capital may establish their own construction management services, specialty contracting or general contracting firm.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Traditionally, persons advance to construction management positions after having substantial experience as construction craft workers, carpenters, masons, plumbers, or electricians, for example, or after having worked as construction supervisors or as owners of independent specialty contracting firms overseeing workers in one or more construction trades. However, more and more employers, particularly large construction firms hire individuals who combine industry work experience with a bachelor's degree in construction or building science or construction management.

Practical industry experience is very important, whether through internships, cooperative education programs, or tenure in the industry.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
In 1998, over 100 colleges and universities offered 4-year degree programs in construction management or construction science. These programs include courses in project control and development, site planning, design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, contract administration, accounting, business and financial management, building codes and standards, inspection procedures, engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, and information technology. Graduates from 4-year degree programs are usually hired as assistants to project managers, field engineers, schedulers, or cost estimators. An increasing number of graduates in related fields-- engineering or architecture, for example-- also enter construction management, often after having had substantial experience on construction projects or after completing graduate studies in construction management or building science.

Skills & Other Requirements
Construction managers need to understand contracts, plans, and specifications, and to be knowledgeable about construction methods, materials, and regulations. Familiarity with computers and software programs for job costing, scheduling, and estimating is increasingly important. Construction managers should be flexible and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. They should be decisive and work well under pressure, particularly when faced with unexpected occurrences or delays. The ability to coordinate several major activities at once, while analyzing and resolving specific problems, is essential, as is understanding engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings. Good oral and written communication skills are also important, as are leadership skills. Managers must be able to establish a good working relationship with many different people, including owners, other managers, design professionals, supervisors, and craft workers.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Civil Engineers, Architects

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)