Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.

Many construction managers have a main office, but spend most of their time working out of a field office at a construction site, where they monitor the project and make daily decisions about construction activities. The need to meet deadlines and respond to emergencies often requires construction managers to work many hours.

Large construction firms increasingly prefer candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field. Although individuals with a high school diploma and many years of experience in a construction trade may be hired as construction managers, these individuals are typically qualified to become self-employed general contractors.

The median annual wage for construction managers was $87,400 in May 2015.

Employment of construction managers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Construction managers will be needed as overall construction activity increases over the coming decade. Those with a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, coupled with construction experience, will have the best job prospects.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction managers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction managers with similar occupations.

Learn more about construction managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.