What Does a Construction Project Manager Do?
A construction project manager plans, coordinates, and supervises all aspects of a construction project to ensure the project is completed on schedule and budget and within scope. Consulting with architects, engineers, and trades workers, construction project managers create plans, allocate resources, collaborate with clients, and oversee team members and stakeholders.
According to Kienen Koga, a popular construction project manager and influencer, the job of a construction project manager can be distilled into five parts: manage costs, manage project schedules, manage clients, manage subcontractors, manage teams, and manage contracts.
How to Become a Construction Manager
Becoming a construction manager requires getting the right education, often a degree in civil engineering, construction management, or business, along with the right real-world, on-site training, valuable work experience, and in many cases certification such as CMIT, CAC, or CPC.
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a construction manager:
- Obtain a Relevant Degree: Many, but not all, construction project managers begin their career with a relevant bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, design, construction management, or more general fields such as business, communication, or math. These degrees might include courses on more specific subjects, such as project management and construction methods.
This step is not essential, though. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work experience combined with high school diplomas or associate’s degrees can also qualify someone to become a construction manager. However, the bureau notes that “these people may be more likely to work as self-employed general contractors than to be hired as construction managers.”
- Get Hands-On Experience: For students studying toward a bachelor’s degree in construction management, training and internships can be crucial for your career. Training periods offer real-world insight about the construction industry, from project planning to site management, and they complement an academic approach to learning. Learning from a mentor or a more experienced construction manager is a valuable experience when trying to break into the industry, and it can strengthen your resume and help you land a good job after graduation.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level work is the next step to establishing a career in construction project management. Aspiring construction managers can work at construction companies after graduation to understand daily life on the site, learn from or work with site workers, build a network of connections through industry events, and interact with and observe senior managers at work. Ideally, no matter what role you perform in a construction company at the entry level, there will be opportunities to learn about the industry from a wide network of professionals.
- Get Certified: The Construction Manager Certification Institute and the American Institute of Constructors both offer levels of professional certification. These certifications test knowledge and skill level through written exams and past work experience, and they require candidates to complete self-study programs. Popular certifications include Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT), Certified Associate Constructor (CAC), and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). Getting certified can also help you maintain compliance with safety and risk assessment training.
Check out this complete guide to construction project management for a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities, resources, and processes involved.
Education Opportunities for Construction Project Management
Education opportunities for construction project management include certificate programs, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and specialized master’s degrees. These programs cover best practices in management, planning, and organization to help students successfully complete projects in the construction industry.
Traditionally, people in the construction field were promoted to construction project manager positions from trade jobs such as carpenter or plumber. Then, by the end of the 20th century, construction had become so complex and intricate that companies started to look for education over experience.
From four-year plans to certificates to doctorate programs, there are many educational possibilities in construction management.
Education and Training Opportunities for Project Managers in Construction
Today’s construction project manager typically has a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction, and some also pursue master’s degrees and certificates. The rise of online classes makes it much easier to hold a full-time or part-time job and take classes during your off-hours. Online certification programs are especially popular.
Here are the education options for those wanting to pursue construction management:
Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management
A Bachelor of Science in construction management prepares students to lead construction projects from planning through completion. The program covers core topics such as cost estimating, scheduling, safety, contracts, and project controls, and it prepares students for careers such as construction executive, project manager, project engineer, field engineer, cost engineer, or facilities engineer.
Some of the top universities for construction management include the following:
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: The Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech offers several bachelor’s degrees, including building construction, building management, and real estate, and graduate degrees in construction science and management and environmental planning.
Location: Blacksburg, VA
- University of Washington: The College of Built Environments at the University of Washington has a full construction management department. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in construction management, as well as degrees in real estate, urban planning, and more.
Location: Seattle, WA
- Clemson University: Between 2014 and 2024, Clemson University’s Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development reported a 100 percent job placement rate for its undergraduate construction science and management majors.
Location: Clemson, SC
- University of Florida: The building construction program at this university began in 1935 and is the oldest continuing construction program in the country. It later became one of the first programs in the country to be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Degrees are now offered under the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, part of the College of Design, Construction, and Planning.
Location: Gainesville, FL
- California Polytechnic State University: Students from the construction management program at Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design in San Luis Obispo rank well in job placements and industry competitions.
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Master of Science in Construction Management
You might also decide to pursue a Master of Science in Construction Management or an MBA with a concentration in construction management. Those pursuing graduate degrees can specialize in specific areas of construction and often study advanced concepts such as financial, legal, and ethical issues, as well as leadership strategies.
In addition to the universities mentioned above, here are some other options for a graduate degree in construction management:
- Stanford University: Stanford’s School of Engineering offers a graduate degree in Sustainable Design and Construction, which focuses on management and has strong ties to the construction industry in Silicon Valley.
Location: Stanford, CA
Cost per credit: ~$1,400
- Arizona State University: ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering offers a graduate program in construction management and technology, as well as a doctoral program in construction management. It also offers a five-year accelerated program for a combined B.S. and M.S. in construction management and technology.
Location: Tempe, AZ
Cost per credit: ~$600
- University of Michigan: The Tishman Construction Management Program (TCMP) at Michigan’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers education and research programs in construction engineering and management. Students can choose to pair these degrees with an MBA or a master’s in architecture.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost per credit: ~$3,800
- Columbia University: Columbia’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) offers a Master of Science in Construction Administration, which focuses on project management and industry access to large-scale projects in New York City.
Location: New York, NY
Cost per credit: ~$2,700
- Purdue University: Purdue’s School of Construction Management Technology offers graduate degrees in Construction Management and Construction Management Technology.
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Cost per credit: ~$900
- Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University: Texas A&M offers a master’s degree in construction management and a doctorate in construction science at the Department of Construction Science. It also offers a dual program that combines a master’s degree in land and property development with a master’s in construction management.
Location: College Station, TX
Cost per credit: ~$870
The costs per credit are noted as of the publish date; check directly with the school for current pricing details.
How to Become a Construction Project Manager Without a Degree
A college degree isn’t essential in order to become a talented or successful construction project manager. Everyone’s path is different, but if you aren’t pursuing a formal education, look for other ways to study, gain real-world experience, and work hard.
In the words of Jason Schroeder, a construction manager, author, and popular educator, “It comes down to being a learner, not a college graduate.”
Here are some general tips for pursuing a career as a construction project manager without a degree:
- Study and Obtain Certification: There are several kinds of certifications that you can obtain to establish yourself as a construction project manager. The Construction Management Association of America and the American Institute of Constructors offer certificates at various levels, but you can also get construction certificates from the Project Management Institute, the International Association of Project Managers, or the Design-Build Institute of America. Early career certifications don’t require college degrees as long as you have the requisite work experience.
Beyond getting official certifications, it’s important to just study — whether that is teaching yourself programs and applications, taking certificate courses online, or reading relevant material. According to Schroeder, the willingness to learn goes a long way in being given the opportunities required to grow and be successful.
- Hold Entry-Level Positions in the Field: Whether you’re an intern, a personal assistant, an office admin, or a laborer, entry-level positions are an important opportunity. “Once you’re in with the right people, then you can work hard and learn and start to progress through those positions on your way to becoming a project manager,” says Schroeder.
- Work Hard: There are many ways to go above and beyond expectations in an entry-level job. You can ask for more opportunities and make yourself available to colleagues or take initiative to learn and do things outside of your job description. This could mean skill-building and knowledge-gathering through self-directed study. You can also keep up with industry trends by reading journals and publications, and stay on top of governmental regulations.
You can also stay up-to-date on common construction management tools, including scheduling software, design and documentation software, and field management tools. Smartsheet offers construction management software that provides an end-to-end system for executing construction projects.
Understand the full scope of your role and how it fits into the larger picture to make yourself competitive for promotions.
Construction Project Management Certifications
Many universities, including the University of Washington, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Houston, offer construction management certificates. These certificates require fewer credits than a degree. You can complete the courses faster and gain further knowledge to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
In addition to university certificates, a number of associations and institutions also offer certification programs. Here are a few:
- Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
The CMAA’s certification body offers three levels of credentials for construction management professionals: the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT), the Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM), and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM).
Construction Manager-in-Training: This program is for recent graduates or early- to mid-career professionals who want to specialize in construction management. This certification offers four levels that cover the basics of construction management, professional experience, and soft skills. To begin the program, applicants just need signed approval from a supervisor, an educational instructor, an employer, or military personnel.
Fees: $125 for a CMAA non-member (including exam registration and study material); $215 for L2, L3, and L4
Certified Associate Construction Manager: This course is for early-career professionals or recent graduates who are preparing to become construction managers and are working toward becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM). The requirements for this course include various combinations of the CMIT certification, general construction experience, and experience as a Responsible-in-Charge.
Fees: $630 for a CMAA non-member (including exam registration and certification)
Certified Construction Manager: This certificate is for more experienced construction management professionals who have spent time working in real-world managerial roles. Eligibility requirements are various combinations of undergraduate or associate degrees in engineering and construction, field experience, and experience as a Responsible-in-Charge.
Fees: $730 for a CMAA non-member (including exam registration and certification)
- American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
The AIC Constructor Certification Program offers the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) certification and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) certification.
Certified Associate Constructor: This certification is ideal for entry-level professionals in the construction management industry or recent graduates. It covers the basics of planning, budgeting, administration, scheduling, bidding, construction safety, engineering management, and more. To be eligible for this certification, applicants should have a four-year degree in a construction-related field or four years of industry experience.
Fees: $285 for non-members
Certified Professional Constructor: This certification covers more advanced subjects such as project scope development, project startup and closeout, resource management, employment practices, and construction ethics. It requires applicants to have passed the CAC exam or been exempted from it, as well as have four years of work experience specifically in construction. Related industries such as architecture, engineering design, or land surveying do not count.
Fees: $875 for non-members who have CAC certification; $900 for non-members who do not have CAC certification
The fees are noted as of the publish date; check directly with the associations and institutions for current pricing details.
Certification | Offered By | Intended For | Eligibility Requirements | Fees (Non-Member) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT) | CMAA | Students, recent grads, early-career professionals | Supervisor/instructor approval | $125 (includes exam & materials) $215 each for Levels 2–4 |
| Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM) | CMAA | Early-career professionals on path to CCM | CMIT and construction experience; or equivalent combo, including experience as a Responsible-in-Charge (RIC) | $630 |
| Certified Construction Manager (CCM) | CMAA | Experienced construction managers | Degree, field experience, and 4-plus years as an RIC | $730 |
| Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) | AIC | Entry-level professionals or recent grads | 4-year degree in construction-related field or 4 years of experience | $285 |
| Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) | AIC | Experienced professionals with advanced responsibilities | CAC certification and 4 years of construction-only experience | $875 (with CAC) $900 (without CAC) |
Getting a Job as a Construction Project Manager
The job of a construction project manager is a cross between design, building, and engineering, but without the artistic requirements of architecture, the math requirements of engineering, or the physical requirements of carpentry. Hiring for construction managers is expected to rise dramatically over the next 10 years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that between 2023 and 2033, employment for construction will increase by an average of 45,800 jobs per year, or 9 percent overall — “much faster than the average for all occupations.” However, this may not be enough. Construction spending has vastly outpaced hiring — as of March 2025, construction spending had increased by almost 45 percent while construction employment increased by less than 3 percent over the last five years.
According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry needs to attract nearly half a million workers in 2025 to meet anticipated demand; spending is still expected to grow, but slower than past years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that between 2023 and 2023, the employment change would be about 5 percent in the construction industry, which is about the median increase compared to other industries. As of 2025, the median annual salary for construction managers with a bachelor’s degree and moderate on-the-job training is $107,000, up from about $84,000 in 2015.
Once hired, a construction manager will likely work out of a main office, but they can expect to spend a lot of time on construction sites to view the project’s progress and to answer questions and make decisions on equipment, staffing, and many more topics. Additionally, construction managers are often expected to be on call all day and can easily work more than 40 hours per week.
Successful construction project managers have a wide range of skills and abilities to help them manage diverse teams and projects. A solid education is a great place to start and certainly prepares you for the construction industry. However, there is no substitute for real-life, hands-on work experience.
Those interested in a career in construction project management should expect to be well-versed in the following skills:
- Construction Knowledge and Learning: Managers should have a deep understanding of the building process. They should also be able to learn on the go as on-site situations constantly change. “The construction management profession demands complete attention,” says Vicente Barrera, a construction project manager at SENER. “Live the project in its day-to-day and never forget to prepare for the unexpected."
- Problem Solving: Construction project management requires the ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
- Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication: Construction project managers often have to coordinate between several team members and a diverse group of stakeholders, and they should be able to motivate and lead large groups, as well as keep energy levels high when a project doesn’t go as planned.
- Time Management: Construction projects might involve a lot of unexpected rescheduling, but managers should be extremely adept at meeting deadlines efficiently to keep things moving.
- Document Management: Maintaining clear, organized records is essential for construction projects in order to manage risk, maintain credibility with clients, and improve compliance and workflow.
- Budgeting: Construction managers should be comfortable keeping track of finances and project costs.
- Technical Competency: A knowledge of construction and scheduling software is extremely valuable when managing a construction project from start to finish.
Construction Management Job Titles and Definitions
Construction project management includes many different roles, and some require a more technical background. Here are some of the associated job titles and their definitions:
- Project Manager: The construction project manager oversees projects from start to finish. This includes managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and making sure the process stays within the timeline and budget constraints.
- Construction Manager: The construction manager oversees the construction site, including blueprints, permits, and project schedules. They also often have to determine material and labor costs.
- Contractor: Contractors work closely with construction managers and are responsible for the hands-on construction work. Contractors must be able to handle public safety considerations; effectively manage time, cost, workforce, and quality; and understand engineering and drafting.
- Field Engineer/Surveyor: A field engineer oversees the survey party, who mark the boundaries of the construction site before work can begin.
- Project Engineer: A project engineer helps the project manager supervise the engineering activities of the project, such as surveying, quality control, or materials testing. In some instances, the project engineer and the project manager are the same.
- District Construction Engineer: The district construction engineer manages the activities of the technical services department, including engineering, contracting, inspection, and more. They also coordinate with other departments and outside agencies. This position is also similar to a project manager, but usually requires a background in civil engineering.
- Project Coordinator: The project coordinator coordinates day-to-day activities on the construction site, including coordination among stakeholders, keeping track of records and expenses, and scheduling.
- Operations Manager: Large construction companies employ operations managers to oversee many projects at once. They work with the project manager and engineers to allocate resources and ensure quality across multiple projects.
Construction project management offers many more technical and behind-the-scenes roles, including design engineers, planning engineers, and project architects. But so-called soft skills are just as important in completing a project. Design managers, project document controllers, schedulers or scheduling engineers, project planners, project finance managers, insurance representatives, and engineered materials representatives are also highly sought by construction companies.
Download this construction terminology and acronyms cheat sheet for more shorthand used in the industry.
Construction Project Manager vs. General Project Manager
A construction project manager uses many of the same skills as a general project manager — they both plan schedules, manage budgets, coordinate teams, mitigate risks, and track progress. But the construction project manager’s expertise focuses specifically on construction projects.
In addition to overseeing planning, budgeting, site analysis, and design and procurement of a particular construction — all of which are common in general project management — the construction manager is on site to oversee the physical building and construction process. In contrast, the general project manager may be focused more on high-level strategy and stakeholder management.
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