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- Last Updated: September 26, 2024
How to Become a Construction Project Manager
Construction project managers are responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects, and it can be a challenging but rewarding career. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for construction project managers is very high, and expected to grow at an above-average rate over the next 10 years. If you’re wondering how to become a construction project manager, read on to discover the qualifications needed, a typical career path, average salary, and more.
Construction Project Manager Job Duties
Construction managers are needed for a variety of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to structures like roads and bridges. The day-to-day job duties of a construction project manager will depend on the type of project, but generally, they include:
- Developing project plans, including the timeline, budget, and necessary resources
- Organizing the logistics of transporting, storing, and delivering all materials and equipment
- Delegating work to subcontractors and monitoring their progress
- Managing project risks and ensuring safety regulations are being followed
- Negotiating contracts with vendors and subcontractors to ensure everything remains on budget
- Communicating with clients and stakeholders about the progress of the project and any problems that occur
For very large projects, a construction manager may hire other managers to handle each phase and coordinate between everyone.
Construction Project Manager Career Path
The typical career path for a construction project manager includes the following steps:
- Entry-level: You’ll usually start your career in construction project management as a project assistant or construction coordinator learning about the construction industry and gaining experience in project management.
- Mid-level: Mid-level positions typically involve working as a project engineer or project manager overseeing larger and more complex projects.
- Senior-level: Working as a senior construction manager provides opportunities to manage high-profile projects and develop new business opportunities.
- Bachelor's Degree (39.2%)
- Master's Degree (17.8%)
- High School or GED (15.0%)
- Vocational Degree or Certification (13.1%)
- Associate's Degree (10.7%)
- Some College (2.1%)
- Doctorate Degree (1.4%)
- Some High School (0.5%)
Requirements to Be a Construction Project Manager
You have to wear a lot of hats as a project manager, and because of that employers are usually looking for candidates who meet a wide range of qualifications and have certain certifications. Generally, most project managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field. You’ll also likely need four or more years of experience, with most project managers having at least six.
Some other common soft skills and requirements to be a construction project manager include:
- Communication: Being able to communicate effectively with clients, architects, engineers, and other contractors is a must.
- Leadership: A large part of the job includes motivating and leading a team of workers.
- Problem-solving: You must be able to identify and resolve problems that arise during the construction process.
- Technical skills: A solid understanding of construction techniques and materials is required when planning and managing a project.
- Financial literacy: Tracking costs and managing expenses is a major part of being a construction project manager.
Employers may also require certain certifications to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Some of the most popular construction project manager certifications include:
- Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM)
- Certified Professional Construction Manager (CPCM)
- Certified Construction Manager – Building Design and Construction (CMB-BDC)
- Certified Construction Manager – Building Construction (CMB-BC)
- Certified Construction Manager – Heavy Civil (CMH)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- OSHA Certification
To see the average construction project manager salary in your area, register or log in to your iHire account and head to our Salary Research Tool.
How to Write a Construction Project Manager Resume
Your resume is one of the first things a potential employer will see when evaluating you as a candidate, which is why it’s important that you have one that can stand out and impress the hiring manager. When writing a construction project manager resume, be sure to emphasize your experience and the soft skills you’ve gained that relate to the job, as well as any certifications. Additionally, provide significant detail on key projects such as the name of the building or client, location, budget, square footage/size and scope, and any noteworthy outcomes such as finishing ahead of schedule or earning an award.
Including the keywords you see in a specific job ad will get you past an automated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager. For construction managers, those keywords will likely include the types of projects you’ve worked on, specific areas of a build you’ve managed, or the size of the teams you’ve overseen. Search out what the job is looking for and include those details in your resume if applicable to you.
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