The average salary of a construction project manager in America is around $100,000. Let us take a look at the job description and the employment outlook for construction project managers.
Construction project managers are also known as construction superintendents, general construction managers or contractors. They are responsible for planning and monitoring the construction work at a site. We will take a look at the average salary of a construction project manager, but before that, let us get to know about the educational qualifications and job description.
Educational Qualifications
A civil engineering degree is a must to apply for the job of a construction project manager. But what most employers look for is the number of years of experience an individual has in this field. A post-graduate degree in construction management enhances the prospects of getting hired. A candidate should also have thorough knowledge of all the legal and safety standards involved in the construction process.
Job Description
A construction project manager is responsible for the overall planning, management, and coordination of a construction project. The job requires him to work closely with professionals from other fields as well, and he has to ensure that all the safety rules and regulations are being adhered to. He is involved in the conception and design of the project, and it is common for him to work on more than one project at a time.
Some other duties and responsibilities include:
- He is responsible for planning the construction design and setting the performance expectations, so that optimum utilization of resources is achieved.
- He has to ensure that the construction work doesn’t overshoot the stipulated budget. During the conception of a new project, a project manager presents a rough estimate of the construction to the client. On getting the necessary approvals, he has to ensure that the cost of carrying out the construction work doesn’t exceed the approved budget.
- He is also responsible for ensuring that the construction work moves as per the schedule, and the work is finished on time.
- As a supervisor, he has to ensure that there is proper coordination between the team of architects, contractors, workers, etc.
- He also has to carry out periodic inspections of construction sites, and ensure that all the safety and quality guidelines are being adhered to.
Employment Outlook and Salary
The job prospects in this field are great. Most of the construction project managers are employed full-time, and the vacancy levels are also very high. A study by the Anderson Economic Group has found out that the job prospects of construction project managers will be very high for the next 5 years, and the industry will create numerous job opportunities. CNNMoney in its survey, listed ‘project manager’ as one of the best jobs in America.
The average salary of construction project managers is around $100,000 per year. This includes bonus, profit-sharing, and commission. The salary range for individuals with little or no experience is around $45,000 to $55,000. New York, Houston and Chicago are the best cities to work. As far as the state wise list is concerned, California is the best place to work, followed by Texas and New York.
A career as a construction project manager is financially secure and provides numerous growth opportunities to an individual. The compensation package depends on the experience and credentials, besides the location and employer. The job is challenging as it requires the project manager to deal with adverse working conditions, delays and emergencies. So patience, perseverance and decision-making ability are some of the attributes that one should possess.