Construction Jobs / Construction Management Jobs

Career Guide to Construction

Construction management jobs are very much in demand because the construction industry is projected to grow until 2014. Construction management job opportunities are one of the rising career opportunities in the United States. The total numbers of construction management jobs available are projected to exceed the number of qualified individuals seeking to enter the construction management industry. The condition is anticipated to continue as more and more schools and colleges that offer courses and programs in construction management expand in order to meet the high demand for construction management graduates.

The increasing complication of construction projects is one of the factors in the increase of the construction management jobs. The need to replace some of the nation’s infrastructures, the advancement of the materials and methods in construction and the ever growing number of structures further promotes the increase of construction management jobs.

More than half of the total number individuals in the construction management industry are self employed; most of them are proprietor of general construction companies or specialty trade construction companies. The rest are either employed in the construction industry or are employed by architectural or engineering or other related services companies and some by the local government.

The average annual salary for individuals in the construction management industry depends on the size and nature of the construction project, geographical setting and the economic condition of the country. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average annual earnings of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in construction management or construction science are over forty thousand dollars.

 If this sounds like something your interested in, then a career in construction or trades might be for you!

Construction managers plan, direct, and coordinate a wide variety of construction projects, including the building of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, and schools and hospitals. Construction managers may oversee an entire project or just part of one. They schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes, including the selection, hiring, and oversight of specialty trade contractors, but they usually do not do any actual construction of the structure.

Construction managers are salaried or self-employed managers who oversee construction supervisors and workers. They are often called project managers, constructors, construction superintendents, project engineers, program managers, construction supervisors, or general contractors. Construction managers may be owners or salaried employees of a construction management or contracting firm, or may work under contract or as a salaried employee of the property owner, developer, or contracting firm overseeing the construction project.

Working out of a main office or out of a field office at the construction site, construction managers monitor the overall construction project. Decisions regarding daily construction activities generally are made at the jobsite. Managers may travel extensively when the construction site is not close to their main office or when they are responsible for activities at two or more sites. Management of overseas construction projects usually entails temporary residence in another country.

 Other qualifications. 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 an understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings. Familiarity with computers and software programs for job costing, online collaboration, scheduling, and estimating also is important.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:

Construction Jobs / Construction Management Jobs

There is a growing movement toward certification of construction managers. Although certification is not required to work in the construction industry, it can be valuable because it provides evidence of competence and experience. Both the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America have established voluntary certification programs for construction managers. Requirements combine written examinations with verification of education and professional experience.

Current & Future Job Outlook for: Construction Jobs / Construction Management Jobs

Construction managers held 487,000 jobs in 2006. About 57 percent were self-employed, many as owners of general or specialty trade construction firms. Most salaried construction managers were employed in the construction industry, 13 percent by specialty trade contractor businesses—for example, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical contractors—9 percent in residential building construction; and 9 percent in nonresidential building construction. Others were employed by architectural, engineering, and related services firms and by local governments.

 Job prospects. Excellent employment opportunities for construction managers are expected through 2016 because the number of job openings will exceed the number of qualified individuals seeking to enter the occupation. This situation is expected to continue even as college construction management programs expand to meet the current high demand for graduates. The construction industry often does not attract sufficient numbers of qualified job seekers because working conditions are considered poor.

In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, many additional openings should result annually from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force for other reasons. A substantial number of seasoned managers are also expected to retire over the next decade, likely resulting in a large number of openings.

 Employment change. Employment of construction managers is projected to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. More construction managers will be needed as the level of construction activity continues to grow. Population and business growth will result in more construction of residential homes, office buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures that require construction managers.

The increasing complexity of construction projects will also boost demand for specialized management-level personnel within the construction industry. Sophisticated technology and the proliferation of laws setting standards for buildings and construction materials, worker safety, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and the potential for adverse litigation have further complicated the construction process.