Contractor/Construction Manager

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Work Tasks

• Manage a construction project
• Estimate how much time it will take and how much money it will cost
• Hire and oversee workers needed to do the building, including engineers, craft workers, and others
• Make sure the structure is built correctly and follows all laws and safety codes
• Work in offices and outside at the job site for the construction industry, the government, real estate developers, or themselves
• Use computers, graphs, statistics, and engineering and project drawings

Salary, Size & Growth

• $75,000 average per year ($36.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (191,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Experience in the construction business and supervision
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in civil engineering or construction management and experience in estimating costs
• Skills/Courses: Must be able to understand contracts, plans and specifications; must be knowledgeable about construction methods, materials, and regulations; need computer and scheduling skills.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after several years of experience and passing a test.