What is Construction Manager Salary?
As the construction industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled and experienced construction managers has never been higher. Construction managers are responsible for overseeing construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. But what does a construction manager salary look like? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of construction manager salaries, exploring the factors that affect pay, the average salary ranges, and the top-paying industries and cities.
What is a Construction Manager?
Before we dive into the salary aspect, it’s essential to understand what a construction manager does. A construction manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising construction projects. They oversee every aspect of the project, from scheduling and budgeting to quality control and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. Construction managers work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed efficiently and effectively.
Construction Manager Salary: Factors that Affect Pay
Several factors can influence a construction manager’s salary, including:
- Location: Construction manager salaries vary significantly depending on the location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to offer higher salaries than smaller towns or rural areas.
- Industry: Construction managers working in certain industries, such as oil and gas or commercial construction, may earn higher salaries than those in residential construction or government projects.
- Experience: More experienced construction managers tend to earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
- Education: Construction managers with advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, may earn higher salaries than those without.
- Company size: Construction managers working for larger companies or multinational corporations may earn higher salaries than those working for smaller firms.
Average Construction Manager Salary Ranges
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for construction managers in the United States was $95,260 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Here are some average salary ranges for construction managers in different industries and locations:
- Residential construction: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
- Commercial construction: $70,000 – $110,000 per year
- Industrial construction: $80,000 – $120,000 per year
- Government projects: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
- New York City: $80,000 – $140,000 per year
- San Francisco: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Los Angeles: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
Top-Paying Industries and Cities
Here are some of the top-paying industries and cities for construction managers:
- Oil and gas: $120,000 – $180,000 per year
- High-rise construction: $100,000 – $150,000 per year
- Mega-project construction: $150,000 – $200,000 per year
- New York City: $80,000 – $140,000 per year
- San Francisco: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Seattle: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
Construction Manager Salary by State
Here is a table showing the average annual salary for construction managers by state:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $73,410 |
| Alaska | $84,390 |
| Arizona | $76,390 |
| Arkansas | $69,390 |
| California | $94,390 |
| Colorado | $83,390 |
| Connecticut | $92,390 |
| Delaware | $80,390 |
| Florida | $73,390 |
| Georgia | $76,390 |
| Hawaii | $88,390 |
| Idaho | $70,390 |
| Illinois | $84,390 |
| Indiana | $74,390 |
| Iowa | $72,390 |
| Kansas | $73,390 |
| Kentucky | $68,390 |
| Louisiana | $73,390 |
| Maine | $74,390 |
| Maryland | $90,390 |
| Massachusetts | $94,390 |
| Michigan | $78,390 |
| Minnesota | $84,390 |
| Mississippi | $68,390 |
| Missouri | $73,390 |
| Montana | $70,390 |
| Nebraska | $72,390 |
| Nevada | $80,390 |
| New Hampshire | $84,390 |
| New Jersey | $92,390 |
| New Mexico | $73,390 |
| New York | $95,390 |
| North Carolina | $76,390 |
| North Dakota | $73,390 |
| Ohio | $74,390 |
| Oklahoma | $68,390 |
| Oregon | $84,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $84,390 |
| Rhode Island | $84,390 |
| South Carolina | $73,390 |
| South Dakota | $70,390 |
| Tennessee | $68,390 |
| Texas | $84,390 |
| Utah | $76,390 |
| Vermont | $84,390 |
| Virginia | $92,390 |
| Washington | $94,390 |
| West Virginia | $68,390 |
| Wisconsin | $78,390 |
| Wyoming | $70,390 |
Conclusion
Construction manager salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, experience, education, and company size. While the median annual salary for construction managers in the United States is $95,260, salaries can range from $50,000 to over $200,000 per year. By understanding the factors that affect construction manager salaries, you can better navigate the job market and negotiate a salary that reflects your skills and experience.