What are careers in construction management?

Field engineers, construction superintendents, and construction managers are careers in construction management. Here are descriptions of these careers and others in construction management:

• Field engineer

  A field engineer is someone who solves problems with the use of different aspects of engineering on a construction site. They also evaluate a construction project's overall safety and efficiency. They consult with architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and other lead team members of a construction site.

  They may also assist in the designing of a construction project. Field engineers work on construction projects of all sizes, including residential homes and large commercial buildings.

  A field engineer has at least a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree, in structural engineering, civil engineering, or some other form of engineering.

  The average salary of a field engineer in the United States is $71,090 per year.

• Construction superintendent

  A construction superintendent supervises the day-to-day activities of a construction project. Generally, they work on-site and oversee the various building tasks taken during construction.

  Common tasks include coming up with and recording cost estimates, developing work schedules for construction employees, and monitoring the overall building process. They can also share responsibilities surrounding construction safety and building codes and regulations.

  Construction superintendents typically have a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or another related field. Sometimes they may have advanced degrees in these areas as well.

  The average salary of a construction superintendent in the United States is $77,703 per year.

• Construction manager

  Construction managers supervise and manage the construction phase of a building project. They oversee all of the various team members on a construction project's payroll by delegating duties, creating schedules, and making sure every team member stays on task and does their work safely.

  Construction managers are also sometimes in charge of ordering specific materials for a project, as well as negotiating pay rates for subcontractors. In addition, they update the client or project owner on the status of the project throughout the construction phase.

  Construction managers typically have a bachelor's degree in construction management or another related field. The average salary of a construction manager in the United States is $78,965 per year.

• General contractor

  General contractors have a very similar role to construction managers. They supervise and manage a construction crew on specific projects.

  Their responsibilities can vary, depending on the size of the project, but are usually tasks like hiring construction team members, ensuring safety on the construction site as well as the safety of the structure itself, and applying for building permits.

  General contractors also often keep the client updated on building progress and source various materials needed for the project.

  General contractors may have a bachelor's degree in construction management, but some only have a high school diploma or equivalent. In this case, the general contractor will have many years of construction and managerial experience before becoming a general contractor.

  The average salary of a general contractor in the United States is $88,293 per year.

• Construction project director

  Construction project directors also have a very similar role to previously mentioned construction management careers. They oversee large construction projects and manage all teams and departments associated with a project. This may include them overseeing other specialized construction managers as well.

  They are often tasked with outlining a project for specific phases of achievement and giving out tasks to department heads.

  A construction project director may have a bachelor's or master's degree in construction management or another related field.

  The average salary of a construction project manager in the United States is $92,210 per year.