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Construction engineer vs construction manager

The differences between construction engineers and construction managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a construction engineer, becoming a construction manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a construction manager has an average salary of $81,313, which is higher than the $74,680 average annual salary of a construction engineer.

The top three skills for a construction engineer include tractor trailer, construction sites and cranes. The most important skills for a construction manager are project management, construction management, and construction projects.

Construction engineer vs construction manager overview

Construction EngineerConstruction Manager
Yearly salary$74,680$81,313
Hourly rate$35.90$39.09
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs51,38044,431
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4146
Years of experience68

What does a construction engineer do?

A Construction Engineer designs, coordinates, and supervises projects within the construction industry. They conduct surveys, analyze results, and supervise projects from the cradle to the grave.

What does a construction manager do?

A construction manager oversees a construction site and its workers, ensuring efficiency in the workforce and overall operations. They work in an office within the construction site to meet and coordinate with architects, contractors, and clients. They must also hire the required workforce, identify and resolve issues, maintain daily reports and communication with clients, and prioritize a safe work environment. Above all, they must see that all of the required protocols are met, including the target completion time and budget.

Construction engineer vs construction manager salary

Construction engineers and construction managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction EngineerConstruction Manager
Average salary$74,680$81,313
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $101,000Between $54,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkHawaii
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryEnergyTechnology

Differences between construction engineer and construction manager education

There are a few differences between a construction engineer and a construction manager in terms of educational background:

Construction EngineerConstruction Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorCivil EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction engineer vs construction manager demographics

Here are the differences between construction engineers' and construction managers' demographics:

Construction EngineerConstruction Manager
Average age4146
Gender ratioMale, 90.7% Female, 9.3%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 11.2% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage5%4%

Differences between construction engineer and construction manager duties and responsibilities

Construction engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage 3D BIM coordination, improving field production and reducing rework.
  • Manage all aspects of work packages which include subsea EPC's contractors (i.e.
  • Manage all trades installing formwork, concrete, interior finishes, built-up and rubber roofs, and EIFS.
  • Calculate sub-contractors weekly accomplish work for payroll.
  • Manage Geotechnical subcontractor daily testing logs and sampling activities.
  • Manage and/or participate in a variety of water and wastewater assist company principles as engineering consultants for numerous municipal clients.
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Construction manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage three geotechnical engineers, a general contractor , 45 sub-contractors, and consultants.
  • Manage all contractor-relate tasks from RFI submissions through payment administration.
  • Manage and coordinate architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers and subcontractors technical departments.
  • Manage complete design and construction coordination of company's retail properties throughout the Washington/Baltimore area market.
  • Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
  • Implement and maintain construction safety regulations according to OSHA requirements, and ensure environmental protection regulatory compliance with engineering standards.
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Construction engineer vs construction manager skills

Common construction engineer skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 18%
  • Construction Sites, 16%
  • Cranes, 15%
  • Bulldozers, 11%
  • Grade Stakes, 8%
  • Combat, 8%
Common construction manager skills
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Construction Management, 12%
  • Construction Projects, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%

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