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What is a construction/program manager and how to become one
Being a program manager in the construction field means that you are the ultimate multi-tasker. Program managers oversee several projects (nearly 200-300 at a time, including off-site locations) and ensure they all run smoothly. They must oversee a variety of issues. These include scope of work, planning process, budget, site selection, hazard management, design, and construction timelines. They are also in charge of the non-physical deliverables, including owner relationship management, schedules, safety, and risk management.
If you are the program manager, get used to making decisions. You must understand the owners' needs, while applying the best practices in the industry. Program managers are also expected to look out for the safety of their teams. This means that you must make sure all sites and equipment are up to code.
Construction project managers are generally expected to obtain a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field like building science, civil engineering or construction management.
What general advice would you give to a construction/program manager?
Becky Serbin
Director of Education and Curriculum, National Tile Contractors Association
Avg. Salary $107,442
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%
Asian 2.86%
Black or African American 3.74%
Hispanic or Latino 17.68%
Unknown 4.45%
White 70.71%
Genderfemale 14.73%
male 85.27%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Construction/program manager career paths
Key steps to become a construction/program manager
Explore construction/program manager education requirements
Start to develop specific construction/program manager skills
Skills Percentages Real Estate 11.04% Construction Projects 10.89% Oversight 10.71% Status Reports 10.68% Project Scope 5.61% Complete relevant construction/program manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New construction/program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a construction/program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real construction/program manager resumes.Research construction/program manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage complete design and construction coordination of company's retail properties throughout the Washington/Baltimore area market.
- Coordinate development of oversight procedures and train staff to ensure and maintain high quality consistent products to clients.
- Ensure contractor meet environmental, electrical, structural, and mechanical (piping, HVAC & process) specifications.
- Coordinate implementation of construction works completely to satisfy approve architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing design plans.
Prepare your construction/program manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your construction/program manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a construction/program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable construction/program manager resume templates
Build a professional construction/program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your construction/program manager resume.
Apply for construction/program manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a construction/program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first construction/program manager job
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Average construction/program manager salary
The average construction/program manager salary in the United States is $107,442 per year or $52 per hour. Construction/program manager salaries range between $80,000 and $142,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do construction/program managers rate their job?
Construction/program manager reviews
Work is exciting and always changing.
Sometimes work life balance has to be sacrificed to get things done on time.
Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.
Updated January 8, 2025
