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Real estate developer vs construction manager

The differences between real estate developers 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 real estate developer, becoming a construction manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a real estate developer has an average salary of $93,510, which is higher than the $81,313 average annual salary of a construction manager.

The top three skills for a real estate developer include financial statements, property management and due diligence. The most important skills for a construction manager are project management, construction management, and construction projects.

Real estate developer vs construction manager overview

Real Estate DeveloperConstruction Manager
Yearly salary$93,510$81,313
Hourly rate$44.96$39.09
Growth rate3%8%
Number of jobs87,86544,431
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4846
Years of experience68

What does a real estate developer do?

A real estate developer obtains and develops land, turning it into a real estate asset. Part of their job is to conduct extensive research and analyses, coordinate with experts, gather and analyze data, negotiate with land sellers, and prepare properties for development. They also oversee construction operations from planning to execution, set budgets and guidelines, establish timelines and objectives, generate leads for potential clients, and maintain an active communication line with contractors for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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.

Real estate developer vs construction manager salary

Real estate developers and construction managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Real Estate DeveloperConstruction Manager
Average salary$93,510$81,313
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $131,000Between $54,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CityCatonsville, MDSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyRSM USMeta
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between real estate developer and construction manager education

There are a few differences between a real estate developer and a construction manager in terms of educational background:

Real Estate DeveloperConstruction Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Real estate developer vs construction manager demographics

Here are the differences between real estate developers' and construction managers' demographics:

Real Estate DeveloperConstruction Manager
Average age4846
Gender ratioMale, 66.9% Female, 33.1%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage12%4%

Differences between real estate developer and construction manager duties and responsibilities

Real estate developer example responsibilities.

  • Manage segment's treasury function including equity forecasting and investment requests as well as lender relations in a difficult banking environment.
  • Convert FTTH's accounting to QuickBooks
  • Install windows, doors and put on metal roof.
  • Remodel entire building, add bathroom, and double glaze windows for views of mountains.
  • Assist in the preparation of GAAP, statutory, management, and other financial reporting on monthly and quarterly basis.
  • Conduct semi-annual asset valuations and pro-forma analyses using ARGUS and self-developed models.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Real estate developer vs construction manager skills

Common real estate developer skills
  • Financial Statements, 14%
  • Property Management, 10%
  • Due Diligence, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Payroll, 4%
  • Real Estate Development, 4%
Common construction manager skills
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Construction Management, 12%
  • Construction Projects, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%

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