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What is a site/project manager and how to become one
There are many logistical concerns that go into managing a construction site. Their responsibilities include ensuring that work is on track to meet a deadline, keeping an eye on the budget, and making sure that OSHA regulations are followed -- a lot of mental work has to get done while the hammers are swinging. That is the job of the site/project manager.
The site/project manager manages the construction project so that the workers can focus on their tasks. They often start working before ground is broken on a project in order to draw up a budget and construction plan. The site/project manager is also responsible for supervising workers and communicating with clients.
Most site/project managers have bachelor's degrees, although not all of them do. Previous project management experience is also very important. It probably comes as no surprise that about 80% of site/project managers are men since the whole industry is male-dominated, but that doesn't mean things can't change in the future.
What general advice would you give to a site/project manager?
Becky Serbin
Director of Education and Curriculum, National Tile Contractors Association
Avg. Salary $85,701
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%
Asian 2.81%
Black or African American 3.64%
Hispanic or Latino 17.08%
Unknown 4.43%
White 71.48%
Genderfemale 16.56%
male 83.44%
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
Site/project manager career paths
Key steps to become a site/project manager
Explore site/project manager education requirements
Start to develop specific site/project manager skills
Skills Percentages Project Management 21.64% Infrastructure 10.44% Oversight 6.87% General Contractors 5.90% Construction Management 5.09% Complete relevant site/project manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New site/project 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 site/project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real site/project manager resumes.Research site/project manager duties and responsibilities
- Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
- Verify compliance with plans (prints), specifications, and all OSHA requirements.
- Execute many hands-on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and site preparation aspects of projects.
- Communicate and/or partner with other engineering disciplines (electrical, HVAC, structural and mechanical) to complete design or installation.
Prepare your site/project manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your site/project 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 site/project 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 site/project manager resume templates
Build a professional site/project 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 site/project manager resume.
Apply for site/project manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a site/project 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 site/project manager job
Are you a site/project manager?
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Average site/project manager salary
The average site/project manager salary in the United States is $85,701 per year or $41 per hour. Site/project manager salaries range between $61,000 and $119,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do site/project managers rate their job?
Site/project manager reviews
I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project
Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.
In the field, hands on, working with trades. More custom oriented
Office work, did not like doing commercial construction and been building custom homes for 35 years.
I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.
Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.
Updated January 8, 2025
