Construction project managers are essential to keeping projects on track and on budget. But while every project needs a capable manager at the helm, meeting competitive salary expectations can be challenging as labor and material costs continue to rise.
Understanding the average construction project manager’s salary and the key factors that influence it can help companies make smarter hiring decisions and plan more effectively for future expenses.
Whether you’re looking to hire a construction project manager or simply want to stay informed about current construction industry salary trends, here’s everything you need to know about the role, salary ranges, and what affects them.
What is a Construction Project Manager?
A construction project manager is responsible for overseeing every aspect of a construction project from beginning to end. This includes developing budgets, securing materials, managing resources, and ensuring that all phases of the project stay on schedule and within scope.
They also handle team coordination, worker hiring, scheduling, and on-the-spot problem-solving. By keeping people, materials, and timelines aligned, construction project managers help ensure that each project runs efficiently and is delivered successfully
What is the Average Construction Project Manager Salary?
Construction manager salaries can vary based on several factors, but in general, they are higher than many other roles in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median construction project manager salary in the U.S. was $104,900 per year in 2023, significantly above the national average. With strong demand for skilled project managers and continued growth in the construction sector, salaries are expected to rise further in the coming years.
What Factors Affect Construction Project Manager Salary?
As with any job, different factors can influence how much a construction project manager earns. Experience, education, certification, location, and industry sector all play significant roles in determining salary.
Let’s break down these factors to help you understand how they impact earnings for construction project managers:
Experience
Experience is one of the most significant salary drivers for construction project managers. The more experience a manager has, the higher their earning potential.
According to Glassdoor, a first-year construction project manager can expect to earn between $77,000 and $128,000 per year. With over 15 years of experience, salaries can range from $113,000 to $191,000.
As more seasoned project managers retire, national salary averages may shift slightly in the short term as less experienced professionals enter the workforce.
Education and Certification
While there’s no strict educational requirement for many construction project manager roles, most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or a related field. Some project managers may work their way up from entry-level positions with only a high school diploma or associate’s degree, but having a degree typically improves earning potential.
In addition to formal education, certifications can also enhance a construction project manager’s qualifications and salary. For example, the Construction Management Association of America offers a certification that can help candidates stand out and increase their earning potential. The level of education and the right certifications are closely tied to salary, with higher qualifications leading to higher pay.
Location
Location is a major factor in determining a construction project manager’s salary. Different cities and states have varying costs of living, project demand, and material expenses, all of which influence salary levels.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, states like New York and New Jersey offer some of the highest salaries for construction project managers, with average annual earnings of $148,960 and $146,660, respectively. On the other hand, states like Arkansas and Wyoming tend to offer lower salaries, with averages of $70,864 and $72,090, respectively.
Construction Industry Trends
Industry trends also impact the salaries of construction project managers. For instance, the demand for project managers in sectors like heavy civil engineering can drive salaries higher compared to other areas of construction.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction project managers working in heavy and civil engineering construction earn a median annual wage of $121,880, while those in residential building construction earn a median of $103,460. Similarly, industries such as information technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure tend to offer higher salaries than sectors like residential building construction or construction repair. For example, construction managers in the energy, mining, and utilities sector earn a median annual wage of $151,830.
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