The job market for construction managers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 403,800 construction managers in the United States. The construction manager job market is expected to grow by 11.1% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are construction managers?

CareerExplorer rates construction managers with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 49,200 construction managers. That number is based on 44,800 additional construction managers, and the retirement of 4,400 existing construction managers.

Are construction managers in demand?

The overall job outlook for construction managers is positive. Growth in the field will be driven by new construction projects, as well as the need to retrofit and renovate older buildings for energy efficiency and upgrade roads, highways, bridges, water and sewer pipes, and other infrastructure. An expected relatively high rate of retirement of seasoned managers from this occupation will also contribute to opportunities for job seekers. As population increases and new schools and hospitals must be built, demand for construction managers will certainly rise. Besides the increase in construction levels, the trend toward more sophisticated and complicated projects, such as multipurpose structures and electronically controlled ‘smart’ buildings, should lead to more available positions for specialized management personnel. Stricter laws regulating construction materials and safety and environmental standards have complicated the construction process. This naturally places greater responsibility on construction managers and ultimately may result in more jobs in the field. While growth is projected for this occupation, competition will remain strong as employers increasingly look to hire job candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in construction science, civil engineering, or a related discipline. Also valuable in a competitive job market is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification, offered through the Construction Management Association of America. Regardless of their qualifications, however, employment of construction managers is sensitive to economic fluctuations, which typically determine the number of active construction projects. Even in a slow economy, however, experienced managers may remain employed by performing planning, scheduling, and cost estimates for future projects. Advancement opportunities include roles as top-level managers, executives, independent consultants, and owners of construction management and contracting businesses. Some of these senior positions are typically only attainable with a Master’s Degree in construction science or management.

What’s the supply of construction managers?

The construction manager industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida

Construction Manager job market by state