Comments on: How much money do Construction Managers make?

By: Sophie

Sophie — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:29:05 +0000

Hi Mike,

so I am wondering if I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree in CM (I have a BA in Economics), should I pick the CM certificate program or the Master’s program if I am interested in a career in CM? Or neither is good for me since I don’t have a degree or job experience related to construction.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:59:16 +0000

I am currently working as a co-op for a general contract who’s average contract is about 6 million. I will be graduating with an associate’s degree and will be working full time for this company while earning my BS in CM. What should I expect to make? Where should I begin negotiations when it gets to that point?

By: abe

abe — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:20:41 +0000

Would it be better to go for a 2 year degree on c.m.or would that limit my opportunities in the field?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:23:09 +0000

John,
I would have to say hospitality. More of the casino market which is always in demand. I good PM with good casino experience can just about go anywhere. It is more demanding, which in turn pays more and has bigger bonuses. Very time consuming.

By: john

john — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:03:10 +0000

mike, i should clarify that i was asking what would pay the most for a project/construction manager that is. thanks

By: john

john — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:48:16 +0000

Mike,

Hello, this may be a general question but out of the different fields of construction management, which 3 areas do you think pay the most? For example building hotels, multi-family homes, highways, wastewater ect.

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:23:58 +0000

Troy,
Checkout CH2M HILL, Weston, FPM, TetraTech, Washington Group, and TEAM Integrated Systems. All of these firms have large multiyear contracts with the Air Force for construction. I’m currently with CH2M HILL and I recommend it.

By: Troy

Troy — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:25:42 +0000

I have a BS in construction management and am looking for a school to complete my MS. I have almost 20 years of construction management experience in the Air Force and look forward to taking my experience into the civilian market.

By: Ben Myers

Ben Myers — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:19:58 +0000

Mike,

I like what you have accomplished on this blog. As a fellow construction management professional, I share many of your thoughts and opinions. Here, however, I must disagree. I would always encourage the pursuit of a graduate degree. With a post-grad education the candidate may not make much more money from their initial job offer, but in time advanced studies will pay dividends. For those with the means, stay in school.

By: Michael Nelson

Michael Nelson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:23:55 +0000

Phil – My experience with graduate degrees in construction is that they don’t command much (if any) of a premium when it comes to a job offer. If you are looking at a top construction program, like Purdue, then you would likely benefit from the competition among employers for the students coming out of the entire program (both undergraduate and graduate). Is it worth the money? I would need to know more about your current position and salary in order to give you any specific guidance — but generally an advanced degree from a well regarded construction program can be a great foundation for a career in construction. – Mike