How to Become a Construction Manager: Your Guide

A construction manager coordinates a building project from start to finish. Managers often work at the construction site from a field office to monitor progress, make on-the-spot decisions, and supervise employees. Typical duties in this role might include:

• Preparing budgets, cost estimates, and work timetables

• Negotiating with subcontractors and vendors

• Collaborating with architects, engineers, and specialised trade workers

• Scheduling and coordinating subcontractors

• Overseeing work progress to meet deadlines

• Ensuring compliance with local and state building and construction codes

• Monitoring the job site for safety hazards

• Managing any emergencies or work delays

In substantial projects, like an office building, a construction manager may focus on only one aspect (plumbing, electrical wiring, foundation, etc.). In a smaller project, they may be responsible for overseeing the entire build.

How much do construction managers make?

The average annual salary for a construction manager in India is ₹13,00,000 as of July 2025 [1]. This job is expected to remain in demand, as the construction industry in India is one of the world’s largest [2]. By 2030, the construction sector is set to contribute USD 1 trillion to India’s economy and create up to 100 million new jobs [2]. Furthermore, government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) continue to drive growth in India’s construction sector, with 1.18 crore homes sanctioned in the previous year [2].

Types of construction managers

Construction projects vary from industrial, commercial, and residential to more specialised projects, like roads, bridges, and monuments. Because of the diversity of projects, some construction managers specialise in one particular niche. 

Some focus on smaller renovation-type projects, whilst others oversee massive new builds or focus solely on transportation infrastructure. Take a look at some of the different types of construction management positions:

• Residential building project managers focus on renovating or constructing housing, including apartment complexes, multifamily units, or single-family homes.

• Commercial construction managers oversee the construction or renovation of commercial buildings, including retail shops and corporate offices. 

• Infrastructure managers oversee building roads, bridges, or other public infrastructure assets.

Is a construction manager a project manager?

A construction manager’s role differs from that of a project manager. A construction manager focuses on on-site activities, supervising daily operations, subcontractors, safety, and quality. In contrast, a project manager takes on a more comprehensive role by overseeing project planning, budgeting, risk management, and coordination to ensure overall project success. Whilst their responsibilities can overlap, their core focuses are different. 

How to become a construction manager

To become a construction engineer, you must graduate from higher secondary school, having focused on science-related subjects. Architecture, design, finance, management, and accounting can be helpful to your studies. Many students go on to study engineering, construction science, construction management, or architecture and earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in project management or a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in civil engineering.

Many students then pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Technology (MTech) degree. Others are hired in India after taking diploma courses in related fields or construction management courses in other countries.

Becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Whilst not necessary to get a job, certifications allow construction professionals to prove their qualifications to current and prospective employers. Some popular certifications for a construction manager are the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

Construction manager skills

The role of a construction manager is a multi-faceted job that utilises a broad skill set. Many clients look to hire a construction manager who has the following qualities:

Technical skills:

• Project management

• Knowledge of standard building codes

• Familiarity with a wide variety of construction practices and techniques

• Familiarity with technology and software used on the job

Workplace skills:

• Leadership abilities

• Adaptability

• Communication skills

• Organisational skills

• Negotiation

• Time management

• Flexibility

• Risk management

Construction management career path

When you study construction management or work as a construction manager, you may have the opportunity to take on other, more specialised roles as your career advances. These include the following:

• A surveyor measures and determines property boundaries. In this position, you could prepare maps for clients, travel to find the precise locations of important landmarks, and verify data accuracy.

• The facility manager oversees the daily operations of a building and how it is used, including security, communications, maintenance, and utilities.

• The building services engineer ensures that a building functions appropriately. This means maintaining current building standards and designing and implementing improvements to the building, utilities, and technology. 

• Site engineers are involved with the technical and organisational sides of construction projects. This more specialised construction management role focuses on supervising staff, providing technical advice, and managing time.

• The sustainability consultant works to make buildings more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Upgrade your skills with flexible construction management courses on Coursera

Now's an excellent time to start preparing for a position as a construction manager, thanks to good career prospects and the availability of jobs. See if this career might fit your interests by taking a beginner-friendly class in Construction Project Management from Columbia University. 

You might also want to consider Construction Management Project Delivery Methods and Contracts. Offered by the University of Maryland, College Park, this five-module course covers three major types of contracts in construction. The course also offers insights into the roles and responsibilities of construction management professionals during the design phase.