How long does it take to become a construction manager?

Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do construction managers make?

The US median is $114,990 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a construction manager?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a construction manager?

2,535 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a construction manager

Management · SOC 11-9021

$114,990US median pay, 2025

+9.1%Projected growth, 2025–35

49,700Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a construction manager

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business Administration and Management, General	CIP 52.0201	2,320
Business/Commerce, General	CIP 52.0101	782
Operations Management and Supervision	CIP 52.0205	144
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician	CIP 15.1001	135
Construction Management, General	CIP 52.2001	135
Public Works Management	CIP 44.0402	1
Construction Project Management	CIP 52.2002	1
Construction Management, Other	CIP 52.2099	0

See the 2,535 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a construction manager?: Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do construction managers make?: The US median is $114,990 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a construction manager?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a construction manager?: 2,535 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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