Why We Love It
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$141,650Potential Avg. Salary
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2%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Get to TravelCareer Attribute
A building project manager is in charge of all aspects of a building project like planning and controlling, and works in collaboration with architects and engineers to get an assigned project done.
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What is a Building Project Manager?
Duties
As a building project manager, you must take on the following day-to-day responsibilities:
- Create work-plans in consultation with architects and surveyors for each day such as initial preparation of the site to final completion.
- Make an estimate of the number of workers, machinery and materials required to carry out the project.
- Employ workers or apprentices as needed, liaise with subcontractors based on the workload.
- Prepare final purchase orders for approval based on resources utilized or request from the superintendent.
- Review samples of construction document drawings and materials for creating project estimates.
Day In The Life
As a building project manager, you can look forward to a diverse career, leading multiple construction projects and traveling the world to where your work may take you. Firstly, you will be responsible for making sure a building project goes smoothly and efficiently. Anything from planning the build process, figuring out the timing of each phase and ensuring that the project is completed correctly are routine tasks under your purview.
Your role requires you to be comfortable hiring and supervising a group of contractors who are reliable and skilled. You will also prepare progress reports, decide what specialisation and trade will have to be recruited for completing the project on time. In addition, monitoring progress is a primary part of this job.
Daily task lists for all staff and delegating smartly will influence your degree of success. You are accountable for the progress of assigned building projects and need to identify clear benchmarks for completion within budget and on time. Site visits and checks are required to have team meetings and assess whether the project is on target.
Financial planning is another aspect that is necessary for the work. Creating an accurate budget and keeping the rest of the team informed of the forecasts and updates is vital. You will spend time monitoring budget reports and keeping all stakeholders regularly informed via email correspondence.
Work Schedule And Typical Hours
Work in this career path can include long days and impact your work-life balance, especially when working under quick turnaround times. Handling stressful situations with stakeholders at irregular hours is quite common and you have to be on-site for building and construction projects past regular hours if the need arises.
Since most of the work is on building or demolition sites, you need to be comfortable working in a dusty and noisy work environment. There can be occasional travel for work on specific building projects or for sourcing materials and equipment.
Growth Of The Job
Due to the construction boom, there is increasing demand for both building projects and construction managers. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects a 5% growth in this sector between 2014-2024. Those having an undergraduate degree specialisation in either civil engineering or construction science will find good job prospects.
Typical Employers
Typical employers in this sector include both small and large construction firms and housing development agencies. Some are Structural Group, Halo Construction, Crossland Construction Company and Florida Construction Connection, Inc.
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How To Become a Building Project Manager
Either vocational or academic expertise is needed to compete with others in the job market. You require a minimum of a high school diploma, coupled with several years of experience in the construction industry to apply for a building project manager position.
Large construction firms often prefer candidates who also possess a bachelor’s degree in a construction related area. Now, more than 100 colleges and universities in the country provide bachelor’s degree programs in subjects like architecture, building science, construction engineering and construction science. You can gain some skills in construction methods and materials, design, cost estimation, project control, contract management and building codes.
Besides experience or academic credentials, general skills required for a project manager role includes being punctual and managing time accurately for demanding project deadlines. Managing resources wisely is also a plus, since you are responsible for making sure the right equipment is available on-site while also keeping within the financial budget.
Having superior communication skills is a big bonus – much of your work needs great coordination with other staff members and having strong media relations, if it is a high-end project. A genuine interest in the construction industry and keeping up with the latest trends will prove useful in situations of uncertainty that require management.
Building Project Manager Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$106,320Average
$141,650High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$51/hrAverage
$68/hrHigh Range
---How do Building Project Manager salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Building Project Manager's can make an average annual salary of $141,650, or $68 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $106,320 or $51 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#17 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Building Project Manager. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Building Project Managers
- 5.2% Doctorate
- 33.4% Masters
- 46% Bachelors
- 4.3% Associates
- 6.9% College
- 3.9% High School
- 0.3% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
182,1002024 Est. Jobs
185,800Job Growth Rate
2%Est. New Jobs
3,700How does Building Project Manager job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 3,700 jobs for a total of 185,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#549 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Building Project Managers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering services | 35,300 | 4,100 | 4% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9,400 | 400 | 1% |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 8,700 | -800 | -1% |
