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

State Name Employed Construction Managers
California 32,780
Texas 25,630
Florida 22,130
New York 12,150
Illinois 10,140
Pennsylvania 9,870
North Carolina 9,860
Ohio 9,680
Washington 8,220
Colorado 7,190
Arizona 6,630
Massachusetts 6,460
Maryland 6,410
Georgia 6,350
New Jersey 5,720
Oregon 5,490
Tennessee 5,460
Virginia 5,370
Minnesota 4,710
Indiana 4,690
Michigan 4,210
Nevada 3,950
Connecticut 3,100
Louisiana 3,080
South Carolina 3,060
Missouri 3,040
Iowa 3,030
Oklahoma 2,900
Wisconsin 2,860
Alabama 2,780
Utah 2,710
Kansas 2,570
Nebraska 2,450
Kentucky 2,380
Arkansas 1,810
Hawaii 1,800
New Mexico 1,530
Idaho 1,300
Maine 1,190
Mississippi 1,130
North Dakota 1,120
Alaska 1,060
New Hampshire 1,030
District of Columbia 990
West Virginia 710
Vermont 590
Montana 580
Delaware 530
Puerto Rico 460
Rhode Island 430
Wyoming 420
South Dakota 240
Guam 230
Virgin Islands, U.S. 70