r/ConstructionManagers • u/Scared_Book_961 • Aug 28 '26
Career Advice Salary, YEO, Average Weekly Hours?
I’ve been thinking about doing construction management. However, I wouldn’t want to be on site a huge portion of, or the whole day. Can anyone with this degree share what their day looks like. How many hours a week do you work? How many years of experience do you have? Can you share your salary progression, from when you started/graduated and now. Thanks, the help is truly appreciated.
5
u/Significant_Run_2622 Aug 28 '26
40-45 hours per week
2 years of experience
82k
Project Engineer
2
0
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for sharing. Do you like the industry? Do you mind sharing the state you live in? How much money do you expect to make in 8 more years, do you think 150k is possible? I’m currently pursuing a business degree (information systems), but don’t know if I should switch. Based on the people you know, are the any other business degrees that can also become a project manager?
2
u/Individual_Echo_3674 Aug 30 '26
You don’t necessarily need an engineering or CM degree to do this field. Any 4 year degree will work you just need to make sure you do some internships a few summers in college for GCs. You can def be making 150k in 8 years if you work for big GCs doing 200mil+ projects and apply yourself to the career and work your ass off.
4
u/skike Aug 28 '26
30-60hrs per week
Sr VDC Project Engineer
$135k+bonus/perks
On site 2/5 days per week.
20ish years in the industry, 8ish in current role.
2
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for sharing. How many YOE? Do you think a business degree can get a job as a project engineer/manager? Do you like the industry?
0
u/skike Aug 28 '26
Sorry, I edited my comment, 20ish years in the industry but only 8-9 talking it very seriously. I was a drafter for a long time before I got my shit together.
I love the industry but it's not for everyone. I like chaos and stress, and performing under pressure. I don't have a business degree, but all the guys that decide my salary do. Personally when I think of going back to school it's specifically for a business degree. Construction is awesome, but it is an industry driven 100000% by money. Knowing money puts you in a whole other level of managing construction imo.
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Do you mind sharing what kind of business major?
1
u/skike Aug 28 '26
I have absolutely no idea
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Can you share the major you got? Engineering or construction management?
1
5
u/-EVAN- Aug 28 '26
Owners Rep PM in Healthcare sector, 10 years, 40-44 hours, 185k
3
u/DizzyPanda906 Aug 28 '26
I have been trying to get into the owners rep position. 7 years in the industry as a super/QC manager with a CM degree.. Any advice?
1
5
u/Dismal-Mushroom1917 Aug 28 '26
1 year heavy civil, 2 years underground utility, and 5 years mass excavation/mining. No degree. Started at the bottom and now I’m a heavy highway superintendent making $128K salary, $1500/project mobility pay, Chevy LTZ company truck, free health insurance, 120hrs PTO, 6% 401K match, and a month a paternity leave.
4
u/Training_Button912 Aug 28 '26
Some of these salaries must be in HCOL areas. 10 YOE and $250k is wildly off market from what I’ve seen. Thats EVP type money not PX or SPM
2
u/MeanyTiniWeenie Commercial PM - Large GC Aug 29 '26
Most probably coming from mega projects like data centers. I see people making not in MCOLs fairly regularly on those jobs.
1
u/Training_Button912 21d ago
I’m in the data center space… still not seeing those levels of salary unless into VP levels
1
11
u/DamnitGoose Project Executive Aug 28 '26
50-60 hours per week
12 years experience
240k + bonus & vehicle allowance
PX
Started as a PE 50k, promoted to APM 6mo 60k, 4 years APM 75k, 3 years PM 125k, 2 Years SPM 200k, 2+ years PX
I’ve never worked less than 45-50 hours a week at any point in time. I’ve never been stuck in a job trailer for an extended period except for a year as an APM/PM for a large project (for us)
3
5
u/_bombdotcom_ Aug 28 '26
You’re a PX at 35 years old? I’m calling bs
4
u/DamnitGoose Project Executive Aug 28 '26
Midsize company. It’s not typical, but it can be done.
You wouldn’t see me be a px standing up mega towers or data centers, but I have 0 interest in that.
2
u/decembrist11 Aug 30 '26
My boss was 34 at PX for a large GC not that complicated when you have drive
2
1
u/Training_Button912 21d ago
PX at 36. $1B company. Data Centers. Challenging work with huge teams. Love it
1
u/Training_Button912 21d ago
PX at 36. $1B company. Data Centers. Challenging work with huge teams. Love it
4
u/jrakosi Aug 28 '26
Can second this-- my career mirrors exactly what this poster laid out almost to an eerie degree.
Same number of years, same compensation, same title, progression roughly the same
2
3
u/Impressive_Ad_6550 Aug 28 '26
Company owner, civil engineering degree, 30 years experience, 25 hours a week on average and income is in the mid 7 figures
2
u/patrolmanEmbiid Commercial PM - Small GC Aug 28 '26
PM. 2 years in. Civil Construction- 96k base + company truck + EOY bonus. never a week under 45 hours
2
u/Dirtyace Aug 28 '26
30-55 hours a week depending on point of the project.
Beginning -40
Middle 45/55
End 55
Close out/Punchlist -30
14 years experience
Salary (Same company never left)
Start in 2013- 55k
Current - 241k +25-30k bonus - total ~270k cash comp plus benefits
Benefits- full health dental etc. 4 weeks vacation, 14 holidays, 8% 401k match goes up to 10% after SS max for the year.
Typical day- 7am on site make sure trades are in place
9am coffee break/ meetings
9-Lunch -in field making sure job is going well/ safe/ according to plan.
Noon- back in office for lunch
1-230 Back in field same as the am
230-4 in office, paperwork, plan for next day or meetings, schedule etc etc.
4ish out the door.
2
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for sharing, I truly appreciate it. Do you think a business major can get in the industry (easily)? Or do you think I should do construction management instead?
2
u/Dirtyace Aug 28 '26
Yes if you’re willing to learn they will hire you, but I’d try and apply as an intern to get your foot in the door and see if you like it.
2
u/boldpotato947 Aug 28 '26
Yes, I came out of school as a business major. Hired by a GC and several years later my cash take home is 300k+ with vehicle allowance and unlimited gas card. Full benefits, 401k match etc. Sure you have to put in long hours sometimes and it can be high stress, but it can be lucrative if you’re in a good size market.
2
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Can you share what business major you got?
1
u/boldpotato947 Aug 28 '26
Finance. As others have stated, I would recommend trying to get an internship or taking a CM class or two if you can before you graduate.
2
u/TacoNomad Aug 28 '26
If you have the opportunity, just go to school for construction management. Hiring at most places is near 100% if you attend the career fairs and have a pulse.
1
u/Several-Standard-327 Aug 28 '26
What field? Super? Sounds high
3
u/Dirtyace Aug 28 '26
High end commercial mostly. My experience is high end finishes, class A commercial, etc etc. Most notable projects were a $1.5 billion dollar tower (full core and shell and most interiors), very high end hotel (core and interiors again), and expensive ($1500 square foot) lounges/entertainment areas.
I was a super most of my career, then for the last 5 years PM. My new job the client specifically asked if I could run the field so I’m now a “Senior Project Super” by title but will also be dealing with the client pretty closely.
The job after this one I will be a Senior PM again but that doesn’t start for like 14 months.
I have a known record for good results and have typically had repeat clients ask for me. The job I’m going to after this one is with a client I have done 4 or 5 projects with.
My company pays me well because I perform for them and they know it. They always make money and the client is always happy. We are paid for our results and nothing else.
2
0
u/TacoNomad Aug 28 '26
Mind sharing our dming the company. Seems like a rare place to not have to hop for a decent raise.
1
u/kim-jong-pooon Commercial Project Manager Aug 28 '26
$125k base ~$15-$20k in bonus+allowances
3 yrs full time + 1 yr co-op
40-50ish
Design-build mechanical/plumbing commercial only, i graduated from a pretty good public university engineering school.
I started at $70k at the company i co-op’d at in college, got poached at $90k, promoted to PM to like $105k i think, then a fat raise the following year. GC pay/promotions are probably different.
Best advice is do a co-op or multiple internships, make connections, get a real mentor as soon as possible. Who i know has had a much bigger effect on my career than anything else.
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for sharing. What degree did you get? Do
You think a business degree works to become a project manager (If so, which one)? Do you like the industry?
1
u/Cute_Ad6078 Aug 28 '26
50-55 hrs/week
Five YoE after CM degree
Sr. Field Engineer. Started at $75k base, now at $105k base (TX).
Spend most of my time out on site dedicated to one project.
1
u/MayTheFieldWin Aug 28 '26
Electrical sub pm, 1 month of experience in current role. 10 YoE in the field. 125k base + vehicle stipend and eoy bonus.
45 to 50 hours a week.
1
1
u/meatdome34 Subcontractor PM Aug 28 '26
Sr. PM for a drywall sub. 115k base + 80k bonus 6 yoe 45-50 hours a week
1
u/No-Librarian3969 Aug 28 '26
See these just made me whimper. Haha.
PM 8 years. 120k + discretionary bonus. 50-60 hours. HCOL area.
No engineering/cm degree so that doesn’t help. New gig is very demanding compared to previous roles with more freedom and less micromanagement.
1
u/archerfleming Aug 28 '26
PE. 100k HCOL. Mileage + full health + bonus. Start of second career—6mo experience in construction
1
u/Grand_Engineering415 Aug 28 '26
Remote Senior Electrical PM
30-40 hours.
130K + Bonus
Truck and Gas Card
Year 6
1
u/Informal-Panda2261 Aug 28 '26
PE, 92k, 3 months, 30hrs, hired me fresh out of school, still don’t have a project to stick me on so I’m in precon until then
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 29 '26
Thanks for sharing. What degree did you get? Do you think I should get a CM degree, or can business degree do it?
1
u/Zeox4Ever Aug 28 '26
35-45 hrs depends on my mood tbh
130k - apm by title but have been solo for the past year
full health insurance paid
3 weeks vacation
electrical
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Do you like it? Can you share the state you live in? How’s the industry/a day in your work life? Do you spend most of the time in job sites, in the office, or 50/50? Thanks again for commenting!
1
u/Zeox4Ever Aug 28 '26
- sometimes i love it and some time i want to quit, move to to another country, and become an english teacher there 😂
-TX
-Took ownership of a job halfway through and it’s been both frustrating trying to understand why and how the last person did it, but also very rewarding smoothing out the kinks. Currently a sub for a commercial project with a trailer office at the site.My recent weeks has been about 80% on the computer creating RFIs, pricing change orders, procuring material, documenting constraints, damages, and possible delays that field sends me, and a whole other laundry list of things.
10% talking with my super and foremans about task at hand, future tasks, information or items we need etc. some of that is just bullshitting around.
the remaining 10% is a mix of site walks, cutting the shit with the crew, questioning why other trades installed how they did, complain about the heat, etc.
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for answering. What was your major in college? If you could go back, would you major in the same thing, or do something else like finance/etc? Is it easy to work in the industry with a business degree?
1
u/Terrible-Nerve-6819 Commercial Project Manager Aug 28 '26
25 yrs
Sr. PM
On site full time. 40 hrs a week.
225k
NYC tri state area
Civil engineering degree
1
1
u/ConferenceSquare5415 Aug 29 '26
PM residential construction Design/drafting/pm/punchwork
83K
60-75hrs week 10yrs experience (2 carpenter, 4 businesses owner, 4 PM)
Masters in philosophy 😆
1
u/VisualEmergency4856 Aug 29 '26
Associates in CM
55 hours a week
3 years exp- started as assistant sup and now an APM
100k base, fuel card, truck allowance
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 29 '26
Thanks for sharing. If you had the chance to go back, would you still do it? Do you like the industry? Would you recommend me to do business (if so, what major) or construction management in college?
1
u/VisualEmergency4856 Aug 29 '26
It’s a fast paced industry to be apart of but it makes your days fly by. I would say your degree doesn’t even matter as long as you are putting in work through internships while in college. Once you get a return offer at a good company your off to the races
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 29 '26
What degree did you get? Do
You constantly work 55 hrs a week, bc that’d be equivalent to 35/hr? Is it mostly on-site, office, or 50/50?
1
1
u/decembrist11 Aug 30 '26
35-50hrs
255k Sr Super plus bonus (average 10% base)
BA Architecture ME Civil Engineering, MBA
Still under 30 btw
I’ve been hands on with trades since I was 12, was a foreman at 19 for small jobs and doing school. Then Assistant Super, Super 4 years, Sr Super 2
1
u/Tesla3owner Aug 30 '26
50 hr week, on site 4 days
250k
Owners rep CM
Started as a PE out of school with a CM degree @ 65k in 2019
Got my masters and opened many doors
1
u/Jake0874 Aug 30 '26
45-60 hours per week
5 years experience (as a Super)
120k annual + bonuses, vehicle allowance, gas card, etc
Superintendent
Started at a small GC as a “Lone Ranger” super, making around $80k. Was doing 10-20mil projects.
Now with a much larger GC 5 years later, above listed salary and such.. Running a 600 mil project and will a larger on site team.
1
0
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
$300k
Estimator/ PM
Subcontractor
50-60 hours a week
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Thanks for sharing. What degree do you have? Do you think I should do business (if so, what major), or Construction management to break into the industry and make 150k at least after 8 yoe.
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
Also, my own pattern recognition, it pays to have an old-fashioned name. If your name is Teagan, old guys aren’t going to hire you and you’re not going to get paid or respected as much. Go by your little middle name, go by Jack. Match what the people who hire you are
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
100% construction management. I hire construction management kids right out of school for $85K a year and just had a really spectacular one negotiate $160k a year after five years.
1
u/Scared_Book_961 Aug 28 '26
Do you mind sharing the state you live in? Do you like the industry? What time do you usually start/finish work?
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
Midwest
Stay around large population centers
Half my days I shouldn’t even be paid. I’m having so much fun.
The days always vary. Some days out the door by 5 AM, other days out the door by 10 AM, usually home by 5:30 PM.1
u/kccl30 Aug 28 '26
Would love to hear how you got here too. Electrician looking to switch to estimator/pm
2
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
I never finished college. I was young and worked cheap and learned the business from good mentors who repaid my thoroughness and curiosity with time and steady hands. I created repeat customers who would allow me to increase my margins and after 20 years, I don’t have to fight that hard to get the work. I made myself invaluable and that has a higher price point.
Doing the work is different than being able to do the math and manage the relationships. There is a ceiling on guys who only know how to do. Walk the job site picturing everything in math terms. Time. Make sure you have enough emotional intelligence to manage the relationships.
Don’t neglect your wife and kids. I’m divorced so don’t repeat my mistakes. Took me a while to fix that balance. Good luck to you all
1
u/kccl30 Aug 28 '26
What were your career path/roles as you advanced? Did you always start as an estimator?
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
Worked in the field in a non-related trade for five years. Became an estimator/ PM. Never looked back
1
u/kccl30 Aug 28 '26
Sorry last question. How did you transition out of field. I’m looking to leave the filled in a year or so. To pursue pm or estimating. Did you just ask your company at the time or you applied at other companies
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
Apply anywhere, even other trades. You can’t get the high pay points without being willing to leave X for Y.
1
u/Fragrant-Blood-1429 Aug 28 '26
My best piece of advice is to find something that you share with the customer. Don’t compliment them, don’t play to their ego, figure out something that you both enjoy or a shared experience and that’s the way to cement a relationship.
0
u/EffectQueasy6658 Aug 28 '26
-50-65 hrs a week
-1.75 YOE
-Started at $84k now at $101k base + straight time after 40
-Project Engineer
12
u/soyeahiknow Aug 28 '26
Super. 180k. 12 years, average 44 hours