Construction manager: bachelor's degree, then on-the-job training
Construction managers typically need a bachelor's degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field, then learn management on the job, often for up to a year as an assistant. Years in a trade can also lead there, but more often to running your own contracting business.
For: Organized leaders who like budgets, schedules and solving problems on a busy site.
Route 1: Bachelor's degree, then assistant manager Typical
Bachelor's programs in construction-related majors often include project control and management, design, construction methods and materials, and cost estimation.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in construction, business, engineering or a related field
Internships and cooperative education programs give students construction experience.
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Up to 1 year
Assistant under an experienced manager
On-the-job training may last several years, depending on the firm.
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Construction manager
BLS
Construction Managers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Associate degree + work experience Smaller projects
An associate's degree combined with work experience may be typical for managers who supervise small projects.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 2 years
Associate's in construction management or construction technology
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Experience
Construction work experience
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Construction manager (small projects)
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 3: Years in a trade Experience route
To qualify solely through experience, construction managers must have worked many years in carpentry, masonry or another construction specialty; these people are more likely to work as self-employed general contractors.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Many years
Work in a construction trade
Carpenter careerBLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Construction manager or general contractor
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Professional certification
Voluntary · Voluntary - Not required, but demonstrates a particular level of knowledge and experience.
BLS
Construction Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Some states require construction managers to be licensed; each state's licensing board sets the rule. BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.