What is the average salary for a construction manager, LSU Online

What is the average salary for a construction manager? Published On: September 1, 2015. Graduating with an online master’s degree in construction management provides many career options. Professionals are needed to plan, supervise and coordinate residential and commercial projects. You will communicate between individual trades and respond to any emergencies that arise on the job. Having a master’s degree will help put you ahead of the competition among the largest firms who are looking for these kinds of skills. Steps in getting a master's degree. In today’s specialized job market, employers are looking for managers who have an understanding of the complex factors that are involved in the building trades. Managers may need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or construction management before they enroll in a master’s degree program. While a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, you may be able to finish your master’s in as little as two years. Growing demand for construction managers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for knowledgeable construction managers is expected to grow by more than 16 percent over the next decade. This rate of growth is higher than other occupations, so you can expect that a construction manager salary will remain high for the near future. The best opportunities are expected to be available to professionals who have a master’s degree in construction management with some on-the-job experience. What to expect in a construction manager's salary. While the amount that you make will depend on the geographic area where you work and the number of years you have been in the field, the BLS estimated that the median annual construction manager salary was $85,630 in 2014. The top 10 percent of earners brought home more than $150,000 per year, and the lowest 10 percent earned about $50,000. If you find employment in one of the best-paying geographic areas such as California, New York or Washington, D.C., you can expect your earnings to be higher than the median salary. The Midwest pays slightly lower salaries. If you’re looking for a way to improve your earning power, a master's degree in construction management could be the right fit. With a respected master's degree and experience on the job, you can be on your way to a rewarding career. Have a question or concern about this article? Please contact us.