How to Become a Construction Manager in Alabama

Construction managers must oversee most of the aspects of any building project.

These professionals also have these titles:

• Project managers
• General contractors

They must work with engineers, construction workers, and even officials from the government.

If you’re interested in a position like this, read this presentation I put together!

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Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) is the mastermind behind the conceptualization, strategizing, financial management, and execution of diverse architectural creations.

Like this, they ensure seamless execution at every juncture.

Some employers may hire construction overseers with an associate degree and pertinent practical background.

However, many favor candidates boasting a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for the role.

A project manager has the flexibility to specialize in various domains of construction projects.

These could range from civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, or institutional endeavors.

Construction Manager Job Duties in Alabama

While you might have gotten an idea of what you’re supposed to do as a general contractor, several aspects have not been mentioned.

Here are some of the duties you’ll be responsible for as well:

• Working onsite to ensure the specifications are followed to a T
• Hiring personnel for the various elements of the building must have
• Ensure the construction materials are delivered
• Accounting for any delays, regardless of cause
• Writing reports for the clients, related to the work completed
• Ensuring the cost of the project doesn’t exceed the allocated budget

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

Becoming a construction manager isn’t as simple as one could imagine.

You’ll have to follow some steps like everyone else before you.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

Unlike many other occupations, a construction manager needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree as far as education goes.

During the 4 years of the program, you’ll study:

• Design,
• Structural science,
• Engineering,
• Materials management
• Economics

You also have the option of earning an Associate’s degree and then gaining enough work experience.

If you want to be an independent contractor, you need only your high school diploma.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Earning a license in the field is not mandatory if you completed a Bachelor’s degree.

This shouldn’t stop you from trying to earn more credentials.

In the construction field, a project manager can earn one or all of the following:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• LEED Green Associate
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Construction Manager Programs in Alabama

Let’s have a look at some training programs available in Alabama.

Alabama A&M University

At this university, candidates can enroll in the BS in Construction Management program.

Upon graduation, you can find employment as a:

• Estimator Scheduler
• CM Product Engineer
• Project / Field Engineer
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Construction Project Manager
• Building Inspector
• Safety Director
• Product Sales Rep
• CM Firm Owner
• Facility Manager
• General Contractor

A resident has to pay $287/hour, which will have to be multiplied by the number of hours you must attend per semester.

You must pay the total sum and any other fees that apply at the beginning of each semester.

Wallace State Community College

Wallace State offers these degrees for future construction managers:

• AAS,
• STC

The AAS degree is for construction management technology.

The STC stands for Short-Term Certificate and is awarded in Construction Science and Construction Basics.

One credit hour in this program costs $166, however, there is the possibility of having access to various financial aids, including scholarships.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham 

This university offers a master’s degree in Construction Engineering Management.

This Master’s of Engineering can be obtained only if you have a Bachelor’s degree, in any domain.

The trick is that this bachelor’s degree must be issued by a regionally accredited U.S. College or University.

There are several other requirements to meet to be accepted in the program:

• School transcripts from all institutions you attended since high school
• 2 years of experience working in construction
• Pass a live interview
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Show good computer skills
• Proper computer equipment with high-speed internet

Construction Manager Salary in Alabama

Now that you know almost everything there is to know about this occupation, you might want to know how much you can earn.

Since you hold a managerial position, you’ll earn more than your subordinates, but less than your boss.

This being said, in Alabama, construction managers earn around $122,765 per year.

In some places, you can earn more than that, and the table below shows those places as well as the possible salary.

Regional Salary in Alabama

Construction Manager Schools by State