How to Become a Construction Manager in Delaware

Construction managers handle nearly every facet of a building project.

Sometimes, construction managers are called:

• Project managers
• General contractors

They collaborate closely with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

If you’re interested in this career, take a look at the article below.

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Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) plays a crucial role in planning, budgeting, and supervising building projects.

They ensure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.

Although some companies may hire construction managers with an associate degree and relevant experience, most prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Project managers can specialize in various types of construction projects, such as civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and institutional.

Construction Manager Job Duties in Delaware

You might already have a sense of a general contractor’s role, but here are some additional responsibilities to be aware of:

• Overseeing onsite work to ensure everything is built according to the plans
• Hiring workers for various parts of the project
• Ensuring timely delivery of construction materials
• Handling any delays, regardless of the cause
• Writing progress reports for clients
• Keeping the project within budget

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

Becoming a construction manager is a challenging journey.

You must complete several steps before launching your career.

1st Step – Complete Education

As noted before, this career demands more education than many others.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes around four years to finish.

In this program, you’ll study:

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

Alternatively, you can earn an associate degree and build relevant experience.

If you plan to work as an independent contractor, a high school diploma is generally enough.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

While a Bachelor’s degree is usually enough, obtaining additional certifications can significantly enhance your credentials.

Think about earning a license to boost your qualifications further.

In this field, you can pursue certifications such as:

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

Remember that most of the extra credentials need to be periodically renewed.

Delaware’s Construction Manager Training Programs

Now, let’s take a look at the construction manager training programs available in Delaware.

University of Delaware

The Construction Engineering and Management program provides:

• A solid engineering foundation
• Hands-on experience through mandatory co-op programs
• Structured business training via an integrated business certificate

This combination equips our students with the skills and knowledge for leadership and success in the construction industry.

All students in the program engage in a 26-week co-op, gaining essential hands-on experience in the field.

The program’s structure allows for all degree requirements to be completed within four years.

The Construction Engineering and Management Major students may apply to the 4+1 program.

Doing this will enable them to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering and Management and a Master of Civil Engineering degree within five years.

This opportunity is available to University of Delaware undergraduates in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who obtained a minimum GPA of 3.25 at the time of application.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University has an online undergraduate certificate in Construction Management program in which you can enroll.

This is a comprehensive 18-credit certificate program that delves into:

• Effective leadership
• Team management
• Organizational dynamics
• Negotiation tactics
• Public speaking
• Project management principles
• OSHA regulations
• Accounting and finance concepts relevant to construction

As part of a series of stackable credentials, this program not only stands on its own as a valuable qualification but also acts as a pathway to further academic pursuits, such as WilmU’s B.S. in Applied Business.

Delaware apprenticeship completers in construction may receive up to 42 WilmU academic credits for their practical experience.

This will significantly advance their progress toward completing a 120-credit bachelor’s degree.

Construction Manager Salary in Delaware

After getting a solid understanding of what a construction manager does, you might be curious about the salary.

As a manager, you’ll make more than your team but of course, less than your superiors.

In Delaware, construction managers have a salary of around $135,589 per year.

Your salary also depends on the area where you live.

Some areas give you the potential to earn more, so check out the below table for info.

Regional Salary in Delaware

Construction Manager Schools by State