How to Become a Construction Manager in Hawaii

Are you thinking about a career as a construction manager in Hawaii?

If that’s the case, you should learn more about this position first.

As a construction manager, you will be in charge of handling nearly every aspect of a building project.

This profession is also known as:

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• Project Manager
• General Contractor

You will usually collaborate with engineers, construction teams, or government officials.

If you want to learn more and maybe start a new career, read on as this article will bring important information.

Construction Manager Job Description

The construction manager is essential in ensuring smooth operations from start to finish, of construction projects.

They achieve this goal by overseeing the planning, budgeting, and oversight of the construction they’re in charge of.

Do you happen to have an associate degree and relevant experience?

Then you’re in luck because there are companies that will hire you.

However, many of them prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Construction managers have the option to specialize in a variety of project types:

• Civil,
• Industrial,
• Commercial
• Residential
• Agricultural
• Institutional construction.

Construction Manager Job Duties in Hawaii

Maybe you already know what a construction manager’s daily tasks are.

Yet, there are some additional key duties:

• Supervising on-site activities to ensure the construction adheres to the plans
• Recruiting workers for different phases of the project
• Coordinating the timely arrival of construction materials
• Managing delays, no matter the cause
• Preparing progress reports for clients
• Ensuring the project stays within budget constraints

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

So, what are the steps you need to take to become a successful construction manager in Hawaii?

For more info, read below.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As previously noted, you can’t become a construction manager without further education than high school.

As a rule of thumb, you must finish a four-year bachelor’s degree program, as I already mentioned.

The most common classes you will attend in such programs are:

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

Or, you can choose an associate degree mixed with practical experience to start your career as a construction manager.

If you plan on being an independent contractor, you can just get a high school diploma.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Getting a Bachelor’s degree will give you a solid foundation, however obtaining additional certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects.

In the construction management field, consider pursuing certifications like:

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

Construction Manager Training Programs in Hawaii

Now, you should focus on finding a suitable training program in Hawaii.

Hawai’i Pacific University

The GCA Management Program at this educational institution equips graduates with the skills for advancing in the construction management industry.

This program culminates in a Master of Science in Construction Management degree.

It emphasizes practical skills over traditional engineering principles.

The course meets the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accreditation standards.

Students benefit from instruction by faculty members with significant experience in construction and project management in Hawaii.

The program includes guest lectures from industry professionals and site visits to active construction projects.

This means you will get great opportunities for hands-on learning and professional networking.

The program has 30 credits, which can be finished in 16 months if you attend school full-time.

You should also know the classes take place in person in Honolulu.

Hawaiʻi Community College

The University of Hawaiʻi Community College is a system that collaborates with several high schools to prepare students for a career in the construction field.

This system is better known as the Construction Academy.

This Academy has only 4 courses:

• Building & Construction 1
• Building & Construction 2
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2

The first 2 courses are common to all schools that participate while the last 2 depend from school to school.

Those students won’t earn a degree in the industry unless they enroll in a degree program.

Construction Manager Salary in Hawaii

You’ve completed your training and now understand the role of a construction manager.

The next logical step is to explore potential salaries and job opportunities.

For instance, In Hawaii, construction managers’ average annual salary is around $139,597.

However, this figure can vary based on your location.

Those working in major cities often earn more than their counterparts in rural areas.

See the table below for more information.

Regional Salary in Hawaii

Construction Manager Schools by State