How to Become a Construction Manager in Illinois

So, maybe you want to become a construction manager in Illinois.

What does this job entail?

Construction managers handle almost every aspect of a building project.

They are also known as:

Popular Programs

• Project managers
• General contractors

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

If this is your chosen career path, read the article below for detailed information.

Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) is pivotal in orchestrating the planning, budgeting, and oversight of building projects.

Their goal is to ensure smooth operations from the project’s inception to completion.

The majority of construction companies prefer hiring candidates who hold at least a BS.

However, some firms may hire construction managers with an associate degree and applicable experience.

Project managers have the flexibility to specialize in diverse construction projects, including civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and institutional domains.

Construction Manager Job Duties in Illinois

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

Before you can work as a construction manager, there are several steps to complete.

Let’s take a look at these.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As previously mentioned, this profession requires a higher level of education than many others.

You’ll typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree program, which spans four years.

During this program, you’ll delve into subjects such as:

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

Alternatively, you can pursue an associate degree while gaining practical experience.

A high school diploma is often sufficient for those aspiring to work as independent contractors.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Although a bachelor’s degree typically suffices, acquiring extra certifications can greatly strengthen your qualifications.

Consider obtaining a license and/or certification to enhance your credentials further.

In this industry, you have the opportunity to pursue certifications such as:

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

Illinois’s Construction Manager Training Programs

So, what are some of the courses in this field that you can attend in Illinois?

Let’s have a look!

Illinois Tech 

Through this institute, candidates will earn a Construction Management Certificate.

If accepted into the program, you’ll have to attend 4 courses.

These cover:

• Construction methods
• Cost estimation
• Construction site operations
• Construction contract administration

These courses have 12 credits to earn but they must be at levels 400 to 500.

The program is intended for those with related experience who want to have a better chance of becoming a construction manager.

College of DuPage 

College of DuPage has 2 educational programs:

• AAS in Construction Management
• A certificate in Construction Management

The associate’s degree lasts for 2 semesters.

Completing the AAS program will enable you to land several jobs in the construction industry.

To graduate, students must accumulate between 64 and 66 credits.

Through the certificate program, you’ll have access to entry-level positions in construction companies.

After completing this program, students can continue with an associate’s degree.

The program is best for those who already have a degree in a different domain.

The certificate in construction management has 32 credits to earn.

This course also has a duration of 2 semesters.

Illinois State University 

The construction management program at this university is accredited by the American Council For Construction Education (ACCE).

The curriculum of this Major is interdisciplinary.

As such, you’ll be learning subjects like:

• Architectural and engineering principles
• Business
• Applied science
• Construction management
• Administration
• Technology
• Mathematics

Your skills will develop in these areas:

• Production,
• Technical,
• Management capabilities

This is because the program focuses less on design and crafting skills.

Construction Manager Salary in Illinois

After reading about a construction manager’s role through this article, you might be interested in the salary aspect.

As a manager, your income typically surpasses that of your team members but falls below that of your superiors.

In Illinois, construction managers make approximately $136,658 annually.

Some cities offer the potential for higher earnings, so refer to the table below for detailed information.

Regional Salary in Illinois

Construction Manager Schools by State