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Construction managers play a vital role in supervising the complex elements of construction projects.
Referred to as project managers or general contractors, they work closely with engineers, construction teams, and government agencies.
If you’re contemplating a career as a construction manager in Michigan, keep reading.
You’ll find valuable information to kickstart a successful journey in this dynamic industry.
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Construction Manager Job Description
As a construction manager, you could oversee the creation of:
- Skyscrapers,
- Suspension bridges,
- Residential homes,
- Resort hotels,
- Outdoor shopping malls,
- State-of-the-art industrial facilities
Some of your daily duties will include:
- Ensuring precise adherence to onsite specifications
- Recruiting skilled workers for various construction tasks
- Managing the timely delivery of materials
- Addressing and resolving any delays
- Providing clients with progress updates and reports on completed tasks
- Maintaining project costs within budget
These responsibilities are a must for the successful completion of any construction project.
To be eligible for this position, you usually need either an associate degree accompanied by relevant hands-on experience or a bachelor’s degree.
Construction managers have the opportunity to focus on various sectors.
These include civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, or institutional projects.
Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step
Becoming a construction manager requires you to take some steps.
Read on to learn what these steps are and how you can complete them.
1st Step – Complete Your Education
Usually, construction managers get a bachelor’s degree.
For that to happen you first need to get a high-school diploma or a GED.
If you only have an associate degree, you will need some extra practical experience.
If you have received an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program, pursuing a bachelor’s degree afterward is easy.
The bachelor’s program lasts for four years.
These are a few of the study subjects:
- Design
- Structural science
- Engineering
- Materials management
- Economics
- Alternatives
If you don’t want to get a bachelor’s degree, you can simply get hired and start working.
This will provide you with the additional experience you need.
Those with a high school diploma but no other credentials can start working as independent contractors.
2nd Step – Become Licensed
You don’t need any more education than a bachelor’s degree.
However, obtaining extra certifications can only help in your job search as you will get better career opportunities.
Consider the following certifications:
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
- LEED Green Associate
- Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Construction Manager Programs in Michigan
Below is a list of programs you can enroll in as a future construction manager.
Bay College 
The program offered for future construction managers has a total of 60 credits to accumulate.
Here are some of the subjects you’ll learn about:
- Soils and foundations
- Construction materials
- Cost estimation
- Sequence of operations
- Construction Safety
- Real estate law
- Residential and commercial blueprints
This program is available as either a certificate or an associate degree.
It prepares you to take the Michigan Residential Builder License Exam.
This credential can launch your successful career as a private builder or as a construction manager for a general contractor.
Washtenaw Community College 
This program equips students for entry-level positions in the construction industry.
You can also transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in construction management at a four-year college.
The program has a transfer agreement with Eastern Michigan University, allowing students to seamlessly transition into their bachelor’s degree program.
Besides the core courses within the degree program, students can transfer additional courses taken at WCC to fulfill technical, business, and math/science requirements for the bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University.
Eastern Michigan University 
EMU offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management for those with middle- and upper-level construction management.
Once they complete this BS, students can enroll in the MS in Construction Management program.
This Major ensures students are up-to-date with the latest practices in the construction industry.
IF you find the tuition too high, there are many scholarships for which you could qualify.
This university has many affiliations that can be useful when searching for an internship or a job.
Construction Manager Salary in Michigan
Once you finish your training, being curious about your potential salary is understandable.
The median annual salary is approximately $131849, but actual earnings can fluctuate based on various factors, including experience and location.
Typically, construction managers in urban areas earn higher salaries than their rural counterparts.
For a detailed overview of construction manager salaries in Michigan, see the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $137,058 |
| Dexter | $137,058 |
| Belleville | $136,791 |
| Plymouth | $136,658 |
| Northville | $136,524 |
| Brighton | $136,390 |
| Wayne | $135,322 |
| Romulus | $135,188 |
| Milford | $135,055 |
| Davisburg | $134,921 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 230 | $115,240 | $55.41 | $166,440 | $63,450 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 50 | $107,960 | $51.91 | $164,280 | $62,280 |
| Bay City, MI | 50 | $93,720 | $45.06 | $137,690 | $53,490 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 2,900 | $118,450 | $56.95 | $167,840 | $73,600 |
| Flint, MI | 180 | $107,950 | $51.9 | $156,640 | $63,040 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 900 | $102,100 | $49.09 | $159,360 | $53,800 |
| Jackson, MI | 60 | $107,100 | $51.49 | $156,520 | $64,420 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 270 | $104,370 | $50.18 | $134,790 | $64,970 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 370 | $110,610 | $53.18 | $164,040 | $66,720 |
| Midland, MI | 110 | $108,160 | $52 | $166,990 | $65,570 |
| Monroe, MI | 80 | $125,440 | $60.31 | $200,370 | $73,980 |
| Muskegon, MI | 70 | $103,040 | $49.54 | $122,990 | $62,400 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 70 | $103,980 | $49.99 | $152,370 | $59,360 |
| Saginaw, MI | 150 | $106,280 | $51.1 | $162,740 | $63,530 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I earn my CM diploma online in Michigan, will this be mentioned on the document?
In short no.
All diplomas are made equally, with no mention of how they’ve been earned.
What are some career paths for a construction manager in Michigan?
If a career as a construction manager doesn’t suit, you can consider other options:
- General Construction Manager
- Estimator
- Construction Superintendent
- Construction Consultant
- Business Owner
What skills do I need to become a general contractor in Michigan?
- Leadership skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Comfortable with heights
- Teamwork abilities
- Ability to take decisive action
- Strong math knowledge
Read the full guide: How to Become a Construction Manager
Construction Manager Schools by State