How to Become a Construction Manager in Montana

Construction managers play a crucial role in overseeing most aspects of building projects.

They are often referred to as project managers or general contractors.

This position involves close collaboration with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

Read on in order to understand more about this profession.

Popular Programs

Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) is integral to the concept, strategy, financial management, and execution of construction projects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring precise adherence to onsite specifications
• Recruiting skilled personnel for various construction tasks
• Securing timely delivery of construction materials
• Addressing and resolving delays from any source
• Generating reports for clients on project progress
• Managing project costs to stay within budget constraints

These duties ensure that construction projects proceed smoothly and efficiently.

To become a construction manager, you typically need an associate degree with relevant practical experience or a bachelor’s degree.

Construction managers can specialize in various sectors within the construction industry, including:

• Civil
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Residential
• Agricultural
• Institutional projects

This flexibility allows project managers to focus on areas that match their interests and expertise.

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

If you want to become a construction manager, you need to take some steps first.

So what are these steps?

Let’s outline them!

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As previously noted, a diploma is essential for becoming a construction manager.

The minimum requirement for most construction managers is a bachelor’s degree, which necessitates having a high school diploma or GED.

Some project managers are hired with just an associate degree, but they must also have relevant work experience in the field.

Graduates from an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program can seamlessly transition to a bachelor’s degree program.
During the four-year bachelor’s program, you’ll delve into topics such as:

• Design
• Structural Science
• Engineering
• Materials Management
• Economics

2nd Step – Become Licensed

While not everyone with a bachelor’s degree will pursue further certifications, doing so can demonstrate your commitment to your career and enhance your professional credentials.

Consider earning these additional certifications:

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

Alternative Steps

If pursuing a four-year degree after your associate’s degree isn’t appealing, gaining substantial work experience in the field is another viable option.

Alternatively, those with only a high school diploma can begin their careers as independent contractors.

Exploring Construction Management Programs in Montana

Now, let’s explore the programs available in Montana for aspiring construction managers.

Are you looking to join a dynamic career field with a high demand for qualified professionals?

City College at MSU Billings

City College’s Construction Management Program prepares you to take construction projects from planning to successful completion.

In the program, you will even get to build a tiny home on campus.

In our one-year Construction Technology certificate program, you will gain fundamental knowledge of home construction through hands-on experience in our construction lab.

You will develop essential skills like framing, roofing, siding, drywall, painting, and trim carpentry.

You will attend practical lessons but also theory on:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Blueprint reading
• Estimating
• The basics of construction project management

The program’s second year allows students to delve deeper into advanced project management.

Develop your technical skills with the following:

• Advanced business management
• Project planning
• Coordination
• Construction estimating instruction

This combination of skills prepares you for a successful career in construction management.

Montana Technological University

At this university, you can earn a BS in construction management.

However, there are a few other courses you can consider enrolling into, as they’re related:

• Civil Engineering, B.S.
• Occupational Safety and Health, B.S.
• Civil Engineering Technology, A.A.S.

The program has been revised to reflect the latest industry practices.

This program is housed in the Department of Civil Engineering and it includes an internship too.

Your tuition will depend on whether you live with your parents or not, as well as the number of credits you’ll need to collect in total.

Construction Manager Salary in Montana

You are probably wondering how much you can make after finishing your education.

As a construction manager, you should know your salary will exceed that of your team.

For instance, in Montana, construction managers make about $125,050 a year.

If you want to know how much you can earn in your area, read on for more info.

Regional Salary in Montana

Construction Manager Schools by State