How to Become a Construction Manager in South Dakota

Construction managers play a crucial role in overseeing almost every aspect of building projects.

They are also referred to as project managers or general contractors, especially by those who don’t know.

They must work closely with construction workers, engineers, and government officials.

Read on to discover more about this profession!

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Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager plays an important part when it comes to planning, strategizing, financial management, and execution of construction.

The construction project will go as planned if those in charge are:

• Ensuring strict adherence to onsite specifications.
• Hiring skilled workers for different construction tasks.
• Securing timely delivery of construction materials.
• Addressing and resolving delays.
• Generating progress reports for clients.
• Managing project costs to stay within budget.

Most construction managers hold an associate degree with relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree along with field experience.

Construction managers can specialize in diverse sectors within the industry, such as:

• Civil
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Residential

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

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

If you’re looking to learn more about becoming a construction manager, follow the steps outlined below.

These steps will give you a clear understanding of the necessary requirements and actions.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As mentioned earlier, certification is essential for aspiring construction managers.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required, which means you must have a high school diploma or GED.

However, some project managers are hired with a relevant associate degree, provided they have substantial work experience.

During the four-year bachelor’s program, you’ll study subjects such as:

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

2nd Step – Become Licensed

While not all bachelor’s degree holders pursue additional certifications, doing so can demonstrate your commitment to your career and enhance your professional credentials.

Consider these 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 bachelor’s degree after your associate degree isn’t your preference, gaining extensive work experience in the field is a viable alternative.

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

Construction Management Programs in South Dakota

Next up we will show you where you can train for a construction manager job in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University offers a bachelor’s of science program.

The Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission accredited this program.

This program was put together in a special manner, for future construction managers to be able to deal with any issue that might appear.

The students’ new jobs, upon graduation, will be entry-level managers.

Some of these positions are:

• Cost estimators,
• Project schedulers
• Site coordinators

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Through this school, students can earn a Construction Engineering and Management MS degree.

They will participate in small-sized classes.

Earning a degree from STEM is also possible while enrolled in this program.

To graduate, you’ll need to accumulate only 30 credits.

The tuition is as follows:

• $475/credit for residents of the state
• $650/credit for out-of-state and distance students

The program is available online as well as face-to-face.

Its duration is 3 semesters, and candidates can enroll at any time.

If you don’t seek a degree, you can enroll in a certificate program, for which you have to accumulate 12 CEM.

For both programs, you’ll need first a bachelor’s degree diploma.

Southeast Technical College

At this college, you’ll enroll in the Construction Management Technology program.

The type of diploma is an Associate Degree Program that contains just 61 credits to graduate.

You’ll be done with the program in 2 years.

Depending on your grades, you could earn a scholarship, the Southeast Tech’s Construction Management Technology program.

Construction Manager Salary in South Dakota

It is only natural that your next question would be financial related.

After you finish your education and training, you probably want to know just how much you could earn.

In South Dakota, your salary will also depend on factors such as where you live and whether your city is a big one.

The annual earnings possibility averages around $120,364.

In any case, check out the table below for more detailed information.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Construction Manager Schools by State