How to Become a Construction Manager in Tennessee

Construction managers are integral to supervising nearly all facets of building projects.

Often known as project managers or general contractors, they work in close coordination with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

Continue reading to learn more about this profession.

Construction Manager Job Description

The planning, strategy, financial management, and execution of construction projects can’t be done without the supervision of a construction manager.

Popular Programs

Here are the most common job duties construction managers have:

• Ensuring strict adherence to onsite specifications
• Hiring skilled personnel for various construction tasks
• Securing timely delivery of construction materials
• Addressing and resolving any delays
• Generating progress reports for clients
• Managing project costs to remain within budget constraints

Most construction managers possess either an associate degree with relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree combined with field experience.

Since the industry has many specializations, CMs can choose in which to operate, for instance:

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

This versatility allows construction managers to focus on areas that align with 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 noted earlier, certification is crucial for those aiming to become construction managers.

Typically, this role requires a bachelor’s degree, which necessitates a high school diploma or GED.

However, some project managers are hired with an associate degree in a relevant field, provided they have significant work experience.

Graduates from an Associate of Applied Science program can smoothly transition into a bachelor’s degree program.

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

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

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Although not all bachelor’s degree holders seek further certifications, obtaining them can showcase your dedication to your career and bolster your professional qualifications.

Consider pursuing 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 earning your associate degree isn’t appealing, gaining substantial work experience in the field is another viable option.

If you want to be your own boss and be an independent contractor, you can do so just with your high school diploma.

Other requirements might also apply.

Construction Management Programs in Tennessee

Next, I will show you where you can train as a construction manager in Tennessee.

Vanderbilt University School of Engineering

Vanderbilt University School of Engineering offers a Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Management.

Some things you will learn about include:

• Healthcare Construction
• Project Delivery Systems
• Project Life-cycle Analysis
• Project Schedule Reduction Techniques
• Construction Contracts
• Underground/Trenchless Construction

Construction Project Management involves directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The university offers an advanced degree program in Civil Engineering (M.Eng).

This program concentrates on Construction Management and integrates the fundamentals of civil engineering with the latest advancements in construction practices.

Graduates of the Construction Management program are highly sought after, finding employment in design, consulting, and construction within both the private and public sectors.

Throughout the program, the relationship between planning, design, and construction is consistently emphasized.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of this university offers a construction management program.

This course is called Construction Engineering and Management (CEM).

When graduating, students can earn these diplomas:

• BS
• BS + MS

Students learn through a cutting-edge method that combines topics from various fields.

Some areas of study include:

• Sustainable infrastructure systems
• Risk and financial engineering
• Holistic management for natural and man-made hazards
• Contractual and legal affairs in construction
• Agent-based simulation and system dynamics modeling
• Social network analysis

Construction Manager Salary in Tennessee

It’s understandable that your next question is related to finances.

Once you complete your education and training, you’re likely curious about your potential earnings.

In Tennessee, construction managers can expect to earn around $123,979.

However, your salary will vary based on factors such as your location and the size of the city where you work.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you can anticipate a higher salary.

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Construction Manager Schools by State