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Construction managers play an important role in the construction industry.
They utilize their leadership skills to ensure that their operations run smoothly.
Some of their main duties include ensuring that their company has the skills and resources needed to meet the demands of their clients, planning projects, and much more.
Construction managers often come with excellent job security and a competitive salary.
So, if you’re interested in becoming a construction manager, you must first weigh the pros and cons, as they exist with any profession.
Article Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Construction Manager
First, let’s start by listing some of the advantages of working as a construction manager:
1. Room for Growth
Working as a construction manager doesn’t have to end there.
Construction managers willing to continue their education and training may receive promotions.
Construction managers can move up or transfer to related careers within the same industry.
Some of these other roles include construction agent or advisor.
Being a construction manager enables you to develop skills desirable to other employers, such as management and leadership skills.
It is always reassuring to go into a career knowing that there is room for career advancement.
2. Job Security
One thing about being a construction manager is that you’ll never have to worry about job security.
Construction managers will always be in demand, and construction companies will always be hiring them.
This is mainly due to an increase in the population and government requirements for making building updates.
Overall, the construction industry is a popular one no matter where you go.
So, if you ever need to relocate, you can rest assured that your position will still be in high demand.
In addition, there may be an option available for you to transfer to other industries in construction and still work as a manager.
3. Flexible Work Schedules
Another pro of working as a construction manager is that you get to enjoy flexible work schedules.
This provides you with some type of control.
Even though your main duty is to oversee contractors and daily tasks, you will still have a lot of flexibility and freedom when choosing your work schedule.
You can choose the hours and days you can work.
Construction managers may also have the privilege of working independently on most of their duties.
4. Work Duties Vary
Having diverse work duties makes wanting to come to work even more exciting.
This is a plus for those who prefer a work environment where their work is not repetitive.
If this sounds like you, a job as a construction manager may be ideal.
A construction manager is responsible for various things including hiring new contractors, screening new applicants, analyzing safety procedures, payroll, and meeting with clients.
You’ll never have to worry about getting bored when working as a construction manager.
5. Great Salary
Construction managers make an average yearly salary of $95,260, according to the BLS.
This is an excellent salary and is seen as one of the biggest pros of working as a construction manager.
You have the potential to earn even more.
This salary is much higher than the national average for any other occupation and is one of the main reasons why people go into this industry.
With this salary, you can feel confident, knowing that you can comfortably take care of yourself, your family, and your finances.
6. Range of Projects
Another advantage to working as a construction manager is the variety of projects you get to work on.
You’ll have projects that will range from commercial developments to residential buildings.
You’ll also get involved with infrastructure projects from time to time.
The diversity of projects keeps a job as a construction manager intriguing.
It also enables managers to gain more experience in different parts of the construction industry.
This can be a huge plus if you plan on transferring your skills in the future.
7. Sense of Achievement
A part of being a construction manager is being able to make a huge impact on the lives of those you cross.
You will be playing a huge role in building homes, hospitals, schools, and sports stadiums.
The work that you complete will impact your clients directly.
Aside from that, being able to see a construction project being built from the ground up can be more than rewarding.
All of these things can leave you with a sense of accomplishment.
It’s great to be a part of something that lasts long and is palpable.
Cons of Being a Construction Manager
1. High Levels of Stress
One of the biggest disadvantages of working as a construction manager is having to deal with high levels of stress.
This is mainly due to being in charge of managing various aspects of a construction project.
You’ll be in charge of overseeing timelines, budgets, and personnel.
As a result, you may experience a tremendous amount of pressure and a lot of stress as you battle to meet deadlines and manage your budget.
If these are duties that you feel you wouldn’t be able to tackle, becoming a construction manager may not be ideal.
2. Long Work Hours
Construction managers typically work long hours.
There will be days when you are required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Construction managers play a vital role in leading the construction process.
You have the duty of ensuring that projects stay on schedule.
As a result, you may find yourself working a lot of overtime.
If this overtime doesn’t bother you, you’ll find yourself satisfied working as a construction manager.
But if you have a family to tend to or other personal matters you must deal with, you may want to re-think this profession.
3. Physically Demanding
A construction manager job may also be physically demanding, which can lead to quick burnout if you aren’t up for the challenge.
You may find yourself frequently visiting construction sites where you’ll be standing for long periods, climbing, and walking.
You’ll be working in harsh weather conditions and on large-scale projects.
If you thought that being a construction manager just meant sitting behind a desk all day, this isn’t the best career choice for you.
4. Safety Is a Priority
In the world of construction, safety comes first, and that doesn’t change being a construction manager.
In fact, as a construction manager, you’ll be in charge of making sure that construction sites are safe for your contractors and visitors.
You will be responsible for taking care of safety concerns that come about and conducting frequent inspections.
You must also make sure safety protocols are put in place.
All of this additional responsibility could put more stress and pressure on your role.
5. Conflict May Arise
Construction projects consist of engineers, stakeholders, architects, clients, and contractors.
As a construction manager, you have to make sure that you maintain relationships with everyone involved.
If conflicts arise, which they will, it’s your responsibility to ensure they are taken care of in a professional manner.
Construction managers must have excellent negotiation and communication skills to succeed in the industry.
6. Training & Education Is Required
Construction managers must undergo education and training, both of which can be lengthy.
However, it’s a requirement before you can begin working as a construction manager.
Many may find the requirements challenging, to say the least.
Most certification boards prefer that construction managers enroll in continuing education.
However, once you have completed training and all the required education, you’re in for a treat.
Construction management jobs have competitive salaries and excellent stability.
7. Expectations Can Be Unrealistic
Construction manager’s duties aren’t always fulfilling.
You will face challenges, one of them being dealing with unrealistic expectations.
For instance, some projects you take on may come with unreasonable requests and deadlines that are nearly impossible to meet.
These two things could be some of the biggest killers in any construction project.
Clients and consultants could place these unrealistic expectations on you and force you to respond in a way that advocates for your team.
Pros and Cons of Being a Construction Manager – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Construction Manager | Cons of Being a Construction Manager |
|---|---|
| 1. Room for Growth | 1. High Levels of Stress |
| 2. Job Security | 2. Long Work Hours |
| 3. Flexible Work Schedules | 3. Physically Demanding |
| 4. Work Duties Vary | 4. Safety Is a Priority |
| 5. Great Salary | 5. Conflict May Arise |
| 6. Range of Projects | 6. Training & Education Is Required |
| 7. Sense of Achievement | 7. Expectations Can Be Unrealistic |
Should You Become a Construction Manager?
A career as a construction manager can be a great profession if you are someone who loves taking charge and overseeing projects.
You must also be good at working in a fast-paced environment.
Overall, this is a profession that can be extremely rewarding as it offers a high salary, stability, and a lot of flexibility.
But we can’t forget about the disadvantages.
Being a construction manager also comes with high levels of stress, physical demands, and an increased need for education and training.
If you feel that you can still manage the bad side of the job and still be satisfied, then a career as a construction manager is well worth it.