What Is a Construction Project Manager's Salary?

Construction project managers can work on residential and commercial construction on various worksites depending on your field or experience. In this role, you will typically oversee projects from start to finish, including planning, coordinating, and budgeting. If you choose to pursue this career, it has the potential to bring significant earning power.  

Discover the factors contributing to your construction project manager's salary in the field to help you determine if it’s the right job. 

What is a construction project manager?

Construction project managers oversee a construction project from early planning to completion. You may work on various project types, often collaborating with other professionals, including engineers and architects, while supervising subcontractors and all processes to ensure the project meets the client's specifications and stays on schedule. 

As a construction project manager, you’re in charge of creating a plan for the construction project, including budgeting how much it will cost and sourcing materials for the projects. You’ll also be responsible for hiring construction crews and deciding when you need them on-site. You’ll need to monitor the work process to ensure plans are on budget and adhere to all local building codes and requirements for the project.

Read more: How to Become a Construction Manager: Your Guide

How much does a construction project manager make?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS), a construction project manager in the United States can expect to make a median salary of $104,900 per year [1].

Looking at the average salary data from various job listing sites can help you understand the range of earnings possible with this job. As of January 2025, this data suggests the average annual pay for a construction project manager ranges from $81,313 to $104,900. 

The table below highlights the average salary data provided by five different organizations that track construction project manager salaries:

Factors that affect a construction project manager's salary

Although knowing the average salary can be helpful, you must also account for various factors, such as your education level and work experience, that can impact the amount you make as a construction project manager. Below are some significant considerations, including where you live and your industry. 

Education

You can enter this profession through multiple paths, including working up to the role after graduating high school or an associate degree program. However, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with bachelor's degrees in areas like construction, engineering, business, or related fields. 

To get an idea of how your education level may affect your salary, let’s look at the average construction project manager salaries based on education level, according to Zippia [2]:

• High school diploma: $74,805

• Associate degree: $77,979

• Bachelor's degree: $89,231

• Master's degree: $94,890

Certification

Can you earn more as a certified construction manager? Gaining additional credentials, such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification available through the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), could make you more competitive among prospective employers and possibly secure a higher salary. 

Completing these certifications may increase your earning power. For example, PayScale reports the average base salary for a CCM is $99,000 [5]. This amount is significantly higher than PayScale’s reported average salary of $84,767 for a construction manager [6].

Experience

Previous construction project management experience can affect your salary as more experience can boost your annual income. Explore Glassdoor’s estimated average wages for the position based on years of experience, as of January 2025 [3]:

• 0–1 year: $75,963 

• 1–3 years: $82,825

• 4–6 years: $92,238

• 7–9 years: $95,871

• 10–14 years: $102,353

• 15 or more years: $112,595

Location

Where you live can affect how much you can make as a construction project manager due to demand for your position in the area, cost of living, and regional factors. Discover the five top-paying states and districts for construction project managers based on average salary data from the BLS [7].

• New York: $156,760

• New Jersey: $149,900

• Massachusetts: $144,830

• Alaska: $143,450

• District of Columbia: $137,750

Some cities may have higher earnings than others based on the cost of living or the number of open construction project manager positions. You could earn a higher salary if you live in these areas or are willing to move. 

Industry

Specific industries average more income for construction project managers than others. For example, if you work in heavy and civil engineering, you might make a median income of $110,940. Comparatively, nonresidential construction can earn you a median annual income of $107,660, while residential construction project managers can expect to earn $92,980, according to the BLS [8].

Glassdoor lists the following five industries as the highest-paying for construction project managers, according to base salary, as of November 2024. Note that the figures from the BLS represent the median base pay while Glassdoor provides an average [4]:

• Energy, mining, and utilities: $100,785 

• Information technology: $111,245

• Manufacturing: $96,833

• Construction, repair, and maintenance: $90,398

• Human resources and staffing: $106,395

Related job titles

Other positions in construction project management may help you gain experience, or you find a job that better fits your interests if you want to branch out.

1. Project management specialist

Average annual base US salary: $98,580 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [9]

Project management specialists can also plan a project from beginning to end, develop plans and a budget, and oversee the hiring of staff to complete the task. But unlike construction projects, you’ll likely work in an office setting on professional projects. As a project management specialist, you need organizational skills to carry out multiple projects simultaneously and expertise in time management.  

Read more: 12 Key Project Management Skills

2. Civil engineer

Average annual base US salary: $95,890 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [10]

Civil engineers also work on construction sites, designing and supervising construction plans. You can develop projects, review permit applications, and manage the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure. As a civil engineer, you need strong communication skills and the ability to problem-solve with others. 

Job outlook

BLS expects construction project manager positions to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, a rate much faster than the national average of 4 percent for all occupations. Additionally, the agency expects 47,600 jobs added to the field during that same period [11].

Positions for construction project managers will grow due to population and business growth. Demand for new residences, schools, hospitals, and more will drive the need for more construction project management positions. You can also be responsible for retrofitting existing buildings to bring them up to building code or energy efficiency.

Getting started in construction project management with Coursera

The average annual salary for a construction project manager varies based on many factors, including location and experience level. To increase your earnings, consider working in an entry-level position, working your way up, or furthering your education so that your resume stands out to prospective employers.

Do you want to deepen your understanding of your next steps? Consider taking online courses to get a thorough introduction or develop your skills. For example, you can learn the basics of Construction Project Specialization offered by Columbia University on Coursera. The program teaches the fundamentals of construction project management and how to maintain sustainability on a project.

Alternatively, you can further your education with the Project Management Specialization offered by the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera. The program teaches you different project management methodologies and concepts, tools, and techniques for project management.