Construction Management
Construction management degrees are offered at a number of different colleges and universities across the country in both associate's degree and bachelor's degree levels. Some universities offer students interested in pursuing a graduate degree the opportunity to earn a master's degree in construction management as well. Construction management degrees generally focus on teaching students the fundamentals of construction management and how to design, create, plan, and manage construction projects. Students pursuing construction management degrees will learn how to manage projects and the factors that may affect them such as budgets, delays, safety, and the quality of the work that is done. As the need for building and expansion will continue to grow, so will the need for individuals having the ability to control projects, so this field should continue to grow.
Common Career Paths:
Construction Manager
A construction manager is generally responsible for the planning, directing, coordination, and budget of a wide scope of construction projects. This can be for all types of construction including commercial, residential, and industrial structures, as well as roads, bridges, and expansion projects. Depending on the size of the job and other factors, construction managers may be responsible for overseeing an entire project or for a part of it. Their job responsibilities include scheduling and coordinating the project which usually includes hiring and overseeing the work of contractors and employees, ensuring the budget is being honored, ensuring that employees are taking safety precautions to prevent accidents or risks while working, and ensuring the project is being completed on time. While many construction managers are often self-employed, many of which own construction firms, others may be employed by contractor businesses and building construction companies. Most employers prefer to hire construction managers that have a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, building science, or a construction-related field. The employment outlook of construction managers appears to be good as faster than average job growth is expected, with their employment expected to grow by 17% over the next several years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, job prospects should be best for those that have a bachelor's degree in the field and some work experience. While the Bureau reported that the salary of construction managers varies widely depending on several factors, the median annual wages of construction managers were $79,860 in 2008, which was the most recent information provided.
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators that work in the construction industry generally estimate and prepare the cost information of future projects for businesses and organizations so that the business manager or deciding person can make a decision on whether to go ahead with a specific project. This estimate generally includes costs associated with the project, how many employees will be needed, the length of time it will take, and whether profits will be made off of the project. Construction cost estimators must visit the sites of projects to gather all the information that will be used to be included into their project estimate and ultimately, the proposal. Other estimates that must be factored in include equipment needs, sequence of operations, and physical constraints, so their estimates generally cover a very large scope of areas. Construction cost estimators may be employed by architects, engineering firms, and other companies in the construction industry. Many employers in the construction industry prefer to hire cost estimators that have a degree in construction management, building science, or construction science. The employment outlook of construction cost estimators looks good, as growth is expected by 25% over the next several years, which is much faster than the average occupation. Additionally, the best job prospects will likely be for those that have industry work experience and a bachelor's degree in the field. While the salary of construction cost estimators varies widely between employers, experience, and education, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the annual median salary of construction cost estimators was $56,510 in 2008.
Construction Inspector
A construction inspector generally examines buildings, roads, bridges, water systems, and other structures that are built to ensure that they meet certain requirements. This can include ensuring that the construction, alterations and repairs of structures are compliant with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and specific requirements. In order to be compliant with construction regulations, inspectors must make initial inspections during the beginning phases of construction and follow up with subsequent visits throughout the project to ensure codes and regulations are still being met. Construction inspectors are commonly employed with local governments in municipal or county building departments and can also be employed with architectural and engineering services firms or self-employed. Most employers prefer that employees have a college degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field. In addition, many states require that construction inspectors have some sort of license or certification to practice in the field. The employment outlook for construction inspectors looks to be good, as faster than average job growth is expected in the field. Employment of construction inspectors is expected to grow by 17% over the next several years and those with training and experience in the field should have the best job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary of a construction inspector was $50,180 in 2008.
