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Construction Management

BUSINESS Specialization

Construction Management

Construction Management graduates earn $95,124 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.7%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Construction Managers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Construction Management

Construction Management is a focused area of study within Business. Graduates typically earn around $95,124 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 169 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 4,158 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The curriculum blends analytical and applied coursework aimed at the workplace.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $72,745
Median Earnings · 4yr: $95,124
Colleges Offering: 169
Graduates / Year: 4,158
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,133

How Much Do Construction Management Graduates Earn?

Construction Management graduates earn $95,124 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,072 and $115,179.

$72,745

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$95,124

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$93,431

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Construction Management graduates. Industry and seniority explain most of the spread. Finance, consulting, and strategy roles pull the top end up; operations and administrative roles sit at the bottom.

$77,072 25th pct.

$95,124 Median

$115,179 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $95,124 against an estimated $76,532 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 98 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 4,158 students who complete Construction Management programs each year, the majority (75%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

75%

Bachelor's 75%

Associate's 12%

Master's 8%

What Can You Do With a Construction Management Degree?

Construction Management connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Construction Managers leads at $114,990/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +8.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Construction Managers

$114,990

$89K $152K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 46,800 openings/yr 380K employed nationally

Management of Personnel Resources Judgment and Decision Making Active Listening Coordination Complex Problem Solving

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
Develop or implement quality control programs.
Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.

↗ +5.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Project Management Specialists

$102,320

$78K $133K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 78,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally

Day-to-day responsibilities

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

↗ +5.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Business Teachers

$99,080

$64K $142K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 8,100 openings/yr 82K employed nationally

Speaking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Top Colleges for Construction Management

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Construction Management students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public	256	73.3%	$19,151	$61,251
2	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public	150	31.3%	$16,665	$90,768
3	Everglades University Boca Raton, FL · Nonprofit	125	81.5%	$27,371	$47,597
4	Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA · Nonprofit	123	91.2%	$34,170	$82,721
5	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	117	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
6	Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN · Public	116	80.8%	$10,873	$48,387
7	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID · Nonprofit	108	95.8%	$8,221	$53,406
8	Appalachian State University Boone, NC · Public	105	90.1%	$16,836	$51,836
9	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI · Public	85	89.4%	$16,032	$61,760
10	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT · Public	74	73.3%	$16,857	$58,562
11	Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS · Public	73	89.4%	$15,784	$50,579
12	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI · Public	72	87.7%	$17,490	$58,084
13	California State University-East Bay Hayward, CA · Public	71	97.4%	$9,320	$71,401
14	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	66	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
15	Boise State University Boise, ID · Public	64	87.2%	$21,610	$51,658
16	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK · Public	62	76.6%	$15,300	$63,126
17	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public	59	88.4%	$19,139	$56,922
18	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS · Public	59	99.1%	$21,708	$44,140
19	Roger Williams University Bristol, RI · Nonprofit	58	87.7%	$37,999	$70,266
20	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO · Public	57	90.5%	$17,613	$49,827

View all colleges

Ranked by Construction Management graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Construction Management program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Construction Management degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Construction Management Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Construction Management a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $95,124 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $72,745 at graduation to $95,124 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.7% over the next decade, with Construction Managers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 133,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Construction Management Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Construction Management graduates earn?

Construction Management graduates earn a national median of $95,124 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,072 and $115,179. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Construction Management degree?

One year after graduation, Construction Management degree holders earn a median of $72,745. That climbs to $95,124 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Construction Management degree?

Construction Management degree holders pursue careers including Construction Managers, which pays a median of $114,990/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Construction Management program take?

A Construction Management bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Construction Management?

169 colleges and universities in the United States offer Construction Management programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Construction Management degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $95,124 and an average net price of roughly $19,133/yr, a Construction Management degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Construction Management and Business?

Construction Management is a focused concentration within the broader Business field. The Business major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Construction Management-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Construction Management graduates?

Employers hiring Construction Management graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software tend to set candidates apart.

Is graduate school worth it for Construction Management graduates?

An MBA or specialized master's can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Construction Management graduates?

The job outlook for Construction Management graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Construction Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.