The construction industry appears to have quite a positive future ahead of it. According to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 75% of the construction firms they surveyed expect to expand both their payroll and the demand for their services this year.
This is great news for those who are planning to find construction jobs. The diversity of sectors, services, and career openings in the industry further demonstrates why the field is such a viable career path. The opportunities are ubiquitous, and due to the current labor shortage, job seekers don’t have to worry about battling in the same competitive career landscape as other industries.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in construction at the executive level, or if you’re already in the industry and are interested in a change of pace, there are many factors that go into defining what position is ideal for you. Your experience, qualifications, and skills combined with what you actually enjoy doing should shape the kind of vocation you select for yourself. In addition to these factors, there is something else that tends to matter when pursuing a profession: the pay.
There are as many pay scales as there are positions in the world of construction, so if salary is a major deciding factor for you, here are some of highest paying executive construction careers to make note of:
Note: Please note that these figures are based on the salary information announced by Payscale.com, Salary.com, and other salary information resources reflective of spring 2018. These numbers will vary depending on factors such as qualifications, experience level, individual employer situations, and geographical location, so keep in mind this is general information.
The VP of operations makes one of the highest salaries in the industry, and they have the experience to back it up. Most have over a decade of experience in the industry, which helps them tackle the myriad of duties they need to perform.
A VP of operations must have a bird’s eye view of the entire option as well as adequate foresight to develop high-level strategies and increase profitability.
Here’s a quick look at some of their many responsibilities:
As mentioned before, a VP of operations will have accrued years of relevant work experience before being considered for the VP role. This will ensure they have well-rounded knowledge of how all areas of the construction industry operates as well as thorough experience supervising others, which will make them a more effective leader. A bachelor’s degree in business administration is almost always required, though a master’s degree can certainly help.
How much does a VP of operations make? According to Pay Scale, a VP of operations tends to make ~$81,500 and ~$205,600, with a median annual salary of $124,348.
Project managers get paid some of the highest salaries in the industry, especially at the senior level. Predictably, they also are tasked with a fair amount of responsibility, as it’s their responsibility to oversee the development of an entire project.
A project manager’s job includes:
How much do construction project managers make? According Salary.com, construction project managers usually make between ~ $87,000 and ~ $113,000, with a median salary of $99,964.
Project managers generally are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a construction-related field. It’s best if they’ve gained experience by working in the construction industry and have held supervisor positions in the past.
Construction managers usually work directly under the project manager. They work on the construction site and are responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations and the workers.
Whereas the project manager oversees the entire operation from project conception until project completion, the construction manager is usually only involved in the actual construction aspect of the project.
Almost all construction managers have previously worked in the construction or engineering industry. Many started as construction workers, which makes them familiar with the flow and demand of job sites. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree relating to construction, but many only require previous experience.
How much do construction managers make? According to Pay Scale, the average range of annual total pay for construction managers is between ~$47,000 and ~$126,000, with a median of
$74,279.
A construction superintendent oversees the development of a construction project, typically working mostly on the job site. They communicate with both the field workers and the senior management, helping assure all aspects of the project are running smoothly. Superintendents have to be apt at multitasking, as they are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
Most construction superintendents have many years of experiencing working in construction, especially in other supervisor roles. When hiring, some employers prefer a degree in construction project management or engineering, while others care more about the amount of proven experience a candidate has.
How much do construction superintendents make? According to Pay Scale, construction superintendents usually make between ~$48,000 and ~$114,000, with a median annual salary of $73,547.
A construction project engineer is a hybrid between an expert engineer and a project manager. The exact scope of their work may vary depending on the project and company they’re working with, but in general, they are responsible for managing the technical and engineering aspect of projects. Project engineers are responsible for breaking down the vision of the project into comprehensible and achievable smaller tasks, while also acquiring necessary materials and workspaces.
They often work alongside the project manager, helping to supervise workers and manage budgeting and scheduling issues that involve the technical team. They report updates to relevant stakeholders, and they help ensure that the project is up to code on safety and compliance regulations before it’s inspected.
A project engineer typically has a bachelor’s degree, but additional, advanced degrees may influence higher salaries. An engineering license may be necessary as well, depending on the location and individual company protocols.
How much do project engineers make? According to Salary.com, a construction project engineer typically makes between ~$58,000 and ~$75,000, with an median annual salary of $65,510.
Construction estimators are hired to estimate costs (labor, materials, etc.) and timeframes needed to complete a project. They collect and analyze data to help develop bids and accurate budgets. In order to do this, they need to be able to read construction plans and blueprints as well as understand building codes and regulations. Additionally, estimators must be able to survey potential job sites and decide if any factors, such as environmental conditions, will affect the projected costs.
Hiring parties often look for an estimator who has a bachelor’s degree in construction management or construction engineering, but sometimes adequate field experience will suffice. There are also certifications available.
How much do construction estimators make? According to Pay Scale, estimators usually make between ~$36,000 and ~$87,000, with an average median annual salary of $57,631.
Just as the title suggests, a project coordinator assists the project manager by ensuring that multiple areas of a project come together smoothly by:
Most project coordinators have a bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field as well as a few years of experience working in the construction industry. However, some employers may only require relevant experience.
How much do project coordinators make? According to Glassdoor, a construction project coordinator tends to make between ~$41,000 and ~$83,000, with an average base pay of $56,121.
As you can see, there are many financially-sound career opportunities in the construction industry. Construction jobs are abundant and are expected to only keep growing, so considering a path into this industry is a smart move. The best part is that the options are nearly endless, so you’ll be able to find a career that suits you just right.
Whether you’re looking to find a construction job or you need to hire construction executives to build the foundation of your own company, S.R. Clarke Consulting Services, Inc. can help. With over 41 years of experience and countless successful placements, our track record shows that we are one of the most effective construction search firms out there today.
No matter what your hiring needs are, it’s our goal to be your strategic partner in success.
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