Thinking about a career as a construction manager? Good thinking. According to U.S. News Report, construction managers are the #2 job in the construction industry right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics believe by 2026 there will be 46,100 new construction manager jobs, which is an 11 percent increase. This is really good. The median salary for a construction manager is $89,300 and the unemployment rate is at 2.7 percent.
What does a construction manager do? They obtain work permits, hire contractors, handle emergencies, manage job sites, talk to clients, keep track or progress and more. If you like to build and design things, this is the career for you. You get to work with architects, engineers, cost estimator, cand carpenters to plan a job.
Usually before a person becomes a construction manager, they start out as a carpenter or a glazier. These days, many construction managers have experience and a bachelor’s degree in construction science, building science, construction engineering, architecture, or engineering. On the job training is learned through internships and working as an assistant under a licensed contractor.
Many general contractors also go on to become construction managers. To get a general contractor’s license in the state of Florida, you need:
- 48 months on jobs with at least 12 months as a foreman.
–or-
- A combination of college and experience totaling at least 48 months with at least 12 of those months as a foreman.
For the general contractor’s License only, you must show at least 1 year (12 full months) or more on habitable structures 4+ stories. Show substantial responsibility in at least 4 of the following areas of commercial construction including active and proven experience with:
- Foundation/slabs greater than 20,000 sq. ft
- Masonry walls
- Steel erection
- Elevated slabs
- Precast concrete structures
- Column erection
- Form work for structural reinforced concrete
If you’re ready to become a licensed Florida contractor or construction manager, we can help your through the licensure process. When applying for a Florida general contractor’s license, there’s a lot of deadlines and requirements. It can be confusing; there’s a lot to remember. As a Florida contractor licensing company, we know the process like the back of our hand; we’ve helped thousands of people get their Florida contractor’s license. To get started with us, click our Florida contractor license contact page or call 239-777-1028.