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Construction manager

Also called construction project manager, construction cost consultant, development project cost manager

Construction managers are responsible for the planning and coordination of the construction projects. They provide expertise in the design phase of construction projects by facilitating a better estimate of the costs and the functional implications. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and handle subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They strive to enhance the value of the projects both improving efficiency and creating value for customers.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects57 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Production and specialized services managersWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €3,000 (Bulgaria) to €11,300 (Italy) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Production and specialized services managersWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree6 in 10 have a degree.Production and specialized services managersWill AI change it?LittleLevel 2 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Construction managers · ILO

What you'd do

Construction managers · ILO
  • Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications
  • Coordinating labour resources and procurement and delivery of materials, plant and equipment
  • Negotiating with building owners, property developers and subcontractors involved in the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
  • Preparing tenders and contract bids
  • Operating and implementing coordinated work programmes for sites
  • Ensuring adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety
  • Arranging submission of plans to local authorities
  • Building under contract, or subcontracting specialized building services
  • Arranging building inspections by relevant authorities
  • Establishing and managing budgets, controlling expenditure and ensuring the efficient use of resources
  • Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff and subcontractors
Apply safety managementManage contractsReview construction projectsCheck construction complianceCommunicate with construction crews+ 11 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • A mix of sitting and standing
  • Constant contact with people, including the public
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Construction Managers"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as production and specialized services managers in the EU
3.46m3.53m4.8m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,045,000 new jobs 1,100,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Production and specialized services managers57
All jobs29
Right now
7 of 27 countries report a shortage of construction managers, 4 a surplus.
Construction managers · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €3,000 a month (Bulgaria) to €11,300 (Italy), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among managers in the EU, women earn 27% less per hour than men. Managers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in building and civil engineering is the usual route.

Highest qualification of production and specialized services managers (EU, 2025)
Degree 63%Vocational 22%General secondary 8%Basic schooling 7%
Fields that teach it
Building and civil engineering · Management and administration
Vocational route, EU
5 in 10 trainees in this field
Engineering graduates in a matching job
73% in the EU

949 institutions in the EU offer engineering bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.34 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 11 tasks
Preparing tenders and contract bids0.46
Operating and implementing coordinated work programmes for sites0.39
Establishing and managing budgets, controlling expenditure and ensuring the efficient use of resources0.39
Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications0.36
Coordinating labour resources and procurement and delivery of materials, plant and equipment0.36
Arranging submission of plans to local authorities0.34
Arranging building inspections by relevant authorities0.32
Ensuring adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety0.29
Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff and subcontractors0.28
Negotiating with building owners, property developers and subcontractors involved in the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget0.28
Building under contract, or subcontracting specialized building services0.26

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for construction managers. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).