Construction managers are essential in supervising nearly all facets of building projects.
Often known as project managers or general contractors, they work closely with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.
Continue reading to learn more about this profession.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Construction Manager Job Description
- 2 Popular Programs
- 3 Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step
- 3.1 1st Step – Complete Your Education
- 3.2 2nd Step – Become Licensed
- 3.3 Alternative Steps
- 4 Construction Management Programs in South Carolina
- 4.1 Clemson University
- 4.2 Western Carolina University
- 5 Construction Manager Salary in South Carolina
- 5.1 Regional Salary in South Carolina
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 Do I need some special skills for this job in South Carolina?
- 6.2 What kind of companies will hire construction managers in South Carolina?
- 6.3 Is there any difference between a project manager and construction manager in South Carolina?
Construction Manager Job Description
A Construction Manager (CM) plays a vital role in the planning, strategy, financial oversight, and execution of construction projects.
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To ensure the project runs smoothly, your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring exact adherence to onsite specifications
- Hiring skilled personnel for various construction tasks
- Securing timely delivery of construction materials
- Addressing and resolving any delays
- Generating progress reports for clients
- Managing project costs as to stay within the budget
Most construction managers typically have an associate degree and relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree coupled with field experience.
The construction industry has many specialties so CMs have many options, including:
- Civil
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Residential
- Agricultural
- Institutional projects
This versatility allows construction managers to focus on areas that align with their interests and expertise.
Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step
If you need to understand more about becoming a construction manager, check out the steps below.
You will get a clear idea of what needs to be done.
1st Step – Complete Your Education
As previously mentioned, certification is crucial for becoming a construction manager.
The minimum requirement for most construction managers is a bachelor’s degree, which necessitates having a high school diploma or GED.
Some project managers may be hired with a relevant associate degree, provided they also have significant work experience in the field.
Graduates from an Associate of Applied Science program usually have an easy transition into a bachelor’s degree program.
During the four-year bachelor’s program, you’ll explore subjects such as:
- Design
- Structural Science
- Engineering
- Materials Management
- Economics
2nd Step – Become Licensed
Although not everyone with a bachelor’s degree will seek further certifications, obtaining them can showcase your dedication to your career and strengthen your professional qualifications.
Here are some certifications to consider:
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
- LEED Green Associate
- Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Alternative Steps
If pursuing a bachelor’s degree after your associate degree doesn’t appeal to you, gaining extensive work experience in the field is another valid route.
Alternatively, individuals with only a high school diploma can start their careers as independent contractors.
Construction Management Programs in South Carolina
Now, let’s explore the programs available in South Carolina for aspiring construction managers.
Are you looking to join a dynamic career field with a high demand for qualified professionals?
Clemson University ![How to Become a Construction Manager in South Carolina - Programs + Certification (2) How to Become a Construction Manager in South Carolina - Programs + Certification (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The American Council for Construction Education accredits Clemson University’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management program.
Beyond the university’s general education requirements, students engage with the latest processes and functions used by construction professionals.
Theoretical concepts are reinforced through practical lab work, site visits, and seminars conducted by industry experts.
Core curriculum topics include structures, materials and methods, contract documents, estimating, scheduling, safety, and project management.
Additionally, students must complete at least 800 hours of construction experience with an approved construction company to fulfill the program requirements.
Western Carolina University ![How to Become a Construction Manager in South Carolina - Programs + Certification (3) How to Become a Construction Manager in South Carolina - Programs + Certification (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Required courses for the major include Construction Methods and Materials, Construction Site Planning and Equipment, and Construction Legal Aspects.
Additionally, the curriculum incorporates liberal studies, accounting, law, management, marketing, and mathematics courses.
Every student must complete a mandatory one-semester internship.
Outside the classroom, students can join organizations such as the WCU Construction Management Club and the WCU chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi.
The program equips graduates for a variety of roles within the construction industry.
These projects include public, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as infrastructure like roads.
Graduates may also choose to pursue graduate studies to further their knowledge.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Clemson University | 3-114 Lee Hall Box 340507 Clemson, SC 29634-0507 |
Western Carolina University | 1 University Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723 |
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Construction Manager Salary in South Carolina
You might be curious about the potential earnings after completing your education.
As a construction manager, your salary is typically higher than your team members.
However, it will be less than what your boss earns.
For example, in South Carolina, construction managers have an average annual salary of $126,389.
To find out the earning potential in your region, continue reading for more details.
Annual Salary Range:
$10K
$12K
$14K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Bowling Green | $129,736 |
Van Wyck | $129,603 |
Lando | $129,469 |
Smyrna | $129,201 |
Sharon | $129,067 |
Lancaster | $128,933 |
Pageland | $128,799 |
Hickory Grove | $128,130 |
Blacksburg | $127,862 |
Lockhart | $127,460 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 790 | $101,960 | $49.02 | $154,000 | $61,600 |
Columbia, SC | 590 | $103,420 | $49.72 | $162,170 | $59,990 |
Florence, SC | 110 | $106,740 | $51.32 | $192,130 | $56,500 |
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 810 | $112,470 | $54.07 | $173,840 | $60,390 |
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 250 | $88,340 | $42.47 | $123,870 | $58,030 |
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 530 | $93,760 | $45.08 | $146,160 | $50,460 |
Spartanburg, SC | 270 | $129,820 | $62.41 | $# | $61,280 |
Sumter, SC | 50 | $102,170 | $49.12 | $154,320 | $58,990 |
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Construction Managers, OCC Code 11-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need some special skills for this job in South Carolina?
Yes, construction managers need some specific skills for their jobs: Keep in mind that some jobs may require other skills than the ones listed here.
What kind of companies will hire construction managers in South Carolina?
Several types of construction firms need construction managers. Let’s see some of them:
Is there any difference between a project manager and construction manager in South Carolina?
The project manager receives all the reports from the construction manager. The former has more responsibilities compared to the latter.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Construction Manager
Construction Manager Schools by State
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia
Noteworthy Resources
- Online Construction Manager Training Programs
- CVPM Vet Manager Practice Test
- MA, MBA, BS, MS, MSW, PhD – What Does It Stand For?