National average salary for construction managers in 2024 was $106,980.

Every sector of the economy relies on construction management. Residential, commercial, and civil construction projects account for over $2 trillion in annual U.S. spending, making construction one of the largest industries in the country.

These projects require diverse teams capable of planning, designing, estimating, constructing, and supervising work from concept through completion. Construction managers play a critical role in coordinating these efforts and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Job growth: 9% (much faster than average) from 2024–2034
• Nearly 46,800 job openings each year

These numbers highlight the strong demand and career stability in the construction management field.

What You’ll Learn

With a degree in Construction Management at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), you will develop practical, industry-relevant skills from day one.

Core Skills

• Construction and building processes
• Surveying and site layout
• Cost estimating and budgeting
• Project management and scheduling
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Construction materials and methods
• Computer-aided design and modeling
• Occupational safety practices
• Mechanical and electrical systems
• Risk management
• Employee supervision and leadership

Advanced & Applied Topics

• Business and financial management
• Virtual project design and implementation
• Sustainability and green construction
• Material property testing and analysis
• Contracts and dispute resolution
• Construction planning and sequencing
• Bid preparation and construction documentation
• Personnel and project organization
• Speech and professional presentation skills

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Hands-On Learning

A major component of the program is applied, hands-on experience in labs located in Klehm Hall.

Students actively engage in:

• Cutting wood and forming steel
• Pouring and testing concrete
• Soil testing and analysis
• Structural design projects
• Construction planning and execution

This immersive learning environment ensures students graduate with both technical knowledge and real-world experience.

Industry Engagement

The Construction Management program is enriched through strong industry connections and experiential learning opportunities.

Students benefit from:

• Guest speakers and industry professionals
• Job site visits and field tours
• Trade shows and professional conferences
• Participation in the Construction Club

In addition, the program maintains an active Industrial Advisory Board that helps keep curriculum aligned with current industry needs.

Students can also gain experience through:

• Internships
• Job shadowing opportunities
• Mentorship programs
• Industry-supported capstone projects

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Construction Management program experience excellent career opportunities.

• Placement rate: Nearly 100% within six months of graduation
• Average starting salary: ~$84,000 per year

Career Paths

• Construction Management
• Project Management
• Field Engineering
• Cost Estimating
• Project Scheduling
• Quality Assurance Management
• Safety Management
• Superintendent Roles
• Business Development
• Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)

Employers

Graduates have accepted positions with leading companies such as:

• Turner Construction
• Kiewit Construction
• Hensel Phelps
• F.H. Paschen
• Core Construction
• Bulley & Andrews
• Lester Buildings
• O’Shea Builders
• Cherne Contracting
• Grunloh Building
• McCarthy Building
• Preferred Electric

EIU graduates in 2023 were hired by a wide range of construction and management companies, with salaries and offers ranging from $62,000 to $129,000 annually.

How Construction Management Differs from Engineering

Construction management is closely related to fields such as civil engineering, but there is a key difference:

• Engineering focuses on theoretical models, calculations, and design
• Construction Management focuses on applying those principles in real-world project environments

This makes construction management an applied, hands-on profession ideal for individuals who:

• Enjoy working with their hands
• Like collaborating in team environments
• Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced settings
• Take pride in seeing projects completed from start to finish

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to pursue a rewarding, high-demand career in construction management, take the next step today and connect with the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University faculty and staff by applying through the EIU portal at the link below.

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