Is a degree in construction management worth it?
By: Jason Lee, Edited by: Jennifer Kiesewetter
Published: March 4, 2025
Whether it's new builds or renovations, construction only gets completed on time and on budget when the project is properly managed. With a degree in construction management, graduates can lead building projects and be at the forefront of reshaping residential and commercial landscapes.
If you're interested in a job that offers a mix of office and fieldwork, a degree in construction management might be a fit for you.
What is a bachelor's degree in construction management?
A bachelor's degree in construction management can give you the foundational knowledge necessary to oversee building projects of all shapes and sizes. In addition to basic management skills, this degree program offers courses on topics such as:
- Surveying
- Construction materials
- Electrical and mechanical building systems
- Construction law and regulation
- Architecture
Students can also specialize in certain areas of construction management, such as project type (residential or commercial), safety, cost estimations, and construction finance. Students should also expect a significant amount of on-the-job training and field work associated with this degree and future jobs.
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in construction management
One of the best ways to assess whether a degree is worth it is to examine the benefits. Below are a few of the benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in construction management:
- Direct path to a career with a median salary twice the national average: $104,900 per year in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Opportunities to be outside, on the move, and active throughout the workday
- Transferable skills that may apply to other project management roles, allowing for job flexibility
- Faster-than-average job growth for construction managers from 2023 to 2033, per the BLS
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in construction management?
According to the BLS, the median salary for construction managers was $104,900 in 2023, or over $50 per hour. This is $56,840 more than the national median across all occupations, making it a potentially lucrative career choice.
Additionally, the skills you develop as a construction manager may transfer to other project management roles within other fields. According to the BLS, the median salary for project management specialists was $98,580 in 2023. The project management field employs nearly 1 million people, and the BLS expects the sector to grow by over 70,000 jobs over the next 10 years, expanding the options for anyone with a construction management degree.