Some of the most rewarding, yet challenging construction careers are in high demand right now. Senior Project Managers and Project Directors are among the most lucrative, important positions in the industry.
Senior Construction Project Managers are Critical
Job duties of Senior Project Manager include everything from reviewing the plans and financial projections for the job to creating project schedules and working with contractors to assure the work is done properly and on time. They are essential to the success of projects because they work with all of the different people that are involved including the contractor and the client. Some additional responsibilities can include:
• Reviewing design and bidding documents
• Providing technical support to construction staff
• Evaluating contractor bids
• Overseeing construction progress and scheduling
• Reviews plans and other technical documents
• Answering questions regarding the scope and timing of the project
• Monitoring costs and project progress
• Assisting in the development of cost estimates
Candidates who are interested in becoming a Senior Project Manager or Project Director are encouraged to consult with an expert construction recruiter regarding possible opportunities. A bachelor’s degree is a common prerequisite to moving into these roles. Companies that are struggling to hire and retain talent are encouraged to review their employee salaries to ensure that they are staying competitive.
Construction Project Directors are in Demand
The demand for construction leadership positions like Senior Project Managers continues to grow. Although the work can be challenging, candidates are often attracted to the financial rewards that positions like this offer. The main job duties of Project Directors are to plan, organize and lead construction projects as efficiently as possible. In addition to a proven track record of success on previous projects, candidates that are interested in becoming Project Directors will need in-depth knowledge and extraordinary skills that set them apart from other project managers. Some additional job responsibilities include:
• Providing coaching and guidance
• Identifying resources
• Evaluating projects
• Developing tools and techniques
• Setting realistic goals
The most effective way to attract and retain Senior Project Managers and Project Directors is by providing them with competitive salaries. Director of Construction salary, Senior Project Manager salary, and Project Manager for Construction salary are all on the rise. Due to the skilled labor shortage, hiring managers that collaborate with construction recruiters are having the most success in landing the best candidates.
Senior Construction Project Manager Salary Ranges
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $98.8 | $138.2 | $124.28 | $123.3 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $100.7 | $147.2 | $126.13 | $127.8 |
| Northeast | $114.6 | $170.4 | $148.3 | $143.1 |
| Northwest | $112.9 | $154.9 | $140.6 | $140.6 |
| Southeast | $101.3 | $145.6 | $126.5 | $129.0 |
| Southwest | $98.3 | $138.7 | $124.5 | $123.4 |
Senior Project Manager is typically responsible for projects in the range of $20 million to $100 million. Most have a minimum of 10 years’ experience. Due to the size, scale, and scope of their projects—they often have far more variables to manage. Their staffing levels are higher, and the position requires an increased level of expertise in order to successfully navigate the complexities of managing operation priorities, timeline, direction, and financial outcome.
Construction Project Executive Salary Ranges and
Construction Project Director Salary Ranges
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $118.0 | $161.5 | $147.3 | $146.8 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $123.6 | $177.0 | $156.6 | $156.4 |
| Northeast | $144.4 | $212.3 | $186.3 | $182.4 |
| Northwest | $131.3 | $179.0 | $161.1 | $158.1 |
| Southeast | $121.5 | $175.4 | $154.2 | $151.4 |
| Southwest | $116.9 | $168.5 | $147.3 | $147.1 |
Project Executive/Project Director are typically responsible for projects in the range of $100 million to $250 Million. Most have a minimum of 10 to 15 years’ experience. Job responsibilities are similar to Senior Project Manager, but with increased responsibility. Managing budgets, timeline, increasing staff levels, and project complexities vary greatly when projects exceed the $100 million mark—requiring a specialized skillset, and a superior ability to manage multiple aspects of the project at once.
Construction Project Director Salary Ranges and
Construction Executive Salary Ranges
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $145.0 | $198.8 | $178.8 | $177.3 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $162.3 | $219.3 | $198.8 | $199.5 |
| Northeast | $174.3 | $252.6 | $224.6 | $213.7 |
| Northwest | $162.5 | $215.1 | $193.8 | $196.5 |
| Southeast | $150.6 | $212.4 | $190.9 | $188.0 |
| Southwest | $158.0 | $206.8 | $185.2 | $187.6 |
Project Director/Executive II are typically responsible for projects in excess of $250 million. Most have a minimum of 20 years’ experience. Job responsibilities are similar to Project Executive, but with increased levels of management and executive decision-making skills. Project Directors often have a junior team who is responsible for smaller segments of the project. However, the Project Director’s responsibility is to manage the ‘big picture’ or the entire project, including multiple budgets, timelines, connected relationships, and extended complexities of their high-budget project.
The construction salary data generated above is compiled from multiple industry and salary sources, coupled with real-time data compiled by The Birmingham Group. As one of the leading recruiters in the nation, construction executive search firm, The Birmingham Group, interviews over 300 construction professionals each week.
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This is an exciting time in the world of construction. With this rapid turnaround over the past few years, many construction general contractors are being forced to reevaluate their construction salaries to stay competitive. We have compiled data from 4600+ individual construction management interviews performed by our staff.
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