There is strong growth potential for commercial construction professionals in preconstruction. With the right skills and experience, many construction professionals can achieve a 6-figure salary. Yet, construction firms need to stay competitive in their salaries and benefits in order to attract and retain top talent. Preconstruction managers and preconstruction directors have specific skills and experience for their roles and their salaries vary depending on geography and other variables. Here are some of the factors that contribute to preconstruction manager salaries and preconstruction director salaries across the country.
Preconstruction managers and directors work on large construction projects which require a certain range of skills and experience including:
- Project Planning, Scheduling, and Coordination
- Negotiation
- Permitting
- Feasibility Studies and Evaluations
Some responsibilities include:
- Design Development and Conceptual Planning – Ensuring the delivery of the desired end product to the client is essential.
- Value Engineering – The ability to work with the owner and other professionals to create cost savings throughout the project is an essential duty in this line of work.
- Delegating Responsibility – Performance leadership and management are essential to successful preconstruction.
Salary may only be one factor in determining if a candidate takes a position in preconstruction, yet it’s a critical one. Other factors include and geographic location of the job and relocation potential. Many candidates are willing to relocate in order to find the salary they want in commercial construction. To remain competitive, construction firms must consider how to communicate the details of relocation effectively to candidates. It’s also critical to be competitive in offering salaries and benefits. One way to do that is to understand the range of salaries being offered across the country and know the salary ranges that candidates are seeking.
Preconstruction Manager Salaries
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $96.02 | $135.49 | $114.72 | $109.38 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $91.70 | $135.39 | $110.10 | $106.40 |
| Southeast | $122.23 | $144.74 | $131.17 | $134.67 |
| Southwest | $99.00 | $130.45 | $117.19 | $117.60 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
Preconstruction Manager is typically responsible for multiple projects totaling no more than $50 million. Most have a minimum of 7 years’ experience, often working their way up the ranks from an Estimating position. Will continue to supervise Junior and Senior Estimators. Manages multiple aspects of preconstruction, including: budget management, estimating, scheduling, design coordination, Value Engineer development of alternative solutions, procurement, client relationship management.
Preconstruction Director Salaries
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $132.71 | $160.98 | $149.99 | $142.17 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $145.26 | $176.40 | $156.26 | $156.77 |
| Southeast | $146.18 | $180.00 | $167.26 | $165.82 |
| Southwest | $125.72 | $163.55 | $145.15 | $152.04 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
Preconstruction Director is typically responsible for multiple projects in excess of $50 million, or smaller, yet complex construction projects. Most have a between 12 and 15 years’ experience, often working their way up the ranks from an Estimating position and General Preconstruction. Position encompasses all job responsibilities of Preconstruction Manger with the added responsibilities of managing Junior Preconstruction—and developing and executing complex and largescale preconstruction services and activities.
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.
Are Your Construction Salaries Competitive?
Get Our Construction Salary Survey
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.
Sign up to receive this exclusive construction salary report from The Birmingham Group. We’ll deliver the report directly to your inbox.
