Serious growth potential exists for commercial construction professionals who are thoughtful and strategic – especially in preconstruction. Through honing their skills and experience, construction professionals can work to achieve over a 6-figure salary. Positions as preconstruction manager and preconstruction director require certain skills experience, and their salaries vary depending on the geographic location. Below is a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to salary variability for preconstruction roles and how firms can remain competitive.
First let’s go over some of the skills needed for these positions. Preconstruction managers and directors work on large construction projects which require a certain range of skills and experience including:
- Feasibility Studies and Evaluations
- Planning and Coordination
- Negotiation
- Project Planning and Scheduling
- Permitting
Some responsibilities include:
- Value Engineering and Analysis – Work with the owner and other construction professionals to establish cost savings throughout the project.
- Design Development and Conceptual Planning – Ensuring that they deliver the desired end product to the client.
- Delegate responsibility – Performance management and task assignment are essential to the success of any project.
While salary is only one determining factor for candidates working in preconstruction, yet it’s an important one. Other factors include relocation potential and geographic location. In the current market, many candidates are willing to relocate in order to find the salary they want. To remain competitive construction firms must consider how to make relocation more attractive. It’s also critical to be up-to-date on salaries across the country and the salary that candidates are looking for.
Preconstruction Manager
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $93.4 | $131.8 | $111.6 | $106.4 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $89.2 | $131.7 | $107.1 | $103.5 |
| Southeast | $118.9 | $140.8 | $127.6 | $131.0 |
| Southwest | $96.3 | $126.9 | $114.0 | $114.4 |
*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
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $129.1 | $156.6 | $145.9 | $138.3 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $141.3 | $171.6 | $152.0 | $152.5 |
| Southeast | $142.2 | $175.1 | $162.7 | $161.3 |
| Southwest | $122.3 | $159.1 | $141.2 | $147.9 |
*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.
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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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