Career Explorer Management
Grows with AI
Construction managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
More resilient than most: more resilient than 66% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +9.1% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on ethical judgement and emotional intelligence.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $114,990
- Job growth to 2035
- +9.1%
- Openings a year
- 49,700
- People doing it (2025)
- 609,000
- Usual route in
- Bachelor's degree, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
- Implement procedures or processes
- Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Direct construction or extraction activities
- Negotiate contracts or agreements
- Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards
What the work looks like
- Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
- Develop or implement quality control programs.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
- Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- More of these jobs, as technical and process improvements increase the need for construction managers to track costs, materials, and schedules.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Athletic trainersGrows with AI, Index 81, +12.7%
- Occupational health and safety specialistsHuman edge, growing, Index 93, +18.5%
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gamblingGrows with AI, Index 68, +6.0%
- Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangersHuman edge, steady, Index 87, +3.0%
Also known as: Construction Foreman, Construction Manager, Construction Superintendent, General Superintendent, Concrete Foreman, Construction Area Manager, Construction Management Supervisor, Construction Services Manager.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.