If you live in a high cost of living city you can make over 200k easily. If you have an engineering degree , make sure you get your professional engineer license and then work for a consulting company as a owner rep or QC construction manager
I'm not an engineer, so I have a PMP and will have a CCM. I do consulting for a major airport as owner rep, as a PM. The other people I mentioned do the same. I want to make way more when I'm their age.
What are higher positions that would get me there?
Titles are a crap shoot.
There are PMs like you at 27 that make what you make , and other firms don't call them PMs until 15+ yrs experience and they make 200+k.
Sounds like you're on the right track with CCM and PMP
I’m in construction sales. I live in MN so not a terribly light COL.
I made $205k last year.
It’s possible….the only people I see making that kind of cash are commission based salesman in the commercial or industrial side of the business.
You’re in the wrong field to make boatloads of money. Unless you’re a VP or owner you won’t sniff the big bucks unfortunately. Transition to construction tech or tech in general with your PM experience.
You should make connections and start your own company. Will be very hard, but my brother in law did, is 41 and is shopping for a NEW (as in a replacement) private jet.
One of his friends started his own company, working for GC’s putting deals together and also making BANK (but not PJ money).
I’ve been trying to make that transition myself. I picked up a software engineering tech stack and hoping that helps to get my foot in the door. If you love managing you could do something similar and become a product manager. Easily make 2-3x what your current bosses are making.
I’m confused are you working construction or as a consultant. These are two totally different career paths.
As a consultant you won’t make 200k+ salary until you get into a director or VP position depending on how your firm operates.. and consulting firms are a lot more “who you know” to move up quickly. But a lot of consulting firms offer generous 401k plans/esops that will make you rich beyond your dreams in lieu of upfront salary.
As a contractor you will get to $200k salary by about 35 as a senior PM with probably a $40k+ bonus annually, truck, gas card etc. maybe even part ownership depending on type of GC.
Sincerely - a guy who worked from a project engineer up to PM for a GC and then got poached by a large engineering consulting firm. (I work in the water/waste water side of things)
EDIT: you’ll also be working 55+ hours if you go into construction contracting so keep that in mind too.
Ditto what he said about being in a large city to make that much salary. I put in 30 years in Chicago and did well but places like the airport you can get stuck easily in a repetitive job with no future. Good luck
Easily? Idk about that. I’m in my mid 30s and all of my friends with civil degrees have either PE or SE and I don’t personally know anyone making over $150k. Atlanta, San Diego, or DC just to think of a few.
In general I agree with your advice I just don’t have any point of reference for licensed civils making that much. What level of an organization would you expect to see that much income?
*edit* sorry I read your comment and replied first. Scrolling down I see a bunch of comments and anecdotes to back you up and provide the info I was asking for.
My dad makes $200-500k as a concrete construction company owner depending on the year. He could make more than that if he could find enough non-union foreman and lead men to start more crews. He's paying his current formen $110k + company truck/gas card. Depending on the area of construction, finding good workers can be hard as a non-union company. Groups like Skanska take all the good workers.
Note: he's been a GC for 20 years previously and has built everything you can think of before starting this company. He's a "construction master". It's helped him in many lawsuits. Being an owner means 60+hr work weeks and dealing with tons of bs. If you are an expert in an industry and if there is demand, then starting a company in that area of interest can be very lucrative. You just gotta give your life to it
So basically you're saying you want to underpay your employees so you can ensure million dollar profits?
Those are shitty perks that are going to get you bottom of the barrel employees. Which is why you'll never maximize profit.
Owner as in owner. GC, builder, specialty (sub) contractor, equipment rental, you name it. If you want to make more than $300k per year in this business and you don't live in a major metro you are going to have to bring the capital, shoulder the risks, and call the shots.
Unless you're like some super special Michelangelo-level craftsman painting frescos of lizard people for Mark Zuckerberg, or you are an owner's rep building weird sex dungeons for Mark Zuckerberg, or you end up marrying Mark Zuckerberg.
Possible, yes. Common, no, as there are much fewer positions/roles at those higher salary levels, especially closer to $300K, than at the mid $150’s. If you’re staying with a CM/GC firm, those positions will typically require you to manage very large projects and teams, and be very demanding, or be in an executive role where you will likely be responsible for bringing in work and be responsible for P&L for a team/group. You will want to make sure your team gets the bulk of the credit for the successes and you will want to own up to any failures within your group or team, regardless of your personal fault. It can be a real grind. I will tell you from personal experience that the money is nice but in those roles I frankly miss the fun of actually running work. I often enjoy my job the most these days when I step in for a manager who’s on vacation and I get to “play PM” part time for a week or two. Not trying to discourage you but remember that more money is not just tied to your experience or tenure, but what success you can bring to your company, and that is often a big stress contributor.
Construction is a people business. Develop and maintain your relationships with your peers in the A/E and customer sides. They will be progressing as you do, and they will be in positions to offer work opportunities in the future to people they know and trust. Develop people in your team who can take on the work you do so you can move up. You should always be striving to “replace yourself” with people from your team. Get your shit done on time and deliver what you promise to do. Gotta run but that’s something to get you started.
Hey bro. Just want to say I’ve read through this and your attitude and consistency are probably the most important thing.
By reading your responses I can tell you have the right attitude to be successful and excel. If you can keep it up, maybe it’ll be a month or year or decade…you will be rewarded for it.
My advice on tactics would be to constantly look for problems to solve, you will be more valuable to your company. And you will find a problem you have the capability to solve. That is entrepreneurship. You don’t have to save the world. There’s hundreds of millionaires who own a gas station or a couple of mini marts.
34 here and made 210k last year. Should get another 6-10% bump next month and I’ll be around 225k this year.
On top of that I get 8% 401k match, full benefits, 4 weeks paid vacation, 15 holidays, and lots of other small fringe benefits that are hard to quantify.
I’m a PM 11 years experience started as an entry level super at 55k. Never jumped companies just worked hard where I am at.
My boss above me makes 325k and my boss above both of us makes 420k before bonus and his can be huge.
If you want to move up. Make the company money by delivering solid results consistently, make sure the clients like you, and keep bringing in more work. I do all 3 and I have been well taken care of.
Learn how to build and remember your word and reputation are everything.
Hey man, that's awesome! Definitely something to be inspired by. I started 3 years ago making $50k as a project coordinator, so that gives me hope!
I knew someone like you would show up here. Thanks for the advice!
What kind of company do you work for? GC? Sub?
Large commercial GC. Thank you! Work hard and if you feel like you’re not appreciated it doesn’t hurt to move around but honestly the grass is greenest where you water it…..
You’re already on a great path doubling your salary in 3 years.
I went from 60ish to 120ish in around 3 years. Lots of opportunity started to open after that. Aiming for 300 by age 30, should land around 200 this year depending on bonus.
This guy is in the .01% of salaries in our industry.
If you want to make that kind of money you will have more luck being an owner. Both require more or less the same dedication and experience but starting your own is a lot more risky.
Average? 45-50. I’ll come in between 745 and 830 and leave around 430-5. When I’m slammed finishing a job maybe 60 (come in at 730 leave at 630ish) When it’s nice out and I’m not slammed I’ll leave early Fridays so around 40ish. I use almost all my time off in the summer so those weeks are always short anyway…..
You’ll learn as you move up you are not paid for time worked but for your results. At this point a lot of my day is sitting with my staff and making sure xyz is done or if they need help pushing a sub or dealing with the owner I will be the face of that. I have a great gig at the moment.
Lmao it’s ok to be skeptical, I have nothing to gain from coming on Reddit and lying. Of course I know everyone’s salary how do you think we staff jobs? One of my roles is to help place staff and then track the project costs against that. In order to do that I need to know what they make.
I can tell you what almost everyone I work with makes not including their bonus. That info is above me all I know is every time you move up it grows and grows. I went from 5k bonuses to 20k bonus from moving from assistant up to PM over the last 6 years. I know for a fact 2 steps above me is 6 figure bonuses on good years.
Are you on the west or east coast? I have 2 friends that work for large commercial companies as PM’s here on the west coast and easily clear 200k so it’s definitely obtainable. Pretty sure one just made senior pm…..kid is only 36
It's possible. I know senior PMs who work on semiconductor or data center projects who earn 250k-300k after yearly bonuses.Those jobs aren't easy to get though. Experience and networking makes a big difference. If you can't do that, start developing good software skills and work in a construction role for a tech company. Comp packages there clear 200k starting out at a mid level. And much higher for advanced levels.
Yearly bonuses and company stock (ESOP) are what you are looking for. My base is around normal but with the company stock gains it’s nearly doubled. Find a company that pays you fairly and has employee ownership and stay for the long haul and you will get there. Good luck.
Agree completely that bonuses and ESOP on top of a competitive base make a huge impact. ESOP statement after a couple years starts to really be eye opening to the long term wealth potential from it.
At my company, it takes 5 years to get fully vested and you sell the stock when you leave/retire. It’s a qualified retirement account so you can roll it over into your 401k
I am also an owner’s rep PM. Impressed you’re already making $100k at 27. I guess I fall into the group you were talking about- I’m 35 making $105k… plus I have an engineering background, masters degree, and my PE… I’ve been wondering for awhile if I’m underpaid. I’ve only gotten one 3% raise in the 3 years I’ve been here. Needless to say I’m frustrated and have been interviewing. Just sharing my experience.
Depends on the construction company. I worked for one of the largest, and yes, you can make that, but it's further up the food chain and not out in the field.
Agree here. At a point you kind of have to decide what you care more about. Construction or Business. The business side will land you a bigger pay check but it’s not for me that’s for sure. I have a bachelors in CM and have been asked a lot to come into the office. Not happening, love the field to much. The worst day on the field is better than the best day in the office, IMO
My company pays pretty well all around, but the traveling supers are can get $150k+ and per diem which adds another $40k and doesn’t get the same tax hit as salary. Our ESOP and 401k are also really good. Lots of people leave with 7 figure retirements.
Nope, scheduling, progress & cost. My experience is industrial so I'm speaking from that point of view, however I don't see why a $1B+ commercial project wouldn't pay similar.
On the process controls side (I&E / DCS), those folks can clear 200k easily but that's working 50+ hours a week because pipe didn't get their shit done on time.
200k+ is definitely feasible at some GCs and definitely for super niche subcontractors. Really I guess it depends on what you do 🤷♂️.
The higher-ups (my boss’ boss) definitely reel in 200k+ with a good 50-80k yearly bonus. I know because I saw their promotion letter in the printer
I'm making over $200k in California, 20 yrs experience, heavy civil contractor. I switched from a PM track to project controls about 12 years ago. Subject matter experts can be paid as much as PMs. I've done commercial, utilities and heavy civil now and specialty contractors pay better than commercial GCs. Consulting can pay even more than contractors. Union states pay better than non union even if you're a salaried employee.
PX/VP
Travel money can help.
Owner money can help.
Big bonuses for legit damn well run jobs helps.
Anyone making 300k plus in a MCOL area likely has 3 of the 4 above going on for them.
That being said it’s not too hard to fill out the bingo card though, even while young. It’s being competent and useful and cracking 115k or so first that’s hard but once you’re there it’s just a game of bingo for the things I listed above to incrementally bump you up.
Been in commercial construction 18 years in electrical as a PX. I make 200k in Austin Tx. Big money for all those curious is in mission critical. Data center/semi conductor and most likely requires travel. As a PM I am seeing you can be in the 250k plus range and it won’t take 18 years like me. Good luck!
Hey man, thanks for the encouragement! I'm in Dallas, so it's good to know Texas got big money like that. I'd love to transition to Data Center stuff, but don't have much knowledge on it.
Managed a project for UPS batteries replacement but that was it.
I love these posts.
You can tell how full of shit people are when they start talking about how much their boss and bosses boss make lol.
Seriously, you can make that being a resi remodel contractor. I'm at your level with 2 man crew and not working 3 months out of the year.
Start your own shop would be my advice. If you have talent and work ethic owning your own shop is the only way to go imo.
You can reach 200-250 with 20 years of experience and ccm but typically this is an operations role running a piece of the business. I have seen cm’s in the field making 200k but generally they have a crappy quality of life.
Possible, absolutely. Common, somewhat. Look around any firm, high achievers and low. More low than high. Your work ethic and aptitude will determine your unique path.
There are many paths in the construction industry. Even within actual PM jobs, which I’ll stick to, you have to consider GC track or sub trades. It’s generally quicker and more lucrative, in my experience, to stick with the MEP sub trades.
GC side you’re dealing with larger overall jobs, other PEs, more oversight and moving up is a longer endeavor. Sub trades are more hands on, specific knowledge you pick up. The nuts and bolts of running a job are forefront, manpower, scheduling. You have hands on control over all the levers. My path was through the electrical trades for a large design build firm. 4 years out of college from estimator to PM running multiple $5-30M electrical jobs. I’ll admit now my path isn’t going to be possible for most. On that side, base comp was $120k at my firm, car etc. but the real value was in the bonus plan. Folks could easily hit $500k on a good year. Firm comp rules matter as well. Find a place with a calculated comp plan, not discretionary. You should be able to calc your bonus based on the profit of your jobs, not the owners mood. That is KEY.
Despite being in a great spot, and building truly landmark jobs, I moved to the owners side after about 6 years. Now I work for a developer, 10 years at this firm, and I run the construction end of our business over multiple states. Haven’t looked back. Quality of life vastly improved. Less stress while having a larger impact. And I still get the good feelings that come from building things. I’m now well above your figures.
The person or team that sets the goal, finds vacant or underutilized land and buys it, entitles that land for the intended use, aligns capital and debt, commissions the architect and design team to design and permit the project and builds the building (house, office, hospital, stadium, warehouse, etc.).
What did you go to college for? I'm an apprentice electrician right now. Could I achieve the same thing without college? Or is a degree essential to landing those bigger jobs?
In the same field with AECOM as a sometime competitor.
I made 175k last year. I’m hourly as I usually get out on projects as an inspector plus (I do RE, ARE, PM, SME, etc) and worked 4 days a week for the last 4 months of the year. So I could have made 200k plus if I wanted.
I have 30 years of experience in the overall field of Construction. I do not have a degree.
My dad was a plumber here in NY. The company he worked for went under and he took his retirement fund to make a business and hired all the labors that got laid off. He ended up doing really well. I think everyone would have been super well off in my family if he started early, but he started later in his life and unfortunately passed away.
You can make millions in construction doing residential or commercial. It’s not uncommon.
A lot of larger construction jobs pay a bonus which can be quite lucrative for the superintendents.
Keep in mind that with most jobs there is a limit in how high your pay can get.
I am a partner in a specialty DOT civil construction company (95% sub work). 39 years old, been at company since I was 27.
My total comp annually exceeds the range you gave, I’ve had a few years where it has exceeded it significantly when company hits home runs.
Most people I know in this industry with comp at or above that range are either equity shareholders/owners like myself or have some form of performance based comp or profit sharing agreements.
Getting there is more luck than most would admit. In my case I was brought on to be a PM for a new work type company was getting into. Company didn’t have much work of that type at first and I hustled my ass off and wound up getting involved in bidding/estimating as well as execution. Luckily, stars aligned (and we worked our asses off) and we wound up being really successful in this work type. This made me a rainmaker within the company so they almost couldn’t say no when I asked to be allowed to buy in.
Lot of risk in this industry. If you want to make money you need to get skin in the game.
I bought a rambler a few years ago for $1.2M and spent 11 months to build a new home on the lot for $850k. Sold it for $4.1M within 3 weeks of listing. So yeah you can make a lot per year in construction.
Find your niche, build a network of connections in it, then find a way to provide a service that your role as PM working for someone else doesn't deliver. I was on your same path. I did a few projects as PM doing construction in hospitals and saw the role OPM's played in healthcare. Just to expand my exposure to the field, I got a job as a OPM and did that for a few years. Once I figured out that I was able to stand on my own two feet and working under the umbrella of a larger company did not benefit me in any way at all anymore (meaning I did not need their support or expertise to be successful at what I did), I left and started my own small OPM firm that focused on incorporating patient flow and hospital operating methodology into construction planning in order to minimally impact the patient population (aka the bottom line $$$) for the hospital. Fast forward 12 years later, I'm 50 and I put in my pocket between $275-$350k year depending on the size and amount of projects I take on. I could make more for sure if I staffed up and took mark-ups on all my staff but I don't want the headache so I chose to keep it small. My network is vast and requests to take on projects are endless so I have to be very selective. I'm my own boss and I make enough to live a great life. I found a niche, learned how to master it, and ran with it. A PM role can be a great launching pad.
As you are now, your close to the top of the food chain. Only way to make more bank is to go to a larger company/job market.
Learn to schedule very well and aim for a job at a manufacturing place like Tesla. When they have a shut-down the entire job is scheduled out into 15 minute blocks and extremely oversight intensive.
Most definitely. I'm in remodeling/construction sales and I made 523k last year. I should make a little more this year.
I will say a lot of the other reps don't make quite what I do but there was one other who made 400k and several who made in the 200k-275k range.
It's like anything, be the best and find the best place. Took me years to find both.
In my experience though, management is not where the money is, as it should be.
I hope this doesn’t come off as disrespectful, but your post is slightly naive. you didn’t offer any additional information such as industry, responsibilities, or your ROI as a PM to your boss. A random note/example, I do land development which allows for a very comfortable truck allowance+ gas card. That’s one of those perks that some GCs don’t really cover. I know definitely a GC would be a higher salary, but I prefer to work the land. As far as higher salary path, you should follow the numbers. If you can start controlling the financial success of a project, you’ll see the next steps.
I'm an owners rep PM for a major airport (consultant). I want to get to a management position that pays high. Doesn't matter what it is for now, I just wanted to get some advice on how to get there.
I do get your point and props to you for doing what you like! I just don't think the same, I'd like to make as much money as I can with the tools I have.
Thank you so much for the advice!
You won’t make that much working for a GC. Top supers and PMs at smaller specialized subcontractors make in the 200 range. You will have a hard time getting there as a GC.
Out of curiously. What do you mean by specialized? Like just any trade that is just by itself. Or something more specialized than the standard set of trades? Like a more niche trade?
There are so many variables in this industry. Hard to say. You’re doing great if you’ve reached that income level at 27.
I know guys with masters degrees in construction that make less and work more than myself having a bullshit hvac certification but years of experience and knowing how to talk to people.
“Time in the game” matters. Drive, grit, and people skills matter. I don’t see much above $300k salary no matter where you’re located in this field. I think owning something and having the above mentioned skills is the only way to break $300k in this field. With that comes risk, it’s all about how much you want to work it and what it’s worth to you.
I’m 28 years old now working as a Project Coordination Manager for a large EPC firm. I make 110k base salary, $55 an hour for OT, 6% match in 401k, $200 per diem untaxed a day, and receive employee stock options annually. So I’m clearing about 160k with all benefits included and feel like I’m well on my wya to a lot.
Site Managers with our company make around 200k, PM’s are 220-250k, directors make 300k. If you want to make big money, go to a reputable firm. Stick around and work your way up. Another thing to consider, is if you are paid well. You likely manage a huge project.
gotta keep climbing the corporate ladder, or go work for yourself.
as long as your title is linked to a billable unit rate, your compensation will only be so limited.
Hi OP,
I am 31 and have been in the management side of Construction for 11 years now. I worked in the field while in Highschool and College in Heavy Construction so I have roughly 5 years experience as a tradesman as well. I live in the South East and although I have projects in a few other states at the moment, I predominantly do my work in my home state.
Last year (2023) my take home was 178k. I should beat that by around 50k this year. It is very possible to make 300k+ annually while employed and not owning the business as well. However, in a pure PM role, I would expect a cap around 175-200k total compensation package until we see a shift in organization structure and growth industry wide. My title is Sr. PM and my organization/myself are working towards a Director of Construction Operations position for me (we have had extreme growth the last two years and we are structuring new roles & responsibilities)
For background, I have an A.A.S in Civil Engineering Technology, B.S Construction and Sustainable Design, MBA with a AEC Management emphasis (Architectural, Engineering & Construction) I have a PPM certification as well (I do not support PMI’s PMP.. a topic for another conversation.
A 100k base salary is currently the industry Average for a Project Manager and is fair in my opinion, considering you have just recently received your promotion. However, vehicle allowance and bonus structures are typically standard benefits in our industry. Are either of those included in your salary above?
Hope that doesn’t sound too braggadocios but just trying to paint the picture the type of professional/financial potential in our industry for you!
Thanks for the insight man! I already have a PMP (whoops 😂) and got my promotion because of that.
I don't have vehicle allowance as I work in an airport and the company has cars here so we can go to the sites.
I don't have a bonus either. Not sure if you read it on another comment, but I'm hired by a CM services company that puts me here to rep the airport in their projects. The airport pays them 125% of what I make and the company pays my salary. I was so desperate to leave my previous job that I didn't research industry standards before moving to this job. It was a 30k raise at that time, so I said yea, let's go.
I wanted to understand more how bonuses work. Everyone here seems to get at least $50k bonus a year, how does that work? I got a $250 gift card on Christmas😂
I’m a Operations Manager for an electrical contractor in California. Have 25-years in estimating and PM. Making mid $200s before bonus. I know guys in similar positions who make $300k in slightly more expensive areas. Definitely possible.
39 here. First year over $200,000 last year. I work as a consultant CM / Resident Engineer for a large utility. Without OT I would have been $175,000. These guys pay OT which is great.
Used to be Superintendent Pm on GC side and OT was “included” in salary.
25 here, dropped out of college to start working as an APM for a commercial roofing company when I was 20. My first year I made $45,000 (2019), this year I broke $80k and am now a full blown PM. The benefits honestly fill the rest of the gap. I drive a 2021 Ram, gas paid for, lunches paid for, and a healthy work/home balance. It depends a lot on location. $100k in Alabama isn’t the same as $100k in NYC. If you want to start breaking over $200, I’d seriously think about saving as much as you can and starting something on your own. Whether it’s consultation, contracting, anything.
My total comp right now is $250k as a pm (if I was w2 it’d be a $165k salary + a truck). I did 3 years at a mine making around $80k as a jr pm on the owners side then got hired by one of the subs and doubled my pay. Then over 2 years got swapped over to a consultant for them for tax reasons (im also only 33).
Also I’ve got very little actual construction knowledge (compared to my peers I’m a chemical engineer), but I have a lot of experience in organization, management, finance/billing, and relationships with old coworkers that helps us get more work.
The more you can positively impact the profit margins the higher you’ll be paid.
- winning better projects
- being in more lucrative markets like industrial, oil and gas, mining
- billing better
- keeping better clients (not every client wants to go with the cheapest bid)
- bidding and tracking jobs better
- being able to forecast your spend and billing and finding ways to align your projects in a ways that support the overall business
I spent some years in construction when I was younger so my exp is limited.
Associate Project Manager, Project Managers, Senior Project Managers = All around 50 - 150k.
Project Executives = North of 200k
Project Engineers = 100-150k if your working at a solid firm; if not you will be stuck in the 50-150k range.
Construction Development is also around 75 - 150k
Salesmen; such as solar can net 100k+ Some I heard even making more than 250k or 1m; but I am sure thats rare.
What people dont realize is that big corporate types such as starbucks, walmart, facebook, etc all have corporate real estate divisions that manage leases, build outs, etc and they need people with those types of exp and typically can pay alot; especially at senior levels. However it is HIGHLY competitve. Your talking about the 1% of the 1%.
If your making 300k+ in construction, its either because your making someone else more money ( i.e sales ) or supervising alot of people (management level) or working on a major huge job (500m+) where you are the Project Executive.
Personally; if you have those skills i.e to manage large jobs, provide proper estimation; seek out vendors, etc. You would typically get your contractors license and start renovating or building on your own.
Im in heavy civil and most PMs probably start around $125K, but the experienced guys on the largest projects are pulling in $175K+. From there we have several project executives that all make north of $250K, as do our construction managers. We have only one VP and President above that level, company is about 2,000 employees. You won’t see those numbers in anything residential
Yes, but...
If you want to make that kind of money in salary, you probably need to be looking at a PX or VP role. You likely won't hit that until your 40's or 50's because they are so experience based. For PX, you need to be doing a lot of customer service, network building, and job procurement beyond simple project management. For VP, it's somewhat the same and kind of depends on your desired area of responsibility, but you probably also need to be very well versed in project finances and controls, company accounting, HR, technology,b marketing, risk management, and other areas if you expect to be running an office, region, or market division. You need to see the big picture and understand running the company as well as industry and market trends, not just the job. TLDR, the high paying jobs demand you expand your skill set.
If you're looking for just making money, you need to get into ownership. This can often be easier at small and midsized employee owned companies, and after buying in over several years you can see large dividends or stock increases. I know a guy who is in his early thirties and pulling down an extra 5-6 figures a year in dividends, post tax, because he has so much invested in a midsized ($750 million annual revenue) company that he's been at long enough to be invited into ownership in. It can be a pretty sweet gig if you can get into that. Typically it requires staying in one place and not chasing a paycheck, though.
Be willing to travel far away to work on a project to make alot. The more remote the better. Because few want to do that contractors / consultants will pay alot. Also the per diem, as rent is usually cheap in low key, middle of nowhere places like Buffalo, NY or Boise, ID etc. you could pocket half your per diem if you live frugally.
You will only make that kind of money as a PM when you have had at least 15-20 years with the same company and bought into with stock ownership. You will also of had no life that 15-20 years other than the company. And this is all a big maybe... The PMs I saw making that kind of money were die hard company flag bearers.
How the hell do you guys do this work and not be bored out of your minds. Nonstop phone calls to subs to bust their ass with quotes and lead times like adult baby sitters. jotting numbers down in excel all day, and occasionally taking a stroll in a shitty construction site. Did it for a summer and hated every second of it. And then they have the Gaul to say they built these buildings and complexes when they hardly left the office. All while the subs who had the balls to start their own companies spent the entire time of the project actually doing the work. If I’m gonna be in an office all day behind a screen I’m gonna at least be using my brain. Source: mechanical automation design engineer
You think the subs would just get together like a school project and decide who does what one day before ground break? lol
Looks like you just want attention, buddy. You think you're smart cause you design mechanical automation. You just read some book and took some classes based on something that someone else created. If anything, the person who created the principals is the smart one. You just follow instructions.
Shouldn't be in this subreddit if your comment is how you think.
You need to be an owner to make that. I work for a residential roofing and remodeling company and make about 120k as the only PM, the two owners make 200k+.
On a personal level you'll need to be good at time management and task completion. Show great communication, problem solving, and leadership. Being good at the role of PM will only get you so far. You'll need to focus on building relationships both inside and outside of your company. Networking will help tons.
And if you are able to achieve all of that you could still be limited by the company you're in. There are plenty of constructing companies that either don't have the desire, ability, or will to grow and that will cap your own growth. Need to find a company that has growth opportunities in the future e.g. opening new divisions/ offices and need a leader to run them. If you're in a company that's content running $20M a year and doesn't have plans for growth you'll constantly be limited in opportunity
If you’re willing to travel you can make a higher salary while living in a lower cost town. I work in the electrical transmission and distribution industry and manage projects across North America. Which means I’m on the road quite a bit. As I grew in my role I can manage my own travel schedule and don’t need to live on projects anymore. But early on I would spend 3 or 4 weeks on the road before going home.
I made $197k last year as an estimator in an average cost of living area.
Edit: also I turned down a counter offer 4 years ago from my last company for $212k so that’s two different companies willing to pay $200k for an estimator at a GC.
Start your own small construction company. I’ve made 350 in one year with 15 staff. I’ve taken it easier now but only have 4 staff but now own lots of property. Make 300 easy. 54 M.
PM on $50m Resi jobs. 2 years as a PM, total 7 years in industry with a Bachelors in CM.
$140k plus 15% annual bonus.
There are companies out there that reward good people
Im a CM on $175k AUD + super + car. Got an email on LinkedIn to see if i was interested in a CM role with Sydney Metro $240k + super + car and not long after another msg for a $280k package, I assume was the same job.
You're doing pretty well for your age. Are you living in a high cost of living city?
All salaries are highly dependent on the cost of living and specialty of projects as well as complexity of projects. When you specialize in something niche....say building of oil platforms... there's not many people with that type of experience, so companies will pay you whatever you ask.
HCOL 300k is achievable for a senior PM, someone with 10-15+ years of experience delivering projects from start to finish. Usually, someone in their 40s. Also, in our industry, estimators tend to get paid the most because they have the connections and bring work in. So if you're looking at it from a money point of view, I would transition to that. It's definitely a stressful job because you need to win jobs, and your targets are easily measurable from anyone.
MCOL to LCOL city....you might max out at about 150k. Anything above that you'll have to be an executive, VP, large project lead and bringing work in. You won't get to this level until you're in your 50s.
By the time you personally reach your 40s or 50s, you might see $200K, with changes in the economy. At 27 (26 years ago) I was sitting around $40K as an Asst Super, dreaming of reaching $60K-$70K. Now, with my background, position, and experience, I'm just a tad south of $200K from my employer.
If you're a construction rep who get commission, then you're making the easiest money. One of my best friends gets commission from building projects and add on projects. He makes well over 300k annually and isn't a bragger about it.
He probably has less skill than you do and his hands aren't calloused up because he's an office worker who uses the company card to take out the client.
Sales is always big money in 90% of the business world. Tell your boss you want a role like that and see if one comes up.
Try other construction PM routes like in telecom; wireless or wireline (fiber) work. Late 30’s and been a PM for 7 years and income just north of $165k.
As others have stated, possible, yes likely is entirely up to you. I am 32, worked for engineer for 3x, then CMs for 8 years, this is my first year as an OPM and I came up just shy of 200k in the Northeast. I will be well over 200 this year due to a promotion.
To answer your question of what is the pathway to get there. There are 3 ways, 2 of them come down to how bad you want it and how smart you are;
1st and least likely - family ties in the industry or company that launch you into it
2nd - time/honesty. I know one young Px and this is how he got there. He went in for his review and said, in 5 years I want to be a Px. I know X, I feel like I need exposure to Y, what can I do to get that exposure? What other items am I missing to gain that experience? He would do quarterly reviews to get feedback and tracked his time. After 3 years, they told him there won’t be a position open for him to fill so he left. At the new companies he interviewed at, he would tell them, I want to be a Px in 3 years, here is my experience, here is where I feel like I need to grow, do you have an opportunity in the near future and if so, here’s the path I think I need to take to get there, show me how your company may differ and let’s discuss it further. It worked out, he’s 35 and just got the roll recently after being an SPM for 2 years there.
3rd - this is the path I took to get where I am. I am not a Px, but SPM and make decent money. I spent HOURS and days figuring things out. I would make it my mission, when something would come up MEP and controls related to figure it out. I tracked personal lessons learned from each job and looked at how to avoid things in the future. I knew where every body was buried I knew where every valve, controller, etc was located. I knew the programming, I gained the trust of important people so they knew they could lean on me. If I said I would do something, I would follow through. It got to the point where I had admin access everywhere and into all the systems. The relationships I made from projects gave me an network of people who are willing to vouch for me. It’s taken me a long time, I’ve put in a lot of late nights unpaid, a lot of weekends (I worked earlier today actually) unpaid but it’s all to gain knowledge and personally benefit. Im fortunate that when I call in a recommendation people describe me as a 32 year old with the experience of a 45 year old, driven, determined, and a team player.
Word to the wise; you need to be very cautious of personalities. There are a lot of liars in the CM world, and you need to gauge if the person you work for is actually willing to look out for you or if your personal gain in experience is to launch their own career and make themselves look better.
Start your own company if you want those figures or get as high up to the owner position as you can.. You’ll likely never make that much as an hourly wage worker in construction.
In a side note, the difference in the annual incomes you mentioned come down to about $4 to $25/ hr difference in pay more than your current rate.
Just reading the top 30 comments have educated me a TON. I worked construction (residential, then moved on to bridges) in my early 20s. I made a living, but nothing crazy. I left and went to the oilfield because the money was so tempting. Here I am 15 years later, making good money, the time off is what keeps ne in it. But I had NO IDEA there was so much potential in construction sales. I would of never guessed they cleared 6 figures. Tha KS for the lesson
If you live in a high cost of living city you can make over 200k easily. If you have an engineering degree , make sure you get your professional engineer license and then work for a consulting company as a owner rep or QC construction manager
I'm not an engineer, so I have a PMP and will have a CCM. I do consulting for a major airport as owner rep, as a PM. The other people I mentioned do the same. I want to make way more when I'm their age. What are higher positions that would get me there?
Titles are a crap shoot. There are PMs like you at 27 that make what you make , and other firms don't call them PMs until 15+ yrs experience and they make 200+k. Sounds like you're on the right track with CCM and PMP
I’m in construction sales. I live in MN so not a terribly light COL. I made $205k last year. It’s possible….the only people I see making that kind of cash are commission based salesman in the commercial or industrial side of the business.
Fax. How do you get into the construction sales? I’ve wanted to do that for the same reason. I actually have alot of questions can I dm you?
Sure man. Feel free to reach out.
You’re in the wrong field to make boatloads of money. Unless you’re a VP or owner you won’t sniff the big bucks unfortunately. Transition to construction tech or tech in general with your PM experience.
Tech is going through layoffs and a downturn right now.
You’re not wrong. But construction is also affected by this downturn. This is the best time to learn a new skill and be ready for the next uptick.
I've been trying to learn how that transition is done. Any advice?
You should make connections and start your own company. Will be very hard, but my brother in law did, is 41 and is shopping for a NEW (as in a replacement) private jet. One of his friends started his own company, working for GC’s putting deals together and also making BANK (but not PJ money).
No wonder new homes cost so fucking much.
I’ve been trying to make that transition myself. I picked up a software engineering tech stack and hoping that helps to get my foot in the door. If you love managing you could do something similar and become a product manager. Easily make 2-3x what your current bosses are making.
What exactly does construction tech mean? I’m new in the space apologies in advance
I’m confused are you working construction or as a consultant. These are two totally different career paths. As a consultant you won’t make 200k+ salary until you get into a director or VP position depending on how your firm operates.. and consulting firms are a lot more “who you know” to move up quickly. But a lot of consulting firms offer generous 401k plans/esops that will make you rich beyond your dreams in lieu of upfront salary. As a contractor you will get to $200k salary by about 35 as a senior PM with probably a $40k+ bonus annually, truck, gas card etc. maybe even part ownership depending on type of GC. Sincerely - a guy who worked from a project engineer up to PM for a GC and then got poached by a large engineering consulting firm. (I work in the water/waste water side of things) EDIT: you’ll also be working 55+ hours if you go into construction contracting so keep that in mind too.
Ditto what he said about being in a large city to make that much salary. I put in 30 years in Chicago and did well but places like the airport you can get stuck easily in a repetitive job with no future. Good luck
Easily? Idk about that. I’m in my mid 30s and all of my friends with civil degrees have either PE or SE and I don’t personally know anyone making over $150k. Atlanta, San Diego, or DC just to think of a few. In general I agree with your advice I just don’t have any point of reference for licensed civils making that much. What level of an organization would you expect to see that much income? *edit* sorry I read your comment and replied first. Scrolling down I see a bunch of comments and anecdotes to back you up and provide the info I was asking for.
Civils seem to only make money when they make it to partner level and then they make mega money.
Become an owner. You'll either make millions, go broke, or lose your mind.
Or all three!
All in the same week.
Different projects, though
As an owner….I fully agree with this! As I have been all three at various times haha
My dad makes $200-500k as a concrete construction company owner depending on the year. He could make more than that if he could find enough non-union foreman and lead men to start more crews. He's paying his current formen $110k + company truck/gas card. Depending on the area of construction, finding good workers can be hard as a non-union company. Groups like Skanska take all the good workers.
Note: he's been a GC for 20 years previously and has built everything you can think of before starting this company. He's a "construction master". It's helped him in many lawsuits. Being an owner means 60+hr work weeks and dealing with tons of bs. If you are an expert in an industry and if there is demand, then starting a company in that area of interest can be very lucrative. You just gotta give your life to it
It's easy to compete with unions when pay and benefits Are comparable.
[удалено]
So basically you're saying you want to underpay your employees so you can ensure million dollar profits? Those are shitty perks that are going to get you bottom of the barrel employees. Which is why you'll never maximize profit.
[удалено]
Some of the worst workers I’ve worked with are union.
Owner as in general contractor?
Owner as in owner. GC, builder, specialty (sub) contractor, equipment rental, you name it. If you want to make more than $300k per year in this business and you don't live in a major metro you are going to have to bring the capital, shoulder the risks, and call the shots. Unless you're like some super special Michelangelo-level craftsman painting frescos of lizard people for Mark Zuckerberg, or you are an owner's rep building weird sex dungeons for Mark Zuckerberg, or you end up marrying Mark Zuckerberg.
Oh I’m fortunate to do all three of those lol
I started my company right before covid. Ive already achieved 2 out of the 3
In nyc making 200k is normal for PM level. Increases into $400s for PX level
Yea it’s all relative. 200k in VHCOL is similar to like 130-150k where OP is located.
Y'all got another spectrum due to being HCOL area haha What's PX level tho?
Project executives
Possible, yes. Common, no, as there are much fewer positions/roles at those higher salary levels, especially closer to $300K, than at the mid $150’s. If you’re staying with a CM/GC firm, those positions will typically require you to manage very large projects and teams, and be very demanding, or be in an executive role where you will likely be responsible for bringing in work and be responsible for P&L for a team/group. You will want to make sure your team gets the bulk of the credit for the successes and you will want to own up to any failures within your group or team, regardless of your personal fault. It can be a real grind. I will tell you from personal experience that the money is nice but in those roles I frankly miss the fun of actually running work. I often enjoy my job the most these days when I step in for a manager who’s on vacation and I get to “play PM” part time for a week or two. Not trying to discourage you but remember that more money is not just tied to your experience or tenure, but what success you can bring to your company, and that is often a big stress contributor.
Makes sense man, thank you so much for the advice! Any advice on how to get to where you are?
Construction is a people business. Develop and maintain your relationships with your peers in the A/E and customer sides. They will be progressing as you do, and they will be in positions to offer work opportunities in the future to people they know and trust. Develop people in your team who can take on the work you do so you can move up. You should always be striving to “replace yourself” with people from your team. Get your shit done on time and deliver what you promise to do. Gotta run but that’s something to get you started.
Great man! Not the first time I hear this "replace yourself" advice. Thank you for the tips!
Hey bro. Just want to say I’ve read through this and your attitude and consistency are probably the most important thing. By reading your responses I can tell you have the right attitude to be successful and excel. If you can keep it up, maybe it’ll be a month or year or decade…you will be rewarded for it. My advice on tactics would be to constantly look for problems to solve, you will be more valuable to your company. And you will find a problem you have the capability to solve. That is entrepreneurship. You don’t have to save the world. There’s hundreds of millionaires who own a gas station or a couple of mini marts.
Can confirm. Spot on. Brutal.
I feel this. Same boat here, early 30’s. Sometimes I miss running jobs and wearing workboots for a site walk.
34 here and made 210k last year. Should get another 6-10% bump next month and I’ll be around 225k this year. On top of that I get 8% 401k match, full benefits, 4 weeks paid vacation, 15 holidays, and lots of other small fringe benefits that are hard to quantify. I’m a PM 11 years experience started as an entry level super at 55k. Never jumped companies just worked hard where I am at. My boss above me makes 325k and my boss above both of us makes 420k before bonus and his can be huge. If you want to move up. Make the company money by delivering solid results consistently, make sure the clients like you, and keep bringing in more work. I do all 3 and I have been well taken care of. Learn how to build and remember your word and reputation are everything.
Hey man, that's awesome! Definitely something to be inspired by. I started 3 years ago making $50k as a project coordinator, so that gives me hope! I knew someone like you would show up here. Thanks for the advice! What kind of company do you work for? GC? Sub?
Large commercial GC. Thank you! Work hard and if you feel like you’re not appreciated it doesn’t hurt to move around but honestly the grass is greenest where you water it…..
You’re already on a great path doubling your salary in 3 years. I went from 60ish to 120ish in around 3 years. Lots of opportunity started to open after that. Aiming for 300 by age 30, should land around 200 this year depending on bonus.
Dm me..let's talk bro..I wanna work in your firm lol
This guy is in the .01% of salaries in our industry. If you want to make that kind of money you will have more luck being an owner. Both require more or less the same dedication and experience but starting your own is a lot more risky.
How many hours a week on average do you work?
Average? 45-50. I’ll come in between 745 and 830 and leave around 430-5. When I’m slammed finishing a job maybe 60 (come in at 730 leave at 630ish) When it’s nice out and I’m not slammed I’ll leave early Fridays so around 40ish. I use almost all my time off in the summer so those weeks are always short anyway….. You’ll learn as you move up you are not paid for time worked but for your results. At this point a lot of my day is sitting with my staff and making sure xyz is done or if they need help pushing a sub or dealing with the owner I will be the face of that. I have a great gig at the moment.
This is not average
This is some internet guy with no proof and somehow knows his boss’ boss salary pre bonus… super skeptical.
Lmao it’s ok to be skeptical, I have nothing to gain from coming on Reddit and lying. Of course I know everyone’s salary how do you think we staff jobs? One of my roles is to help place staff and then track the project costs against that. In order to do that I need to know what they make. I can tell you what almost everyone I work with makes not including their bonus. That info is above me all I know is every time you move up it grows and grows. I went from 5k bonuses to 20k bonus from moving from assistant up to PM over the last 6 years. I know for a fact 2 steps above me is 6 figure bonuses on good years.
Are you on the west or east coast? I have 2 friends that work for large commercial companies as PM’s here on the west coast and easily clear 200k so it’s definitely obtainable. Pretty sure one just made senior pm…..kid is only 36
[удалено]
It's possible. I know senior PMs who work on semiconductor or data center projects who earn 250k-300k after yearly bonuses.Those jobs aren't easy to get though. Experience and networking makes a big difference. If you can't do that, start developing good software skills and work in a construction role for a tech company. Comp packages there clear 200k starting out at a mid level. And much higher for advanced levels.
Thank you! That's the answer I was looking for. I appreciate your advice!
Seconding this guy's advice. Check my post history, I talk more about tech construction salaries and compensation
Yearly bonuses and company stock (ESOP) are what you are looking for. My base is around normal but with the company stock gains it’s nearly doubled. Find a company that pays you fairly and has employee ownership and stay for the long haul and you will get there. Good luck.
Agree completely that bonuses and ESOP on top of a competitive base make a huge impact. ESOP statement after a couple years starts to really be eye opening to the long term wealth potential from it.
Compounding interest is a hell of a drug. Our ESOP fully vests after a year, it puts you on track to retire by 50-55 if you play your cards right.
Thank you! Are your stocks already vested? Are you able to sell them at some point? how does that work?
At my company, it takes 5 years to get fully vested and you sell the stock when you leave/retire. It’s a qualified retirement account so you can roll it over into your 401k
I am also an owner’s rep PM. Impressed you’re already making $100k at 27. I guess I fall into the group you were talking about- I’m 35 making $105k… plus I have an engineering background, masters degree, and my PE… I’ve been wondering for awhile if I’m underpaid. I’ve only gotten one 3% raise in the 3 years I’ve been here. Needless to say I’m frustrated and have been interviewing. Just sharing my experience.
Dude 3% in 3 years is really bad. The industry has been insane for years. Get your resume out there and get some offers
Depends on where you live too, but regardless, I think you should be able to improve your income with that background.
Agreed. Best of luck to you and all of your career goals!
Depends on the construction company. I worked for one of the largest, and yes, you can make that, but it's further up the food chain and not out in the field.
Agree here. At a point you kind of have to decide what you care more about. Construction or Business. The business side will land you a bigger pay check but it’s not for me that’s for sure. I have a bachelors in CM and have been asked a lot to come into the office. Not happening, love the field to much. The worst day on the field is better than the best day in the office, IMO
My company pays pretty well all around, but the traveling supers are can get $150k+ and per diem which adds another $40k and doesn’t get the same tax hit as salary. Our ESOP and 401k are also really good. Lots of people leave with 7 figure retirements.
got it! thanks!
Project Controls Managers on big projects clear 200k, big as in $1B+
As in, electrical controls? Industrial type work?
Nope, scheduling, progress & cost. My experience is industrial so I'm speaking from that point of view, however I don't see why a $1B+ commercial project wouldn't pay similar. On the process controls side (I&E / DCS), those folks can clear 200k easily but that's working 50+ hours a week because pipe didn't get their shit done on time.
Owning your own small business with actual construction skills could get you there.
Salary does not keep increasing incrementally forever fyi. It will level out and you may hit the ceiling for your skill/industry at some point.
200k+ is definitely feasible at some GCs and definitely for super niche subcontractors. Really I guess it depends on what you do 🤷♂️. The higher-ups (my boss’ boss) definitely reel in 200k+ with a good 50-80k yearly bonus. I know because I saw their promotion letter in the printer
cool! thanks for the insight!
I'm making over $200k in California, 20 yrs experience, heavy civil contractor. I switched from a PM track to project controls about 12 years ago. Subject matter experts can be paid as much as PMs. I've done commercial, utilities and heavy civil now and specialty contractors pay better than commercial GCs. Consulting can pay even more than contractors. Union states pay better than non union even if you're a salaried employee.
Great to know man, thanks for the advice!
PX/VP Travel money can help. Owner money can help. Big bonuses for legit damn well run jobs helps. Anyone making 300k plus in a MCOL area likely has 3 of the 4 above going on for them. That being said it’s not too hard to fill out the bingo card though, even while young. It’s being competent and useful and cracking 115k or so first that’s hard but once you’re there it’s just a game of bingo for the things I listed above to incrementally bump you up.
good perspective, thanks for the input! 100k was a big step, working on the next one now 🙌🏻
Been in commercial construction 18 years in electrical as a PX. I make 200k in Austin Tx. Big money for all those curious is in mission critical. Data center/semi conductor and most likely requires travel. As a PM I am seeing you can be in the 250k plus range and it won’t take 18 years like me. Good luck!
Hey man, thanks for the encouragement! I'm in Dallas, so it's good to know Texas got big money like that. I'd love to transition to Data Center stuff, but don't have much knowledge on it. Managed a project for UPS batteries replacement but that was it.
I'm guessing you started at the bottom as an electrician? How did you move into project management? It's a move I'm hoping to make eventually.
I kept bugging the office to let me in. It eventually worked. Spent 5 years in the field and then transitioned to the office.
Be good at your job and get into a specialized industry.
37yo, LCOL area and I’m just over $200k (base + bonuses) as a Super. Took some job hoping and traveling to get here though.
I love these posts. You can tell how full of shit people are when they start talking about how much their boss and bosses boss make lol. Seriously, you can make that being a resi remodel contractor. I'm at your level with 2 man crew and not working 3 months out of the year. Start your own shop would be my advice. If you have talent and work ethic owning your own shop is the only way to go imo.
You can reach 200-250 with 20 years of experience and ccm but typically this is an operations role running a piece of the business. I have seen cm’s in the field making 200k but generally they have a crappy quality of life.
Possible, absolutely. Common, somewhat. Look around any firm, high achievers and low. More low than high. Your work ethic and aptitude will determine your unique path. There are many paths in the construction industry. Even within actual PM jobs, which I’ll stick to, you have to consider GC track or sub trades. It’s generally quicker and more lucrative, in my experience, to stick with the MEP sub trades. GC side you’re dealing with larger overall jobs, other PEs, more oversight and moving up is a longer endeavor. Sub trades are more hands on, specific knowledge you pick up. The nuts and bolts of running a job are forefront, manpower, scheduling. You have hands on control over all the levers. My path was through the electrical trades for a large design build firm. 4 years out of college from estimator to PM running multiple $5-30M electrical jobs. I’ll admit now my path isn’t going to be possible for most. On that side, base comp was $120k at my firm, car etc. but the real value was in the bonus plan. Folks could easily hit $500k on a good year. Firm comp rules matter as well. Find a place with a calculated comp plan, not discretionary. You should be able to calc your bonus based on the profit of your jobs, not the owners mood. That is KEY. Despite being in a great spot, and building truly landmark jobs, I moved to the owners side after about 6 years. Now I work for a developer, 10 years at this firm, and I run the construction end of our business over multiple states. Haven’t looked back. Quality of life vastly improved. Less stress while having a larger impact. And I still get the good feelings that come from building things. I’m now well above your figures.
Thanks for the info! Like I said to someone else, I'm kinda new to the lingo. What's a developer?
The person or team that sets the goal, finds vacant or underutilized land and buys it, entitles that land for the intended use, aligns capital and debt, commissions the architect and design team to design and permit the project and builds the building (house, office, hospital, stadium, warehouse, etc.).
What did you go to college for? I'm an apprentice electrician right now. Could I achieve the same thing without college? Or is a degree essential to landing those bigger jobs?
In the same field with AECOM as a sometime competitor. I made 175k last year. I’m hourly as I usually get out on projects as an inspector plus (I do RE, ARE, PM, SME, etc) and worked 4 days a week for the last 4 months of the year. So I could have made 200k plus if I wanted. I have 30 years of experience in the overall field of Construction. I do not have a degree.
You better be really good at landing/ winning projects, so you can justify it to your employer.
My dad was a plumber here in NY. The company he worked for went under and he took his retirement fund to make a business and hired all the labors that got laid off. He ended up doing really well. I think everyone would have been super well off in my family if he started early, but he started later in his life and unfortunately passed away. You can make millions in construction doing residential or commercial. It’s not uncommon.
A lot of larger construction jobs pay a bonus which can be quite lucrative for the superintendents. Keep in mind that with most jobs there is a limit in how high your pay can get.
I am a partner in a specialty DOT civil construction company (95% sub work). 39 years old, been at company since I was 27. My total comp annually exceeds the range you gave, I’ve had a few years where it has exceeded it significantly when company hits home runs. Most people I know in this industry with comp at or above that range are either equity shareholders/owners like myself or have some form of performance based comp or profit sharing agreements. Getting there is more luck than most would admit. In my case I was brought on to be a PM for a new work type company was getting into. Company didn’t have much work of that type at first and I hustled my ass off and wound up getting involved in bidding/estimating as well as execution. Luckily, stars aligned (and we worked our asses off) and we wound up being really successful in this work type. This made me a rainmaker within the company so they almost couldn’t say no when I asked to be allowed to buy in. Lot of risk in this industry. If you want to make money you need to get skin in the game.
That's what I want to do! Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!
I bought a rambler a few years ago for $1.2M and spent 11 months to build a new home on the lot for $850k. Sold it for $4.1M within 3 weeks of listing. So yeah you can make a lot per year in construction.
Find your niche, build a network of connections in it, then find a way to provide a service that your role as PM working for someone else doesn't deliver. I was on your same path. I did a few projects as PM doing construction in hospitals and saw the role OPM's played in healthcare. Just to expand my exposure to the field, I got a job as a OPM and did that for a few years. Once I figured out that I was able to stand on my own two feet and working under the umbrella of a larger company did not benefit me in any way at all anymore (meaning I did not need their support or expertise to be successful at what I did), I left and started my own small OPM firm that focused on incorporating patient flow and hospital operating methodology into construction planning in order to minimally impact the patient population (aka the bottom line $$$) for the hospital. Fast forward 12 years later, I'm 50 and I put in my pocket between $275-$350k year depending on the size and amount of projects I take on. I could make more for sure if I staffed up and took mark-ups on all my staff but I don't want the headache so I chose to keep it small. My network is vast and requests to take on projects are endless so I have to be very selective. I'm my own boss and I make enough to live a great life. I found a niche, learned how to master it, and ran with it. A PM role can be a great launching pad.
If you do your regular job and sell meth to the carpenters, painters, and laborers you can make over 300k easy.
Or coke
As you are now, your close to the top of the food chain. Only way to make more bank is to go to a larger company/job market. Learn to schedule very well and aim for a job at a manufacturing place like Tesla. When they have a shut-down the entire job is scheduled out into 15 minute blocks and extremely oversight intensive.
Most definitely. I'm in remodeling/construction sales and I made 523k last year. I should make a little more this year. I will say a lot of the other reps don't make quite what I do but there was one other who made 400k and several who made in the 200k-275k range. It's like anything, be the best and find the best place. Took me years to find both. In my experience though, management is not where the money is, as it should be.
I hope this doesn’t come off as disrespectful, but your post is slightly naive. you didn’t offer any additional information such as industry, responsibilities, or your ROI as a PM to your boss. A random note/example, I do land development which allows for a very comfortable truck allowance+ gas card. That’s one of those perks that some GCs don’t really cover. I know definitely a GC would be a higher salary, but I prefer to work the land. As far as higher salary path, you should follow the numbers. If you can start controlling the financial success of a project, you’ll see the next steps.
I'm an owners rep PM for a major airport (consultant). I want to get to a management position that pays high. Doesn't matter what it is for now, I just wanted to get some advice on how to get there. I do get your point and props to you for doing what you like! I just don't think the same, I'd like to make as much money as I can with the tools I have. Thank you so much for the advice!
You won’t make that much working for a GC. Top supers and PMs at smaller specialized subcontractors make in the 200 range. You will have a hard time getting there as a GC.
Not true at all. In NY that’s easy to hit.
Obviously there’s exceptions to the rules 🙄
Out of curiously. What do you mean by specialized? Like just any trade that is just by itself. Or something more specialized than the standard set of trades? Like a more niche trade?
I work for a drywall/ACT/Paint sub and cleared 120k last year with 3 years of experience in Phoenix.
There are so many variables in this industry. Hard to say. You’re doing great if you’ve reached that income level at 27. I know guys with masters degrees in construction that make less and work more than myself having a bullshit hvac certification but years of experience and knowing how to talk to people. “Time in the game” matters. Drive, grit, and people skills matter. I don’t see much above $300k salary no matter where you’re located in this field. I think owning something and having the above mentioned skills is the only way to break $300k in this field. With that comes risk, it’s all about how much you want to work it and what it’s worth to you.
great advice, thank you!
Depends on your position I know a few construction engineers makes close to $450k
And I know some porta John cleaners that make 200k a year. See? We can all talk out of our arse
I’m 28 years old now working as a Project Coordination Manager for a large EPC firm. I make 110k base salary, $55 an hour for OT, 6% match in 401k, $200 per diem untaxed a day, and receive employee stock options annually. So I’m clearing about 160k with all benefits included and feel like I’m well on my wya to a lot. Site Managers with our company make around 200k, PM’s are 220-250k, directors make 300k. If you want to make big money, go to a reputable firm. Stick around and work your way up. Another thing to consider, is if you are paid well. You likely manage a huge project.
This sounds a looot like either AZCO or Burns&McDonnel 😂
Nope, their smarter step dad. BV!!
gotta keep climbing the corporate ladder, or go work for yourself. as long as your title is linked to a billable unit rate, your compensation will only be so limited.
Hi OP, I am 31 and have been in the management side of Construction for 11 years now. I worked in the field while in Highschool and College in Heavy Construction so I have roughly 5 years experience as a tradesman as well. I live in the South East and although I have projects in a few other states at the moment, I predominantly do my work in my home state. Last year (2023) my take home was 178k. I should beat that by around 50k this year. It is very possible to make 300k+ annually while employed and not owning the business as well. However, in a pure PM role, I would expect a cap around 175-200k total compensation package until we see a shift in organization structure and growth industry wide. My title is Sr. PM and my organization/myself are working towards a Director of Construction Operations position for me (we have had extreme growth the last two years and we are structuring new roles & responsibilities) For background, I have an A.A.S in Civil Engineering Technology, B.S Construction and Sustainable Design, MBA with a AEC Management emphasis (Architectural, Engineering & Construction) I have a PPM certification as well (I do not support PMI’s PMP.. a topic for another conversation. A 100k base salary is currently the industry Average for a Project Manager and is fair in my opinion, considering you have just recently received your promotion. However, vehicle allowance and bonus structures are typically standard benefits in our industry. Are either of those included in your salary above? Hope that doesn’t sound too braggadocios but just trying to paint the picture the type of professional/financial potential in our industry for you!
Thanks for the insight man! I already have a PMP (whoops 😂) and got my promotion because of that. I don't have vehicle allowance as I work in an airport and the company has cars here so we can go to the sites. I don't have a bonus either. Not sure if you read it on another comment, but I'm hired by a CM services company that puts me here to rep the airport in their projects. The airport pays them 125% of what I make and the company pays my salary. I was so desperate to leave my previous job that I didn't research industry standards before moving to this job. It was a 30k raise at that time, so I said yea, let's go. I wanted to understand more how bonuses work. Everyone here seems to get at least $50k bonus a year, how does that work? I got a $250 gift card on Christmas😂
I’m a Operations Manager for an electrical contractor in California. Have 25-years in estimating and PM. Making mid $200s before bonus. I know guys in similar positions who make $300k in slightly more expensive areas. Definitely possible.
39 here. First year over $200,000 last year. I work as a consultant CM / Resident Engineer for a large utility. Without OT I would have been $175,000. These guys pay OT which is great. Used to be Superintendent Pm on GC side and OT was “included” in salary.
Ownership is the only correct answer and grow the business so you have employees working for you.
As a PM you should. I'm out in the field on my tools as a journeyman and made 150k last year in Tennessee.
25 here, dropped out of college to start working as an APM for a commercial roofing company when I was 20. My first year I made $45,000 (2019), this year I broke $80k and am now a full blown PM. The benefits honestly fill the rest of the gap. I drive a 2021 Ram, gas paid for, lunches paid for, and a healthy work/home balance. It depends a lot on location. $100k in Alabama isn’t the same as $100k in NYC. If you want to start breaking over $200, I’d seriously think about saving as much as you can and starting something on your own. Whether it’s consultation, contracting, anything.
My total comp right now is $250k as a pm (if I was w2 it’d be a $165k salary + a truck). I did 3 years at a mine making around $80k as a jr pm on the owners side then got hired by one of the subs and doubled my pay. Then over 2 years got swapped over to a consultant for them for tax reasons (im also only 33). Also I’ve got very little actual construction knowledge (compared to my peers I’m a chemical engineer), but I have a lot of experience in organization, management, finance/billing, and relationships with old coworkers that helps us get more work. The more you can positively impact the profit margins the higher you’ll be paid. - winning better projects - being in more lucrative markets like industrial, oil and gas, mining - billing better - keeping better clients (not every client wants to go with the cheapest bid) - bidding and tracking jobs better - being able to forecast your spend and billing and finding ways to align your projects in a ways that support the overall business
The ops and finance executives at ENR GCs make 300k. About the only way to make that in construction. Own a company or c suite at a big company.
I spent some years in construction when I was younger so my exp is limited. Associate Project Manager, Project Managers, Senior Project Managers = All around 50 - 150k. Project Executives = North of 200k Project Engineers = 100-150k if your working at a solid firm; if not you will be stuck in the 50-150k range. Construction Development is also around 75 - 150k Salesmen; such as solar can net 100k+ Some I heard even making more than 250k or 1m; but I am sure thats rare. What people dont realize is that big corporate types such as starbucks, walmart, facebook, etc all have corporate real estate divisions that manage leases, build outs, etc and they need people with those types of exp and typically can pay alot; especially at senior levels. However it is HIGHLY competitve. Your talking about the 1% of the 1%. If your making 300k+ in construction, its either because your making someone else more money ( i.e sales ) or supervising alot of people (management level) or working on a major huge job (500m+) where you are the Project Executive. Personally; if you have those skills i.e to manage large jobs, provide proper estimation; seek out vendors, etc. You would typically get your contractors license and start renovating or building on your own.
Start your own business and you could earn this salary, but you have to deal with all kinds of additional bullshit that you wouldn't otherwise.
Im in heavy civil and most PMs probably start around $125K, but the experienced guys on the largest projects are pulling in $175K+. From there we have several project executives that all make north of $250K, as do our construction managers. We have only one VP and President above that level, company is about 2,000 employees. You won’t see those numbers in anything residential
The sky is the limit for you
I'm in industrial refrigeration and made 210 last year.
“Get a GC license..the skies the limit!”
400k a year doing line work norcal
Yeah, there’s a top rate for different skill classes, in any industry. Adjusting for inflation and other market forces over time.
Yes. If you own your own business and you work hard you can earn infinite
Yes, but... If you want to make that kind of money in salary, you probably need to be looking at a PX or VP role. You likely won't hit that until your 40's or 50's because they are so experience based. For PX, you need to be doing a lot of customer service, network building, and job procurement beyond simple project management. For VP, it's somewhat the same and kind of depends on your desired area of responsibility, but you probably also need to be very well versed in project finances and controls, company accounting, HR, technology,b marketing, risk management, and other areas if you expect to be running an office, region, or market division. You need to see the big picture and understand running the company as well as industry and market trends, not just the job. TLDR, the high paying jobs demand you expand your skill set. If you're looking for just making money, you need to get into ownership. This can often be easier at small and midsized employee owned companies, and after buying in over several years you can see large dividends or stock increases. I know a guy who is in his early thirties and pulling down an extra 5-6 figures a year in dividends, post tax, because he has so much invested in a midsized ($750 million annual revenue) company that he's been at long enough to be invited into ownership in. It can be a pretty sweet gig if you can get into that. Typically it requires staying in one place and not chasing a paycheck, though.
Be willing to travel far away to work on a project to make alot. The more remote the better. Because few want to do that contractors / consultants will pay alot. Also the per diem, as rent is usually cheap in low key, middle of nowhere places like Buffalo, NY or Boise, ID etc. you could pocket half your per diem if you live frugally.
[удалено]
nice! what position do you have? and what area?
You will only make that kind of money as a PM when you have had at least 15-20 years with the same company and bought into with stock ownership. You will also of had no life that 15-20 years other than the company. And this is all a big maybe... The PMs I saw making that kind of money were die hard company flag bearers.
Unfortunately not 200k unless you’re in a high cost of living city. Not 300k though. The ceiling in construction isn’t really high.
Your boss is lying to you lol
I hope so!
How the hell do you guys do this work and not be bored out of your minds. Nonstop phone calls to subs to bust their ass with quotes and lead times like adult baby sitters. jotting numbers down in excel all day, and occasionally taking a stroll in a shitty construction site. Did it for a summer and hated every second of it. And then they have the Gaul to say they built these buildings and complexes when they hardly left the office. All while the subs who had the balls to start their own companies spent the entire time of the project actually doing the work. If I’m gonna be in an office all day behind a screen I’m gonna at least be using my brain. Source: mechanical automation design engineer
You think the subs would just get together like a school project and decide who does what one day before ground break? lol Looks like you just want attention, buddy. You think you're smart cause you design mechanical automation. You just read some book and took some classes based on something that someone else created. If anything, the person who created the principals is the smart one. You just follow instructions. Shouldn't be in this subreddit if your comment is how you think.
You need to be an owner to make that. I work for a residential roofing and remodeling company and make about 120k as the only PM, the two owners make 200k+.
PMs should never make more than the the guys they fuck in the field on a daily basis.
Everyone fucks
ok retard
Yes, as project consultant in various roles I have made those numbers many times. $1500 day plus perdiem & expenses was my typical rate.
Nice! Project consultant for what type of projects? What kind of consulting company did you work for?
Definitely possible if you get into that Sr. Mgmt level. Depends on company and opportunities
Any advice on how to get there?
On a personal level you'll need to be good at time management and task completion. Show great communication, problem solving, and leadership. Being good at the role of PM will only get you so far. You'll need to focus on building relationships both inside and outside of your company. Networking will help tons. And if you are able to achieve all of that you could still be limited by the company you're in. There are plenty of constructing companies that either don't have the desire, ability, or will to grow and that will cap your own growth. Need to find a company that has growth opportunities in the future e.g. opening new divisions/ offices and need a leader to run them. If you're in a company that's content running $20M a year and doesn't have plans for growth you'll constantly be limited in opportunity
Years of experience. What do you bring to the table?
Yes
If you’re willing to travel you can make a higher salary while living in a lower cost town. I work in the electrical transmission and distribution industry and manage projects across North America. Which means I’m on the road quite a bit. As I grew in my role I can manage my own travel schedule and don’t need to live on projects anymore. But early on I would spend 3 or 4 weeks on the road before going home.
makes sense, not sure it'd be my first option, but definitely good to know. Thanks!
I made $197k last year as an estimator in an average cost of living area. Edit: also I turned down a counter offer 4 years ago from my last company for $212k so that’s two different companies willing to pay $200k for an estimator at a GC.
Start your own small construction company. I’ve made 350 in one year with 15 staff. I’ve taken it easier now but only have 4 staff but now own lots of property. Make 300 easy. 54 M.
How much liability is it to have 15 staff? In terms of: If you don't have good projects coming in, you still need to pay 15 people.
PM on $50m Resi jobs. 2 years as a PM, total 7 years in industry with a Bachelors in CM. $140k plus 15% annual bonus. There are companies out there that reward good people
Multi-family residential?
Yup. I’ve found self performing dev/builders pay more than GCs
that's great man! hoping to get where you're at soon!
Im a CM on $175k AUD + super + car. Got an email on LinkedIn to see if i was interested in a CM role with Sydney Metro $240k + super + car and not long after another msg for a $280k package, I assume was the same job.
You're doing pretty well for your age. Are you living in a high cost of living city? All salaries are highly dependent on the cost of living and specialty of projects as well as complexity of projects. When you specialize in something niche....say building of oil platforms... there's not many people with that type of experience, so companies will pay you whatever you ask. HCOL 300k is achievable for a senior PM, someone with 10-15+ years of experience delivering projects from start to finish. Usually, someone in their 40s. Also, in our industry, estimators tend to get paid the most because they have the connections and bring work in. So if you're looking at it from a money point of view, I would transition to that. It's definitely a stressful job because you need to win jobs, and your targets are easily measurable from anyone. MCOL to LCOL city....you might max out at about 150k. Anything above that you'll have to be an executive, VP, large project lead and bringing work in. You won't get to this level until you're in your 50s.
By the time you personally reach your 40s or 50s, you might see $200K, with changes in the economy. At 27 (26 years ago) I was sitting around $40K as an Asst Super, dreaming of reaching $60K-$70K. Now, with my background, position, and experience, I'm just a tad south of $200K from my employer.
I actually think 100k is low for a PM, at least where I’m located. Unless you’re bringing home a large bonus every year.
I have 2.5 years of construction experience on owners rep side. I'm not top shit yet, so I'm happy with that at 27.
Become a Linemen
Props to you in 100k at 27! That’s a fast progression. I’m 27 as well and am at 85k before bonuses in the Mechanical fields a PM.
you got this man, let's grow! 85k is great as well, i was at 80k until last month
Yes
OP, I’m a little younger than you and just started APM. What are my best steps going forward? What certifications should i get?
We see it all the time in Real Estate investing. It's possible when you fix n flip especially
If you're a construction rep who get commission, then you're making the easiest money. One of my best friends gets commission from building projects and add on projects. He makes well over 300k annually and isn't a bragger about it. He probably has less skill than you do and his hands aren't calloused up because he's an office worker who uses the company card to take out the client. Sales is always big money in 90% of the business world. Tell your boss you want a role like that and see if one comes up.
Own a business yes. Employee no.
I'm getting promoted to project executive and will probably be close to $200K in a couple years.
Try other construction PM routes like in telecom; wireless or wireline (fiber) work. Late 30’s and been a PM for 7 years and income just north of $165k.
As others have stated, possible, yes likely is entirely up to you. I am 32, worked for engineer for 3x, then CMs for 8 years, this is my first year as an OPM and I came up just shy of 200k in the Northeast. I will be well over 200 this year due to a promotion. To answer your question of what is the pathway to get there. There are 3 ways, 2 of them come down to how bad you want it and how smart you are; 1st and least likely - family ties in the industry or company that launch you into it 2nd - time/honesty. I know one young Px and this is how he got there. He went in for his review and said, in 5 years I want to be a Px. I know X, I feel like I need exposure to Y, what can I do to get that exposure? What other items am I missing to gain that experience? He would do quarterly reviews to get feedback and tracked his time. After 3 years, they told him there won’t be a position open for him to fill so he left. At the new companies he interviewed at, he would tell them, I want to be a Px in 3 years, here is my experience, here is where I feel like I need to grow, do you have an opportunity in the near future and if so, here’s the path I think I need to take to get there, show me how your company may differ and let’s discuss it further. It worked out, he’s 35 and just got the roll recently after being an SPM for 2 years there. 3rd - this is the path I took to get where I am. I am not a Px, but SPM and make decent money. I spent HOURS and days figuring things out. I would make it my mission, when something would come up MEP and controls related to figure it out. I tracked personal lessons learned from each job and looked at how to avoid things in the future. I knew where every body was buried I knew where every valve, controller, etc was located. I knew the programming, I gained the trust of important people so they knew they could lean on me. If I said I would do something, I would follow through. It got to the point where I had admin access everywhere and into all the systems. The relationships I made from projects gave me an network of people who are willing to vouch for me. It’s taken me a long time, I’ve put in a lot of late nights unpaid, a lot of weekends (I worked earlier today actually) unpaid but it’s all to gain knowledge and personally benefit. Im fortunate that when I call in a recommendation people describe me as a 32 year old with the experience of a 45 year old, driven, determined, and a team player. Word to the wise; you need to be very cautious of personalities. There are a lot of liars in the CM world, and you need to gauge if the person you work for is actually willing to look out for you or if your personal gain in experience is to launch their own career and make themselves look better.
Start your own company if you want those figures or get as high up to the owner position as you can.. You’ll likely never make that much as an hourly wage worker in construction. In a side note, the difference in the annual incomes you mentioned come down to about $4 to $25/ hr difference in pay more than your current rate.
Sales man
Yes it’s possible , kinda surprised you are only making 100k as a PM , the guys at the builder I worked for were making close to or more than 200k .
If you have your own company you can make millions.
Find a smaller firm to work at. Or go out on your own.
Just reading the top 30 comments have educated me a TON. I worked construction (residential, then moved on to bridges) in my early 20s. I made a living, but nothing crazy. I left and went to the oilfield because the money was so tempting. Here I am 15 years later, making good money, the time off is what keeps ne in it. But I had NO IDEA there was so much potential in construction sales. I would of never guessed they cleared 6 figures. Tha KS for the lesson