Explore Careers in Construction Management

**What They Do:**  

Estimators determine how much a construction project will cost before it begins. They analyze blueprints, perform quantity takeoffs, request vendor quotes, and assemble competitive bid proposals.

**Why It Matters:**  

Estimators help their companies win profitable work and avoid costly budget overruns.

**Role Expectations:**  

– Analyze plans and specs  

– Perform takeoffs and cost breakdowns  

– Communicate with subs and suppliers  

– Support bid day strategy

**Team Interactions:**  

– May oversee a junior estimator or intern  

– Works with PMs, clients, and designers

**Who Excels Here:**  

– Detail-oriented thinkers  

– Spreadsheet wizards  

– Puzzle-solvers

**Work Hours & Salary:**  

🕒 40–50 hours/week  

💰 $55,000 – $85,000

**Next Promotion:**  

➡️ Senior Estimator → Preconstruction Manager → Chief Estimator

**What They Do:**  

Project Engineers (PEs) are the communication hub of the team. They manage documentation, track project progress, handle RFIs and submittals, and assist with schedule and cost coordination.

**Why It Matters:**  

PEs ensure the project stays organized, compliant, and on schedule by connecting the field team, office, subs, and designers.

**Role Expectations:**  

– Manage RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and logs  

– Assist with change orders and progress tracking  

– Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors  

– Help close out the project and finalize documentation

**Team Interactions:**  

– Supports Project Manager(s) and APMs  

– Collaborates with Supers, subs, architects, and the client  

– May guide interns or field engineers

**Who Excels Here:**  

– Organized multitaskers  

– Good communicators  

– Detail-oriented professionals who like structure

**Work Hours & Salary:**  

🕒 45–55 hours/week  

💰 $60,000 – $90,000

**Next Promotion:**  

➡️ Assistant Project Manager → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager

**What They Do:**  

Assistant Superintendents support the day-to-day field operations. They coordinate trade contractors, monitor jobsite safety and quality, track schedule progress, and handle inspections and reports.

**Why It Matters:**  

They make sure the physical work gets done the right way — safely, efficiently, and in line with the plans.

**Role Expectations:**  

– Supervise daily trade work and site activity  

– Enforce safety and quality standards  

– Coordinate with foremen and inspectors  

– Prepare daily field reports and updates

**Team Interactions:**  

– Reports to Superintendent  

– Oversees subcontractor crews and laborers  

– Works with city inspectors, vendors, and project team

**Who Excels Here:**  

– Confident and decisive leaders  

– Strong communicators  

– People who enjoy action and on-site problem solving

**Work Hours & Salary:**  

🕒 50–60 hours/week (early starts typical: 6:30–7:00 AM)  

💰 $60,000 – $85,000

**Next Promotion:**  

➡️ Superintendent → General Superintendent → Field Operations Manager