Which College Degrees Lead to the Most Money in Construction?
There are many colleges and universities that offer degrees in construction. What exactly are college students in the construction field learning? These students are learning about building materials, project coordination, concrete shoring, blueprint reading and technology applying to the management of construction operations.
Construction programs are offered at the level of an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s level. Studies have shown that careers pertaining to the management fields, which can be obtained through the same levels of study, ie. associates through master’s degree have led to careers paying much more compared to many other fields with a bachelor’s degree. However, this all varies from the career option you choose to follow. Construction management jobs are expected to increase by 10% by 2028 according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS reported that construction managers earned a median salary of $95,260 of May 2016. But which college degree leads to the most money?
Associate Construction Management & Technology
There are many different types of associates degrees you can major in under the construction field. The two most popular are Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management and Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Construction Management program trains entry-level construction project managers. These programs train and advise the students to master blueprints, manage construction employees, concrete form rentals and negotiate contracts. In this 2-year program students also focus on site development, budgeting and knowledge of generic building codes.
Construction management associate programs cover a broad range of degrees and courses. The typical pay for a general project manager under applied science averages around $64,000. A Construction Estimator degree will earn you the average pay of $54,000 and a Construction project manager brings in a salary of around $75,000.
The second most popular Associate of Applied Science degree is Construction Technology. This is also an entry-level construction position. Students who are drawn to construction technology will prepare through courses, shops and internships related to construction technology. Students will also learn specific skills needed for the job through project management utilizing computer scheduling, budgeting control, basic building codes, carpentry and residential building. This program provides students with the knowledge and artistry needed for construction projects. The average salary of a project manager under construction technology averages around $85,000. A Construction Superintendent’s typical pay ranges from $58,000 to $64,000. Is this the highest paying degree?
Bachelor Construction Management
Students who select a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management will specialize as a facilities manager, site engineer, building surveyor or a sustainability consultant which all focus on the industrial, commercial and residential construction building. Construction management majors intensify the business skills along with the construction methods and materials. These majors also offer expertise in other areas such as plumbing and electrical efficiency. Some bachelor’s degree’s focusing on construction can lead you to the managerial side, but more often than not, this degree is concentrated on the hands-on position of the job. The average pay for a construction project manager with a bachelor’s degree is around $80,000. A Senior Construction Project Manager can make up to $111,000 yearly. The 2019 median pay for construction managers is $95,000.
Master’s Degree in Construction Management
The highest paying college degree in construction that will lead to the most money is a master’s degree. Construction management programs at the master’s level are often professionals already in the field who are wanting to advance their education. These programs use the latest technology and software used in the field to further their knowledge in finances and budgeting. Construction managers with master’s degrees are responsible for almost every aspect of construction including the financing and budgeting and any necessary legal requirements.
Responsibilities for a construction manager may include: Cost estimating and project financing, Construction techniques, Human and material resources, Construction law and Environmental safety and conservation. The average salary for a Construction Manager with a master’s degree or MBA is estimated to be between $115,000 to $155,000.
Forming America Helps Your Construction Career
Depending on career goals, students can pursue education in construction at the associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s level. The associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs are concentrated more on the proactive aspects of construction while the master’s degrees are focused more on the managerial side. If a student is willing and able to obtain a master’s degree, the more profitable his or her future can be.
Forming America can help you in the construction industry with concrete forms, shoring equipment, and more. Contact us today so we can help you with your next job.