After receiving a hard blow from the economic downturn, St Louis construction jobs are finally starting to open up again, and there are plenty of opportunities for those looking for a position.

The mining, logging and construction industry in St. Louis employed 57,800 workers during March, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 54,500 workers during February, but a 10.9 percent decrease from last year.

That recent growth may convince some formerly-employed construction workers, or those new to the industry, to start looking for work. If you’re one of those people, you may want to consider applying for construction management positions, which are popular and pay well.

Construction managers are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and budgeting various construction and maintenance projects. They help with the conceptual development of a project and oversee its organization, scheduling and implementation.

As the name implies, construction managers also must manage and direct their own employees. Construction managers may work in specialized fields, such as carpentry or plumbing, and may be known as general superintendents or project managers.

Most employers today prefer that construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, building science or civil engineering. However, several colleges offer two-year or associate degrees, while some even offer master’s programs in construction management or construction science.

While it’s not required, gaining a certification in construction management can help put you ahead of the competition. Both the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America have established voluntary certification programs for construction managers.

During 2008, there were 551,000 construction managers throughout America, according to the BLS. Of those, 61 percent were self-employed, many as owners of general or specialty trade construction firms.

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the top industries that employ construction managers in the state include:

  • Non-residential building construction – 6 percent
  • Residential building construction – 3 percent
  • Highway, street and bridge construction – 2.4 percent
  • Land subdivision – 2.3 percent
  • Utility system construction – 2.3 percent
  • Building equipment contractors – 2 percent
  • Other heavy construction – 1.7 percent
  • Other specialty trade contractors – 1.6 percent
  • Lessors of real estate – 1.3 percent
  • Building foundation and exterior contractors – 1.2 percent

Those who pursue a construction management career can expect good employment opportunities during the near future. The BLS reports that employment will increase by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average growth rate expected for all industries.

You also can expect to be paid relatively well. During 2008, the median wage for construction managers throughout America was $79,860 per year, with the middle 50 percent of workers earning between $60,650 per year and $107,140 per year.

Some related occupations include: architects, engineers, cost estimators, engineering and natural sciences managers, and landscape architects.

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