How you can work less while earning more in Construction Management

 

Project Construction manager planning and working
Working as a construction manager is a smart and rewarding career choice for anyone interested in the building or construction industry who wants to work less while earning more. If you’re currently a trades-person or exploring a career move into construction management, read on to find out how you can increase your earnings by working smarter, not harder.

Start smart with the right qualification

If you want to work less and earn more, a construction manager’s salary is the ideal choice. There are many ways to move into this line of work, and many different construction management roles, ranging from mid to senior level, depending on your experience and qualification. 

Specialised qualifications in Contract Administration, Estimation, and Site Management are perfect for those ready to take their first step into a construction management position. Going into these roles usually entails 2-3 years of construction experience coupled with a certificate-level qualification. 

The Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) (CPC50320) or the Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction) (BSB50820) will equip you with the necessary skills to land a senior construction management role. You’ll sharpen your skills in managing labourers, stakeholders, and teams across a construction project. 

In most cases, your qualifications will directly increase your earning capacity, and the more relevant qualifications you hold, the higher your salary can climb.

Work-Life Balance

Being employed as a construction supervisor gives you back control over regular and reliable working hours. Knowing your start and finish times every week will greatly assist in achieving a healthy work-life balance. You’ll appreciate knowing that there will be less early starts or late nights finishing a big job at the expense of family or friends.

If you’re currently self-employed, you will already be aware that the responsibility of being your own boss is at the expense of a number of entitlements. Sick leave, annual leave and paid parental leave are benefits you can enjoy when employed as a construction manager. Say goodbye to missing a family holiday due to work – now you really can have the work-life balance you’ve watched others gain value from for years.

Maximise your earnings

In the construction management field, if you are occasionally required to work above and beyond your regular hours, you are fairly compensated with overtime rates. All too often, this is a luxury that sole tradespeople don’t currently receive. Working overtime is usually optional and can give you the freedom to earn more, helping you to save faster for that house deposit, holiday or a new car.

There’s no ‘I’ in Team

Working in the construction industry connects you to part of a team culture at work every day, whether that be with tradespeople, project managers, site supervisors or other stakeholders. If you’ve experienced the monotony of working long stints going solo, chances are you’ll find being part of a team a rewarding, satisfying and better way to work.

Happier, healthier you

When working in construction management, you’ll be working less on-site. As a result, your chance of injury is minimised, and overall health is improved. With less manual labour and less time outside in possible harsh weather conditions, most people find working in construction management a welcome break after years on the tools.

It’s not just physical injuries which are reduced, working as a construction manager can also benefit your mental health too. Many studies have proven that less stress and better work-life balance will significantly contribute to an improvement in overall well-being. When stress is reduced, the benefits include better sleep and wiser life choices.

Climb the career ladder

Should you wish to progress your career, construction is a thriving industry with plenty of pathways for you to achieve your career goals. Many start on the tools, building their experience and knowledge of the construction industry by working on-site. 

You can turn that experience into a mid-level construction management position such as a;

  • Site Supervisor
  • Contract Administrator
  • Building Estimator
  • Project Coordinator 

From there, becoming diploma-qualified can find opportunities in roles with more responsibility and higher salaries such as construction manager, project manager, or construction foreman.

Use your existing transferable skills

Whether you’re already working in the industry or looking to break in, the good news is there are plenty of transferable skills that will benefit you. Those working in finance, human resources or customer service may find themselves suited to most requirements for construction management. If you have prior experience in a relevant field, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which will help to fast track your qualification, allowing you to complete fewer units.

If you’re interested in increasing your income while working less as a construction manager, look for a flexible, self-paced online diploma course such as CAL’s Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) that will give you the skills you need to excel in your new career path. You’ll graduate job-ready and confident about taking on a rewarding new role in construction management.

Your Career in Construction Management

Do you want to learn more about construction management skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights? 

Discover your career in construction management. 

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