If you’ve chosen to work in construction—especially heavy civil—you probably already know the job comes with demanding hours. While a 40-hour workweek might be the baseline on paper, it’s not unusual for construction managers to work 60 to 80 hours a week during peak seasons, tight deadlines, or emergencies.
This is particularly true in heavy civil construction, where projects are often spread out across wide regions—not just confined to urban centers. Job sites can require significant travel between locations, which contributes to long, irregular hours and time away from home. For managers overseeing multiple projects, the schedule can become especially intense.
With that, stress is a known factor in the industry. A recent study by Construction Briefing found that 70% of on-site construction workers reported their jobs as moderately to extremely stressful, citing high workloads and tight deadlines as leading causes [Construction Briefing, 2024].
But what does the industry offer in return?
To start with: competitive pay. As of March 2025, the average salary for a construction manager in the U.S. is $95,168 annually, or about $45.75/hour, according to ZipRecruiter [ZipRecruiter, 2025].
Compare that to other careers with similar income levels—like software developers, psychologists, or veterinarians—and construction starts to look like a smart choice. Most of those jobs require years of post-grad education and significant student debt. Construction managers typically need only a bachelor’s degree, and can often begin earning earlier in their careers.
And the stress? It’s not unique to construction. Physicians, pilots, and psychologists all face high-pressure roles. But few of those professions offer the same blend of hands-on impact, tangible results, and field mobility.
Job Security and Demand
The job outlook is another huge plus. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in employment for construction managers between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations [BLS, 2024].
In fact, the industry added 13,000 jobs in March 2025 alone—a sign of strength despite broader market uncertainty [Business Insider, 2025].
Plus, construction companies are struggling to find talent. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, labor shortages continue to be one of the industry’s top challenges, with up to 80% of firms reporting difficulties in finding qualified workers.
What This Means for You
All of this points to three key advantages:
- Leverage: With demand outpacing supply, qualified professionals have more bargaining power than ever—whether negotiating compensation, schedule flexibility, or project preferences.
- Options: Whether you want to work locally or travel, prefer large infrastructure projects or smaller private jobs, you have choices—especially as more firms adopt flexible models and new technologies.
- Upward Mobility: According to S. News & World Report, construction management still ranks above average in upward mobility, meaning strong potential for promotions and salary growth [US News, 2023].
The Road Ahead
Yes, construction is still a demanding field. Long hours and high expectations are part of the package. But change is coming—driven by labor shortages, shifting generational expectations, and rapidly evolving tech. Smart, experienced professionals who know how “it used to be” are now the ones shaping what’s next: more organized teams, healthier schedules, and a greater focus on productivity and satisfaction.
If you’re looking for a career with real growth, stability, and tangible impact, heavy civil construction has a lot to offer.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out via phone or email—we’ll follow up with you right away.
Sources:
- ZipRecruiter – Construction Manager Salary (2025)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Construction Manager Job Outlook
- Construction Briefing – Stress in the Industry (2024)
- Business Insider – Job Growth Sectors (2025)
- U.S. News & World Report – Construction Manager Rankings
