Construction Manager salary in Australia

ANZSCO occupation: Construction Managers

$195,052/year (median)

Last reviewed July 2026

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) · 2025 data. Annual figure derived from median weekly earnings × 52.

See your take-home pay on $195,000

At a glance

People employed
134,300
Annual employment growth
+2,700/yr
5-yr projected growth
+14.9%
Skills shortage rating
Shortage
Main industry
Construction
Works full-time
93%
Avg full-time hours
47 hrs/wk
Works part-time
7%
Female share
11%
Median age
42 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025)

What does a construction manager do?

Construction Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the construction of civil engineering projects, buildings and dwellings, and the physical and human resources involved in building and construction.

  • Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications
  • Coordinating labour resources, and procurement and delivery of materials, plant and equipment
  • Consulting with architects, engineering professionals and other professionals, and technical and trades workers
  • Negotiating with building owners, property developers and subcontractors involved in the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
  • Preparing tenders and contract bids
  • Operating and implementing coordinated work programs for sites
  • Ensuring adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety
  • Arranging submission of plans to local authorities
  • Building under contract, or subcontracting specialised building services
  • Overseeing the standard and progress of subcontractors' work
  • Arranging building inspections by local authorities

How to become a construction manager

Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.

Education held by people in this role

Postgraduate
7.3%
Bachelor degree
22.2%
Diploma / Adv. Diploma
14.3%
Certificate III / IV
38.8%
Year 12
7.6%
Year 11
1.8%
Year 10 or below
4.4%

Where construction managers are employed

Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).

Construction Manager jobs

Related occupations

Frequently asked questions

How much does a construction manager earn in Australia?

The median construction manager earns $195,052 per year ($3,751 per week, or about $87/hour), based on Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025).

What qualifications do you need to be a construction manager?

Most construction managers hold a Certificate III or IV (38.8% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.

Is construction manager a job in demand in Australia?

Around 134,300 construction managers are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about +2,700 workers per year.

Earnings, employment and education data: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.

Employment projections: Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.

Skills shortage ratings: Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.

The ABS median refers to full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate; individual pay varies. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.