Construction manager salary: What your starting salary might look like

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As a construction manager, you are responsible for safely steering complex construction projects to completion – economically, practically, and timely. But what does the salary actually look like for a construction manager? And what influences your salary development in the construction industry?

Table of contents

What does a construction manager earn?
How IDA’s salary calculator works
Educational paths to the title of construction manager
Factors affecting a construction manager’s salary
The role and responsibilities of a construction manager
Career paths and job opportunities
Considering studying to become a construction manager?

IDA's salary calculator

What does a construction manager earn?

The salary of a construction manager depends on several factors – including experience, education, tasks, and the types of construction projects you manage.

According to IDA's salary calculator, as a newly graduated civil engineer in the construction, building, and civil engineering industry, you can expect an average monthly salary of: 49,000 DKK in 2025 nationwide. As a diploma engineer in the same industry, you can expect an average monthly salary of: 47,000 DKK in 2025 nationwide. You can indeed acquire the job title of construction manager with a wide range of educational backgrounds or titles behind you.

But besides the general salary level, there are other things worth considering – for example, is your salary inclusive of pension or not? These calculations are inclusive of pension and any bonuses.

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How IDA's salary calculator works

All salary rates in this article are based on average salaries for newly hired professionals in your field. Since all the figures in the article are only averages, you should only see them as indicative of what you can expect as a newly graduated construction manager in terms of starting salary. For example, you can take a vocational education, a professional bachelor's degree, or a university degree to become a construction manager.

We use IDA's salary calculator to calculate all salary rates in this article. The calculator is based on a specific industry and a specific geographical area, which the salary is adjusted according to. Additionally, the output is based on IDA's salary statistics, which collect salary data from privately employed members and self-employed individuals. These data are projected with 2.0% annually, which corresponds to the development in IDA's recommended starting salary.

Below, you can get a quick overview of the average salary development in the period 2024-2026 for a construction manager, both for a civil engineer and a diploma engineer. Both profiles are calculated based on a career in construction and civil engineering.

IDA's salary calculator IDA's salary statistic

Educational paths to the title of construction manager

There are several paths to the job of a construction manager. Many choose a professional bachelor's degree as a building constructor, where you learn to plan, manage, and coordinate construction projects in practice. It is a solid professional foundation that prepares you to take responsibility on the construction site.

Another option is an engineering degree with a focus on construction – either as a diploma or civil engineer. Here, you get a more technical approach to construction, and many engineers end up in roles as project or construction managers on larger and more complex projects.

It is also possible to take the path through practice with a craft background, such as a carpenter or bricklayer, combined with experience and further education. Here, knowledge of the construction site and craftsmanship plays a significant role.

Regardless of which path you choose, leadership, planning, and collaboration are central skills. Courses and further education in areas such as contract management and communication can give you a strong foundation to advance in your career.

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Factors affecting a construction manager's salary

There is great variation in the salary levels among construction managers – and it is not without reason. Here are some of the key factors that influence salaries:

- Work experience: The more years you have in the industry – and the larger projects you have been responsible for – the higher the salary.

- Education and courses: A higher education as a building constructor or engineer combined with further education and courses can enhance your career opportunities.

- Tasks and responsibilities: Construction managers work with everything from planning and contract management to coordinating craftsmen and preparing schedules and budgets.

- Company type and location: There can be differences in salary among different contractors, municipalities, and clients – and also geographically, for example, between the provinces and the capital area.

The role and responsibilities of a construction manager

The construction manager is a key person in construction. You are at the center of communication between architects, contractors, craftsmen, and clients. You are responsible for ensuring that the construction project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired quality.

Typical tasks include:

- Coordination of the construction site and the building process

- Monitoring the progress of the construction project

- Management of contractors and craftsmen

- Handling contracts and budgets

- Dialogue with architects and clients

- Preparation of schedules and quality assurance

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Career paths and job opportunities

The role of a construction manager opens up many different career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Construction managers often work for large contractors, architectural firms, consulting engineers, or municipalities, where they are responsible for ensuring that construction projects are completed on time and within budget.

An experienced construction manager with strong qualifications and a proven ability to manage complex construction projects can often achieve higher salaries. There is also the possibility of becoming self-employed and offering construction management as a consultant.

As you gain work experience, you can switch between roles and industries – or find a new job with more specialized tasks.

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Considering studying to become a construction manager?

Do you want to quickly get into practice and work close to the construction site? Then the building constructor education is an obvious choice, as it provides you with a practical approach to both project management and construction management.

If you prefer technique, calculations, and larger projects, an engineering education might be an ideal choice for you. It offers a more analytical perspective and greater access to more specialized positions in the job market.

If you have a craft background, you can also move towards construction management through experience and further education. Here, it is important to consider how much responsibility and leadership you want in your working life.

Our career counseling can help you.

Our professional career counseling is always ready to help you with questions related to your upcoming time as a recent graduate.

If you are fortunate enough to have found a job, it can be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. That is what we, as your union, help you with.

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