Most major contractors will not hire you directly into a project manager role straight out of college. The standard path starts with a project engineer, assistant project manager, or project coordinator title. These roles teach the fundamentals: submittals, RFIs, schedules, jobsite coordination, and working alongside a senior PM. A construction management or civil engineering degree is the common baseline, and an internship or co-op during school gives you a real advantage. Within a few years in one of those supporting roles, you can move into independent project leadership. The skills employers screen hardest for at entry level include software proficiency, blueprint reading, cost tracking, and clear communication with field teams. Think of it as a PM-track position rather than a PM title from day one. For current pay ranges by role, see our Construction Placement Pay Index at https://amundsongroup.com/construction-pay-index/