5 reasons you should become a highway project manager

Highway project managers have unparalleled control over the projects they oversee – this is a fast-paced and exciting career that puts you in the driver's seat.

In this role, you'll be in charge of all aspects of a highway building project, working in tandem with engineers and architects. Together, you'll develop plans, determine timelines, and set the project's labor and material budgets, ensuring the highway is completed on time and within scope.

Some of your key responsibilities will include project management, staff management, working with stakeholders, and managing risks. In return, you'll be well-compensated – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that construction managers in highway, bridge, and street construction earn a mean wage of $115,000 per year.

Why should you become a highway project manager?

Here are five reasons why a career as a highway project manager might be right for you.

Reason 1: It's unlike any other project management role

If you have a passion for infrastructure and transportation, there are very few other roles that give you as much control over the future of a place. Working as a highway project manager is a unique and exciting way to make life better for residents and long-haul drivers alike.

Working in highway project management at AtkinsRéalis gives you the opportunity to be a part of exciting work that changes North America for the better and add iconic projects to your resume. Just consider the Beartooth Highway project—a 67-mile National Scenic Byways All-American Road in Yellowstone National Park.

Reason 2: It's a chance to specialize

Project managers are sought-after across the entire transportation industry, but you'll still face competition for the most desirable roles. If you stay too generalized in your areas of expertise and work in a wide array of fields, you'll lose out to specialists for the most interesting projects.

Instead, specializing in highway project management allows you to gain the experience and reputation you need to be considered an expert in the field. By working in such a niche area of the built environment industry, you set yourself up for long-term success.

Reason 3: The US transportation industry is growing

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, most fields within transportation are growing. In 2021, 14.9 million people—which represents 10.2 percent of the US labor force—were employed in the transportation and warehousing sector, as well as related industries. That's an increase of 3.9 percent from 2020, and the highest level since 1990.

Over the past five years, the number of road and highway construction businesses in the US has grown by 4% annually. That means there are plenty of opportunities, not just in the construction and planning of new highways, but also in maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure. After all, there are more than 47,000 structurally deficient bridges in the US.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to regularly work on new and challenging projects, growing your expertise and adding to your resume.

Reason 4: Highway project managers are in high demand

The highway construction industry is growing, and there is no sign of demand slowing down. An aging workforce dominates construction management, so even more opportunities will soon open up. You'll have your pick of roles in the US.

Reason 5: You could work for some of the largest engineering and consultancy firms

Highway project manager jobs can take your career to the next level, as you'll work with some of the world's most prestigious engineering and consultancy firms. For instance, at AtkinsRéalis, you'll get to work with the industry's best highway project managers, highway engineers, and transport planners, giving you the connections and experience you need.

Find the right highway project manager jobs with AtkinsRéalis

Whether this is your first role or you're looking for senior highway project manager jobs, AtkinsRéalis has challenging and exciting roles that can help you advance your highway project manager career.  We provide engineering, procurement, and construction services, and our reputation and experience are unmatched.

As a highway project manager, you have a wealth of career opportunities at your fingertips. Since we believe strongly in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I), we make sure that everyone is given equal access and can thrive and excel in their transportation careers. Browse all transportation jobs at AtkinsRéalis to find your next role, or sign up to the talent community to be the first to learn about new listings