Public Works Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Public Works Management prepares professionals to lead and oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of essential public infrastructure systems. This program develops expertise in managing complex urban and regional operations that support community well-being, safety, and sustainability.
- Accountability in Public Service: Explores frameworks and practices for transparent decision-making, performance tracking, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
- Budgeting and Financial Management: Covers fiscal planning, cost analysis, funding allocation, and financial reporting specific to municipal and governmental infrastructure projects.
- Conflict Resolution Strategies: Builds skills in mediating disputes among stakeholders, resolving workplace tensions, and maintaining effective team dynamics in high-pressure environments.
- Ethical Leadership in Government: Examines moral principles, legal standards, and integrity benchmarks critical to maintaining public trust in public administration.
- Human Resources and Labor Relations: Focuses on recruitment, training, performance evaluation, union coordination, and compliance with labor laws in public sector employment.
- Operations Management: Addresses the design, execution, and optimization of processes for delivering public services such as road maintenance, waste management, and utility systems.
Public Works Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Public Works Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Public Works Management degrees, including Managers, All Other and Construction Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 979,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Construction Managers 11-9021 | $106,980 | $65,160 - $176,990 | 348,330 | $51.43 |
Public Works Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,885 in Arkansas to $160,065 in Massachusetts—a 86% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, Delaware, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 979,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Public Works Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Public Works Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Public Works Management is found at University of Rhode Island (URI) (24 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 24 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
24 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Public Works Management programs
How much can I earn with a Public Works Management degree?
Salaries for Public Works Management graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Construction Managers earn around $106,980. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $160,065 compared to $85,885 in Arkansas. Approximately 979,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Public Works Management programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Public Works Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Rhode Island (URI) (24 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Public Works Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Construction Managers, . Related occupations employ approximately 979,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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