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Architectural project manager vs construction superintendent

The differences between architectural project managers and construction superintendents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both an architectural project manager and a construction superintendent. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $87,486 average annual salary of a construction superintendent.

The top three skills for an architectural project manager include revit, project management and healthcare. The most important skills for a construction superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.

Architectural project manager vs construction superintendent overview

Architectural Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Yearly salary$102,292$87,486
Hourly rate$49.18$42.06
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs102,88234,822
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does an architectural project manager do?

An architectural project manager is someone who leads an architectural project from the conception stage to its implementation. His/Her or her tasks include leading a team of designers and junior architects, assessing existing facilities, and reformulating building programs. The skills that an architectural project manager should possess include knowledge of building administrative codes and good communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include possessing a bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, or a related field and prior architecture-related work experience.

What does a construction superintendent do?

A construction superintendent's role is to oversee all construction plans and operations, ensuring quality completion within a specified timeframe. Some of their responsibilities are to inspect all sites, coordinate with contractors and engineers, manage the budget and expenditure, purchase necessary materials and equipment, and make schedules. Aside from producing daily progress reports, a construction superintendent also addresses issues and concerns should there be any. Furthermore, they must implement all safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Architectural project manager vs construction superintendent salary

Architectural project managers and construction superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Architectural Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Average salary$102,292$87,486
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $166,000Between $61,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyMetaColdwell Banker Morris Real Estate
Best paying industryProfessionalEnergy

Differences between architectural project manager and construction superintendent education

There are a few differences between an architectural project manager and a construction superintendent in terms of educational background:

Architectural Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorArchitectureBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Architectural project manager vs construction superintendent demographics

Here are the differences between architectural project managers' and construction superintendents' demographics:

Architectural Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between architectural project manager and construction superintendent duties and responsibilities

Architectural project manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
  • Utilize REVIT to create a BIM model of the house before construction.
  • Develop drawings of architectural, structural, and MEP.
  • Prepare detailed working drawing and bill of quantities and estimate in Revit.
  • Staff management, design solutions , 3D modeling, rendering, and visualization.
  • Develop specifications, solicit and evaluate bids, award contracts, and carry out QA inspections.
  • Show more

Construction superintendent example responsibilities.

  • Manage crew on apartment, condo and town-home remodel and restoration projects.
  • Manage the MEP coordination meetings, as well as performing mechanical superintendent duties.
  • Manage the supervising of construction and installation of HVAC restoration in historical government hospital buildings.
  • Manage complex logistics, including procuring materials and navigating space constraints, to successfully complete project amid concurrent construction of building.
  • Communicate with EOR/Architect/Construction PM/Superintendent/fab shop on all shop drawings as needed to resolve RFI's and change orders.
  • Avoid disputes & claims through comprehensive proposals, email correspondence, RFI's, & daily reporting.
  • Show more

Architectural project manager vs construction superintendent skills

Common architectural project manager skills
  • Revit, 20%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Architectural Project, 5%
  • CAD, 3%
Common construction superintendent skills
  • OSHA, 13%
  • Construction Management, 8%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
  • Safety Program, 5%
  • Quality Standards, 5%

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