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Architectural project manager vs contract project manager

The differences between architectural project managers and contract project managers 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 contract project manager. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $81,263 average annual salary of a contract project manager.

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

Architectural project manager vs contract project manager overview

Architectural Project ManagerContract Project Manager
Yearly salary$102,292$81,263
Hourly rate$49.18$39.07
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs102,882159,765
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
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 contract project manager do?

A contract project manager is an executive professional who provides project management and business analysis to fill the needs of an organization. Contract project managers are required to monitor and inspect contract projects to maintain a high level of safety and quality traffic control in highly variable conditions. They assist contract project administration with the review of project progress reports. Contract project managers must also manage the relationship between clients and the organization while monitoring the progress of the project to ensure that it complies with the terms of the corporate contract.

Architectural project manager vs contract project manager salary

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

Architectural Project ManagerContract Project Manager
Average salary$102,292$81,263
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $166,000Between $53,000 And $124,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutMassachusetts
Best paying companyMetaPRO Unlimited
Best paying industryProfessionalHealth Care

Differences between architectural project manager and contract project manager education

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

Architectural Project ManagerContract Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorArchitectureBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Architectural project manager vs contract project manager demographics

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

Architectural Project ManagerContract Project Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 66.1% Female, 33.9%
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, 17.6% Asian, 2.8% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between architectural project manager and contract project manager 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

Contract project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage weekly CMS build outs from feature prioritization through implementation including test cases and training documentation.
  • Manage RFI's, field directives, construction changes, payments, and billing associate with project.
  • Manage the day to day duties of the turn-key/design build/plan and specification and retrofit-installation of the HVAC contracting department.
  • Manage, monitors and measures project portfolio status, recommending corrective action as necessary and communicate portfolio status to their management.
  • Install hundreds of replacement windows and doors.
  • Install windows, doors, and hardware for commercial and residential projects.
  • Show more

Architectural project manager vs contract project manager skills

Common architectural project manager skills
  • Revit, 20%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Architectural Project, 5%
  • CAD, 3%
Common contract project manager skills
  • Project Management, 21%
  • Project Scope, 7%
  • Contract Project, 5%
  • HR, 4%
  • Infrastructure, 4%
  • Project Budget, 4%

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