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Architectural project manager vs general contractor

The differences between architectural project managers and general contractors 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 general contractor. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $66,602 average annual salary of a general contractor.

The top three skills for an architectural project manager include revit, project management and healthcare. The most important skills for a general contractor are plumbing, safety regulations, and contract negotiations.

Architectural project manager vs general contractor overview

Architectural Project ManagerGeneral Contractor
Yearly salary$102,292$66,602
Hourly rate$49.18$32.02
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs102,88266,218
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
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 general contractor do?

The job of general contractors is to oversee the day-to-day operations of projects in the organization. General contractors are considered seasoned experts when it comes to home improvement. They provide the material, equipment, labor, and services for a construction project. Often, they hire specialized subcontractors who will be working on some part of the construction work. They should have attained a bachelor's or associate's degree in construction management. Their experience in the industry is highly coveted.

Architectural project manager vs general contractor salary

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

Architectural Project ManagerGeneral Contractor
Average salary$102,292$66,602
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $166,000Between $41,000 And $107,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CT-
Highest paying stateConnecticut-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between architectural project manager and general contractor education

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

Architectural Project ManagerGeneral Contractor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorArchitectureBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Architectural project manager vs general contractor demographics

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

Architectural Project ManagerGeneral Contractor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between architectural project manager and general contractor 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

General contractor example responsibilities.

  • Manage the repair/replacement of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and structural of primarily historical residences.
  • Manage third party contractors including safety oversight, environmental design specification compliance, and similar construction specifications and requirements.
  • Perform electrical, mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, framing, roofing and finishing construction for residential and commercial buildings.
  • Remodel restaurants, which include painting, dry wall, tiling, plumbing, electrical and laying carpet.
  • Assist and perform all duties with installation of cabinets, flooring, sheetrock, framing, concrete, and basic plumbing.
  • Experience in roofing, painting, digging of footers, and tile setting.
  • Show more

Architectural project manager vs general contractor skills

Common architectural project manager skills
  • Revit, 20%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Architectural Project, 5%
  • CAD, 3%
Common general contractor skills
  • Plumbing, 17%
  • Safety Regulations, 12%
  • Contract Negotiations, 11%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Construction Projects, 4%
  • Payroll, 4%

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