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Architectural project manager vs site manager

The differences between architectural project managers and site 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 site manager. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $59,192 average annual salary of a site manager.

The top three skills for an architectural project manager include revit, project management and healthcare. The most important skills for a site manager are customer service, safety procedures, and oversight.

Architectural project manager vs site manager overview

Architectural Project ManagerSite Manager
Yearly salary$102,292$59,192
Hourly rate$49.18$28.46
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs102,88247,853
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
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 site manager do?

The tasks of a Site Manager may vary, but the responsibility will always revolve around supervising the construction project and its employees, making sure that the project is completed within the allotted time, budget, and quality. Site Managers are required to have great communication and leadership skills as they are often the ones to engage with the clients and coordinate with the employees. Moreover, It is also the Site Manager's responsibility to ensure the safety of employees, prepare site reports, conduct quality control procedures, assess and solve problems, negotiate contracts, and secure permits needed for the project.

Architectural project manager vs site manager salary

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

Architectural Project ManagerSite Manager
Average salary$102,292$59,192
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $166,000Between $32,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

Differences between architectural project manager and site manager education

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

Architectural Project ManagerSite Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorArchitectureBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Architectural project manager vs site manager demographics

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

Architectural Project ManagerSite Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 63.4% Female, 36.6%
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, 17.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between architectural project manager and site 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

Site manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of LTE upgrade procedure.
  • Manage incoming work through Ricoh project software and through e-mail.
  • Manage incoming and outgoing faxes, mail, and FedEx packages.
  • Identify and manage all work require to complete and acquire NTP.
  • Manage day-to-day processing of account receivables and payables using QuickBooks and Xero, producing reports as requested.
  • Monitor KPI's and manage them so that weak areas can be addressed and future performance can be improve.
  • Show more

Architectural project manager vs site manager skills

Common architectural project manager skills
  • Revit, 20%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Architectural Project, 5%
  • CAD, 3%
Common site manager skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Logistics, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%

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