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Construction area manager vs project superintendent

The differences between construction area managers and project superintendents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a construction area manager and a project superintendent. Additionally, a construction area manager has an average salary of $99,134, which is higher than the $97,517 average annual salary of a project superintendent.

The top three skills for a construction area manager include OSHA, construction management and project management. The most important skills for a project superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and general contractors.

Construction area manager vs project superintendent overview

Construction Area ManagerProject Superintendent
Yearly salary$99,134$97,517
Hourly rate$47.66$46.88
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs46,66471,449
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a construction area manager do?

A construction area manager oversees and directs the daily operations at construction sites, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently according to the budgets, deadlines, and standards. Their responsibilities typically include delegating tasks, handling the funds, preparing site reports, liaising with clients and engineers, setting objectives and guidelines, and monitoring the progress of all operations, resolving issues should any arise. Moreover, a construction area manager leads contractors to reach goals, all while implementing the construction site's safety policies and standards to maintain a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

What does a project superintendent do?

The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment. A construction superintendent also earns construction permits, resolving on-site emergencies and issues, and supervising staff. This position requires several skills, including a degree in construction management or a similar field, relevant experience, and in-depth knowledge of construction processes and operations.

Construction area manager vs project superintendent salary

Construction area managers and project superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction Area ManagerProject Superintendent
Average salary$99,134$97,517
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $213,000Between $71,000 And $133,000
Highest paying City-Hartford, CT
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-The Weitz Company
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between construction area manager and project superintendent education

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

Construction Area ManagerProject Superintendent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction area manager vs project superintendent demographics

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

Construction Area ManagerProject Superintendent
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between construction area manager and project superintendent duties and responsibilities

Construction area manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete design and construction coordination of company's retail properties throughout the Washington/Baltimore area market.
  • Complete multiple projects ahead of schedule by driving productivity improvements through implementation of new document procedures and Suretrak CPM schedule.
  • Provide necessary written and oral communication along with RFI responses as required.
  • Inspect and ensure passing of all city and county building code requirements.

Project superintendent example responsibilities.

  • Manage design build, MEP, metal frame, dry wall, paint, high end cabinetry, turn- key project.
  • Initiate and manage RFI's between owner/engineer/architects.
  • Manage third party contractors including safety oversight, environmental design specification compliance, and similar construction specifications and requirements.
  • Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
  • Develop and establish project safety guidelines adhering to OSHA standards and daily procedures.
  • Design products in AutoCAD base on field measurements for CNC machines.
  • Show more

Construction area manager vs project superintendent skills

Common construction area manager skills
  • OSHA, 17%
  • Construction Management, 14%
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Quality Standards, 7%
  • Building Codes, 6%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Common project superintendent skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Construction Management, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Construction Projects, 7%
  • Quality Standards, 7%
  • Safety Program, 6%

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