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The differences between construction 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 manager and a project superintendent. Additionally, a project superintendent has an average salary of $97,517, which is higher than the $81,313 average annual salary of a construction manager.
The top three skills for a construction manager include project management, construction management and construction projects. The most important skills for a project superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and general contractors.
| Construction Manager | Project Superintendent | |
| Yearly salary | $81,313 | $97,517 |
| Hourly rate | $39.09 | $46.88 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 44,431 | 71,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A construction manager oversees a construction site and its workers, ensuring efficiency in the workforce and overall operations. They work in an office within the construction site to meet and coordinate with architects, contractors, and clients. They must also hire the required workforce, identify and resolve issues, maintain daily reports and communication with clients, and prioritize a safe work environment. Above all, they must see that all of the required protocols are met, including the target completion time and budget.
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 managers and project superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Manager | Project Superintendent | |
| Average salary | $81,313 | $97,517 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $120,000 | Between $71,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Weitz Company |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a construction manager and a project superintendent in terms of educational background:
| Construction Manager | Project Superintendent | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between construction managers' and project superintendents' demographics:
| Construction Manager | Project Superintendent | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.6% 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 Percentage | 4% | 4% |