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Job outlook for construction superintendents in the United States
Construction superintendent job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected construction superintendent job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 36,400 new jobs for construction superintendents are projected over the next decade.
Construction superintendent salaries have increased 9% for construction superintendents in the last 5 years.
There are over 208,670 construction superintendents currently employed in the United States.
There are 34,822 active construction superintendent job openings in the US.
The average construction superintendent salary is $87,486.
Are construction superintendent jobs in demand?
Construction Superintendent job and salary trends over time
Construction Superintendent jobs over time
Construction Superintendent job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 208,670 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 203,399 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 209,346 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 200,951 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 190,429 | 0.06% |
Average construction superintendent salary over time
Construction Superintendent salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $87,486 | $42.06 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $85,758 | $41.23 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $84,056 | $40.41 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $82,256 | $39.55 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $80,392 | $38.65 | +2.2% |
Construction Superintendent jobs by state
Most common states for construction superintendents
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 100 | 14% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 80 | 11% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 99 | 9% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 50 | 9% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 225 | 7% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 132 | 7% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 62 | 7% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 321 | 6% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 75 | 6% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 48 | 6% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 38 | 6% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 522 | 5% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 448 | 5% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 199 | 5% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 153 | 5% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 93 | 5% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 69 | 5% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 48 | 5% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 314 | 4% |
| 20 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 51 | 4% |
Most common cities for construction superintendents
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novi | 32 | 54% | $86,653 |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | 36 | 18% | $85,403 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 78 | 17% | $80,404 |
| 4 | Orlando | 30 | 11% | $69,333 |
| 5 | Miami | 35 | 8% | $67,456 |
| 6 | Detroit | 48 | 7% | $86,885 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | 27 | 7% | $75,329 |
| 8 | Tampa | 25 | 7% | $69,955 |
| 9 | Denver | 34 | 5% | $79,482 |
| 10 | Boston | 28 | 4% | $100,489 |
| 11 | Washington | 26 | 4% | $76,976 |
| 12 | Chicago | 86 | 3% | $83,021 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 29 | 3% | $76,020 |
| 14 | Austin | 26 | 3% | $86,311 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | 24 | 3% | $69,569 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 39 | 2% | $96,605 |
| 17 | Houston | 37 | 2% | $84,900 |
| 18 | Dallas | 32 | 2% | $85,938 |
| 19 | Los Angeles | 41 | 1% | $114,666 |
| 20 | New York | 24 | 0% | $95,429 |
Construction Superintendent job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of construction superintendent experts
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Kennesaw State University
Michigan Technological University
Arizona State University
Nicholls State University
University of Oklahoma
American Council for Construction Education
National Tile Contractors Association
University of Texas
Dr. John Cabage
Chair, Associate ProfessorSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
What general advice would you give to a Construction Superintendent?
Dr. John Cabage: Along with the traditional approaches in general education, a graduate must embrace technology changes. In the future, we will see robotics prevalent in construction work. We already see the obsolescence of blueprints in favor of portable computers. We see the growing contribution of technology with constructors using virtual and augmented reality, with artificial intelligence as tools for preparing bids, estimates, schedule, visualization, and quality checks.
What Construction Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Cabage: The Construction Industry is robust and vital for the health of our nation. The industry is growing and will continue to grow in the future. Projects are becoming larger and more complex requiring teamwork and collaboration from partners of all walks both internal and external to the construction community.
What will help Construction Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Dr. John Cabage: Salaries for graduates as a Construction Professional are good. The best way to maximize this is to job shadow, work a part-time job while going to school and internships in the summer. Employers want to see college students that have shown leadership skills while in school through community involvement. Good grades and commitment to learning the basics of the profession are also important. An employer wants to see a passion for the work and a commitment and drive to succeed.
Neil Opfer
Assoc. Professor - UNLV Civil & Environmental Engineering & Construction DepartmentWhat will help Construction Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Neil Opfer: Certainly, Artificial Intelligence or AI is a huge buzzword across all occupations. The experts I read in this area are all over the map in that (1) AI will put huge waves of people out of work, (2) AI will in some 'Terminator-type World' mean the death of civilization as we know it, or (3) fears of AI taking over the World are way overblown and AI will be a useful tool to improve productivity. Certainly have heard from several friends in the industry the usefulness of AI in developing safety plans for a jobsite, etc., etc. So AI is number 1 with continuing areas such BIM/computerization important, sustainability/green building important, and lean construction/reducing out-of-control construction costs important. Also we need to attract a quality craft labor force to construction and so better working conditions (cleaner jobs, clean restroom-facilities, better management) and better marketing to potential employees will be key success drivers.
What general advice would you give to a Construction Superintendent?
Neil Opfer: Remember that in a CM Program you have spent 4 years of your life (or more) studying books and learning the "theory of construction." But this is the start of your education and not the end. The best quote here (not from me) is "Success is a journey, not a destination." Sadly I have classmates that I graduated with years ago who, once they graduated, never cracked a book. Also remember that construction in many respects is an incredibly-varied field and you will, perhaps if working for a GC or a CM firm, never know as much as that electrician or plumber knows about their craft or that trade contractor knows about their specialty. But insofar as possible you need to learn and absorb as much as possible about these other areas. Otherwise you'll lead a life of ignorance and designers and contractors will, sadly, take advantage of your ignorance. When I was in college (1974), my Dorm President told me, "Everyone is ignorant about something but the stupid person works at being ignorant." Don't work at being ignorant. Also, respect everyone on the job from laborer, carpenter, on up because you can learn something from everyone along the way in your career. You, remember, are lucky in that as a college grad you're in the 37% or so of the U.S. population with a college degree but CM is a STEM field because of the math, physics, and construction-science coursework you take. Only 18% of the U.S. population have STEM degrees so you're in even a more select field with your technical education. But those on the construction site who did not have an opportunity to go to college may resent you or they've had bad experiences with college grads who "lorded over them" the fact that they were a college grad and the craft personnel on the job were not. Advice to a new college graduate in CM would be to remember (not original with me but a great axiom) that (1) you are hired for your technical skills, (2) promoted for your leadership/managerial skills, and (3) fired for your lack of people skills. Do a good job at whatever you do and look for opportunities to improve processes when possible. Realize that as a new grad you'll often get the jobs that more senior people don't want. Also, realize that your job is partly "paying your dues" to get the chance at more interesting jobs in the future. Learn to network with others in your firm and those at other firms including being involved in professional associations and civic/charitable work. Ensure that your supervisors know the extras (prof associations, civic work) you are doing outside of work. Finally the old adage of a "sound mind in a sound body" means to continually improve yourself on both a mental and a physical basis.
What Construction Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Neil Opfer: First off, know what competitive salaries are in your area of the country for the type of job you want as you never have to recover from a good start. Some companies, for instance, will offer salaries that are simply not competitive. As an example, a few years ago, we had one CM graduate starting at $70K per year at one firm (heavy-highway contractor) whereas another grad had been offered $42K per year for a commercial flooring contractor. That $42K was simply not competitive with the market whether that employer offering that salary knew it or not. Also, compare offers versus area living costs. Use cost-of-living calculators such as at bankrate.com If you, using this bankrate.com tool, were offered one job in Las Vegas NV at $80,000 per year versus another job opportunity in Los Angeles CA, you would need $122,000 per year as a comparable salary. Remember to measure yourself as to earning that salary on a regular basis. Don't take jobs where a bonus is promised to make up for a bad salary. Example here is taking a Superintendent Job where your Job ended up profitable but other jobs run by others overall didn't so taking that lower salary and not getting that bonus didn't work out so well. Again, benchmark yourself against what others in the industry in that same area are actually getting paid. If you truly feel you deserve a raise where you're at but can't get it you may need to change jobs to get to a higher salary scale. But that firm offering above-market salaries may be doing so because of internal problems (bad bosses, poor working conditions, insane hours, insane understaffing, etc.) so look before you leap. It's a given that to be successful as a working professional in construction, one cannot just work a 40-hour week. But you shouldn't be working 7-10s or more on a regular basis either. Again, through networking you perhaps can find out who are the 'bad employers.'
Irish Horsey Ph.D.
Interim Chair of the Department of Construction Management and Assistant ProfessorKennesaw State University
Department of Construction Management
What skills stand out on Construction Superintendent resumes?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are problem solvers. Employers seek analytical, technical, and effective communication skills from potential employees for construction management positions. Whether building a skyscraper or single-family home, there are always groups of people performing numerous construction activities and tasks simultaneously on a construction site. Therefore, resumes that show time, cost, and, most importantly, safety management skills are most desired by employers.
What soft skills should all Construction Superintendents possess?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Leadership and communication are among the most essential skills of a construction manager. Construction managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are built safely on schedule, within budget, and to the quality outlined in the drawings and specifications. To fulfill these responsibilities, construction managers must lead multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third party players, on a construction project through effective oral and written communications.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Construction Superintendents?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are project managers with specialized technical skills. Construction managers' most important technical skills are print reading, estimating, scheduling, project and technology management.
What skills will help Construction Superintendents earn the most?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: The key to the highest earning potential in construction is experience. However, a potential employee that can show success in managing people, budgets, and schedules while using the latest tools in construction technology such as drones, building information modeling (BIM), smart devices, computer-automated design (CAD), and cloud-based project controls software is likely to be more attractive to employers. Construction projects are complex and risky. Someone with the technical skills to foresee problems and minimize risks is invaluable to an employer.
Laura Connolly Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EconomicsMichigan Technological University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Construction Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Laura Connolly Ph.D.: One thing we have learned so far during the pandemic is that it has disparately impacted different industries, occupations and groups of workers. Even within the construction industry the impacts of the pandemic are not uniform. Residential construction has added back more of the jobs lost during the pandemic than nonresidential construction. This is influenced by the surge in the housing market and uncertainty in demand and funding for commercial projects. All of these factors, and more, are likely to influence the job market. Residential construction could be in a better position to expand employment than commercial construction in the short term. The shift to work from home and differences in state and local government responses to the pandemic have impacted individual preferences for where to live. These spillover into the construction sector, with some areas experiencing population growth and an increased need for more housing. Construction management jobs might be more available in these geographic areas. There are other job market trends we've seen during the pandemic that are likely here to stay as well, including working from home, virtual recruitment and training processes, and increased safety and protocol measures.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Construction Superintendents?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: The construction market, locally, is doing quite well, particularly in the industrial sector (e.g., warehouses). So, I think that in terms of ability to be employed, no, there is relatively little impact in the construction industry. However, I think that the enduring impacts are the ways that we do business, even in construction, have changed. For instance, inspections can happen remotely using video conferencing software, and in some cases, augmented reality. People are also working from home more -- this is the case for project managers as well as office staff for projects (i.e., construction administrators). Some of these changes will likely persist after COVID is under control; others may change back.
What's a good job out of college for Construction Superintendents?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: I think a good job out of college, regardless of industry, is one that leverages your skills and compensates you for those skills. I think that in construction, the industry I'm most familiar with, there is no shortage of good jobs. You can work onsite, as an assistant superintendent or a project engineer, after college. If you're more interested in the office side of the construction industry, then a good job may be in the estimating department, or in the business development and marketing departments. I think new graduates will see that, unlike in 2008-2009, the requisite experience for joining a new company is pretty minimal. During the Great Recession, most companies prioritized hiring people with existing relationships in the construction industry, so students faced a tough market. However, today, if a graduate is entering the construction industry in a market that is healthy (like Phoenix), then being "green" is not an impediment -- plenty of companies are hiring young talent.
What technical skills for a Construction Superintendent stand out to employers?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: This is pretty dependent on the job that you're going for, but I think that one technical skill that employers in construction look for is the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. This will be critical onsite and in the office -- you need to demonstrate an understanding of how a project comes together, and this requires the ability to communicate clearly. Beyond the communication, a technical understanding of material behavior (i.e., concrete curing, crane picks, etc.).
Dr. Alyson Theriot
Associate ProfessorNicholls State University
Department Head of Teacher Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Construction Superintendent job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Alyson Theriot: We will definitely see a mass exodus of people from certain professions such as teaching. Many veteran teachers lack the required technology skills to continue their profession during this pandemic. I think the virtual learning and teaching being required will force some teachers to either take an early retirement or a change in a career path.
What type of skills will young Construction Superintendents need?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: Construction companies want someone who can "speak the language" when they arrive, so instead of teaching about the industry; they are teaching about their company and its processes, etc. While there are technical skills graduates should have, construction companies are far more concerned with graduate's soft skills; can they communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speaking?
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Construction Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: There are opportunities all over the U.S. in construction; it really just depends on which industry segment a graduate goes to work in. As a general rule, the strongest economies have the greatest demand. I have heard comparisons of DFW being this century, what Detroit was in the last century, and the opportunities in that market suggest that's accurate.
How do you envision technology impacting Construction Superintendents in the next 5 years?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: BIM will continue to gain market share and become a standard part of a project; I also think we'll see increased use of scanning for progress updates. I'm not a believer in robots yet, they may impact the industry in 10 or 20 years, but they aren't there yet.
What general advice would you give to a Construction Superintendent?
Steve Nellis: We are still seeing strong demand for ACCE accredited Construction Management graduates this Fall. With placement levels over 90%, there is a competitive recruiting environment at our programs. In fact, we have seniors with offers in hand for May 2021 start dates.
What type of skills will young Construction Superintendents need?
Steve Nellis: The primary skills that new graduates from ACCE programs will have are different for each level of degree that they complete. For an Associate Degree, here are the skills (we call them Student Learning Outcomes, or SLO) that they will possess:
1. Apply effective communication, both orally and in writing.
1. Apply quantity takeoff skills for bidding or budgeting purposes on a construction project.
2. Apply the aptitude to schedule a basic construction project.
3. Apply current technology related to the construction industry.
4. Apply the interpretation of construction documents (contracts, specifications, and drawings) used in managing a construction project.
5. Apply basic principles of construction accounting.
6. Apply basic surveying techniques used in building layout.
7. Understand basic principles of ethics in the construction industry.
8. Understand the fundamentals of contracts, codes, and regulations that govern a construction project.
9. Understand basic construction methods and materials.
10. Understand basic safety hazards on a construction site and standard prevention measures.
11. Understand the basic principles of structural design.
12. Understand the basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Construction Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Steve Nellis: Regarding locations for work opportunities, we have found that there are opportunities throughout the country, and international opportunities, for our graduates. Because construction work is a critical and necessary profession, even in the times of the pandemic, our graduates can research where the construction activity is and then align their career choices to the locations they desire. If we are to narrow down the scope of locations, pretty much any of the large metropolitan areas in the SunBelt States are excellent areas for our graduates to start their construction careers.
What general advice would you give to a Construction Superintendent?
Becky Serbin: Skill requirements are stated on our recruitment flyer, attached, but will ultimately be decided on by the hiring contractor. Beyond our flyer, many also require a valid drivers license.
What type of skills will young Construction Superintendents need?
Becky Serbin: Tile contractors are hiring across the U.S. and using several different online job posting sites. We even have an online form that those interested in the trade can fill out. When we receive them, they are forwarded to members in their area. If the person is located in an area where there is a union presence, they can even contact that office for job opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Construction Superintendents to find work opportunities?
Becky Serbin: Tile contractors are hiring across the U.S. and using several different online job posting sites. We even have an online form that those interested in the trade can fill out. When we receive them, they are forwarded to members in their area. If the person is located in an area where there is a union presence, they can even contact that office for job opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Construction Superintendent?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: In the evolving landscape of the construction profession, several skills are poised to become increasingly important and prevalent over the next 3-5 years. Firstly, proficiency in digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will be essential for enhancing project planning, visualization, and collaboration. Additionally, expertise in sustainable construction practices and alternative project delivery methods will become increasingly valuable as environmental concerns and the desire for efficiency continue to drive industry trends.
What Construction Superintendent skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: Prioritize obtaining relevant certifications early on in your career. These credentials can enhance your qualifications and marketability, potentially leading to higher starting salaries. As you gain experience, strive to take on leadership roles and demonstrate your ability to manage projects, teams, and resources effectively. Leadership skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution are highly valued in the construction industry. Ultimately, remember that success in construction is not solely about expertise; it also hinges on upholding integrity, diligence, and ethical standards.
What will help Construction Superintendents increase their earning potential?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: For a graduate embarking on a career in construction, remember that every project is an opportunity to learn and grow. Cultivate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with colleagues, contractors, and clients. Additionally, prioritize continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through seminars, workshops, and professional development courses. Finally, never underestimate the importance of building and maintaining relationships—trust and integrity are the cornerstones of a successful career in construction.