Post job

Controls project manager vs project controls specialist

The differences between controls project managers and project controls specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a controls project manager and a project controls specialist. Additionally, a controls project manager has an average salary of $114,682, which is higher than the $85,159 average annual salary of a project controls specialist.

The top three skills for a controls project manager include project management, project controls and construction management. The most important skills for a project controls specialist are project controls, project management, and work breakdown structure.

Controls project manager vs project controls specialist overview

Controls Project ManagerProject Controls Specialist
Yearly salary$114,682$85,159
Hourly rate$55.14$40.94
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs122,59221,484
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a controls project manager do?

A Controls Project Manager supervises the project control of engineering and construction projects. They are responsible for estimating costs, monitoring work progress, and quality assurance.

What does a project controls specialist do?

A project controls specialist is responsible for establishing project management procedures to achieve project goals and objectives by following clients' specifications and requirements within the budget limitations and timetable. Project controls specialists implement strategic techniques to mitigate potential project risks and promote maximum productivity by conducting regular meetings to monitor the project's progress. They also coordinate with the clients for the updates, as well as informing them of any plan adjustments. A project controls specialist maintains strict quality control processes to ensure the efficient development of the project for timely deliverables.

Controls project manager vs project controls specialist salary

Controls project managers and project controls specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Controls Project ManagerProject Controls Specialist
Average salary$114,682$85,159
Salary rangeBetween $79,000 And $165,000Between $60,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateIdahoIdaho
Best paying companyCheniere EnergyGoogle
Best paying industryConstructionProfessional

Differences between controls project manager and project controls specialist education

There are a few differences between a controls project manager and a project controls specialist in terms of educational background:

Controls Project ManagerProject Controls Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Controls project manager vs project controls specialist demographics

Here are the differences between controls project managers' and project controls specialists' demographics:

Controls Project ManagerProject Controls Specialist
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 76.7% Female, 23.3%Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.9% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between controls project manager and project controls specialist duties and responsibilities

Controls project manager example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage EVMS to assess project status & monitor schedule and costs.
  • Manage integrated product team (IPT) coordinating mechanical, electrical, and software development.
  • Perform EVM, update percent complete, managing invoices, prepare end of month reports, and perform change management procedures.
  • Design and manage creation of facility electrical systems including PLC controls.
  • Manage all procurement activities including purchasing, subcontracting, expediting, transportation, and logistics.
  • Manage implementation of specify HVAC / mechanical projects specializing in BACNET and LonWorks base control components for building automation.
  • Show more

Project controls specialist example responsibilities.

  • Lead the alliance partners, wearing the GE hat, in the development and integration of the EPC schedule.
  • Manage retrofit projects for progressive stamping equipment.
  • Review MRP report, verify the demand and place orders.
  • Certify FSO responsible for facility security and personnel DOD clearance and security maintenance through JPAS.
  • Generate forecast for first period option for project and assist in tracking accruals to produce monthly cost report.
  • Reconcile and analyze actual expenditures, perform budget transfers, monitor trend status and maintain continuity of WBS structure.
  • Show more

Controls project manager vs project controls specialist skills

Common controls project manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Project Controls, 11%
  • Construction Management, 6%
  • Risk Management, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%
  • Project Execution, 4%
Common project controls specialist skills
  • Project Controls, 12%
  • Project Management, 9%
  • Work Breakdown Structure, 6%
  • Primavera P6, 5%
  • Construction Management, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%

Browse executive management jobs