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What is a project controls specialist and how to become one
A project controls specialist develops, implements, and maintains cost controls on a particular project. They provide centralized planning and scheduling on many projects. They are employed in many different industries, including manufacturing and construction, and their duties vary based on the industry.
As a project controls specialist, your duties will include but are not limited to determining the project's objectives that you and your team are working on, engineering costs such as budgeting and cost management. Moreover, you will also be responsible for establishing schedules for the project, monitoring its progress, and coordinating with all the work to ensure objectives are met within budget. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related discipline along with seven or more years of work experience in project control.
The average annual salary for holding this position is $74,991, which for a traditional workweek is $31.03. The job may come with a lot of responsibilities, but it compensates well for them.
Avg. Salary $85,159
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%
Asian 2.86%
Black or African American 3.75%
Hispanic or Latino 17.72%
Unknown 4.45%
White 70.66%
Genderfemale 41.70%
male 58.30%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Project controls specialist career paths
Key steps to become a project controls specialist
Explore project controls specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific project controls specialist skills
Skills Percentages Project Controls 11.60% Project Management 9.07% Work Breakdown Structure 6.26% Primavera P6 5.38% Construction Management 4.45% Complete relevant project controls specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New project controls specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a project controls specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real project controls specialist resumes.Research project controls specialist duties and 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.
Prepare your project controls specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project controls specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a project controls specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable project controls specialist resume templates
Build a professional project controls specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your project controls specialist resume.
Apply for project controls specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a project controls specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first project controls specialist job
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Average project controls specialist salary
The average project controls specialist salary in the United States is $85,159 per year or $41 per hour. Project controls specialist salaries range between $60,000 and $119,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do project controls specialists rate their job?
Project controls specialist reviews
I have my hands on the pulse of the project or at least our portion of the project and keeping others on track when I see a constraint . But I think the thing Iike the most about the job is I'm not responsible for anything but the data I receive from others, if something doesn't get done, i can't be blamed. I just calls'em as I see'um and that's it.
There isn't much i don't like with the exception that I'm not thrilled about giving presentations or hosting meetings. I don't mind because it's part of the job in some companies, but it really isn't that bad.
Freedom, problem solving, finding solutions. As a project controls specialist, I don't have many people to answer too and several that look to me for answers. I provide the means and the materials for the projects to get done efficiently and under budget.
A small mistake or over site can be very costly in time and money. Any and all problems are life lessons to take to the next project.
Updated January 8, 2025
