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The differences between project controls specialists and construction managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a project controls specialist and a construction manager. Additionally, a project controls specialist has an average salary of $85,159, which is higher than the $81,313 average annual salary of a construction manager.
The top three skills for a project controls specialist include project controls, project management and work breakdown structure. The most important skills for a construction manager are project management, construction management, and construction projects.
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $85,159 | $81,313 |
| Hourly rate | $40.94 | $39.09 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 21,484 | 44,431 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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.
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.
Project controls specialists and construction managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Manager | |
| Average salary | $85,159 | $81,313 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $119,000 | Between $54,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a project controls specialist and a construction manager in terms of educational background:
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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 project controls specialists' and construction managers' demographics:
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Manager | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |