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Project controls specialist vs construction manager

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 vs construction manager overview

Project Controls SpecialistConstruction Manager
Yearly salary$85,159$81,313
Hourly rate$40.94$39.09
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs21,48444,431
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

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.

What does a construction manager do?

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 specialist vs construction manager salary

Project controls specialists and construction managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Project Controls SpecialistConstruction Manager
Average salary$85,159$81,313
Salary rangeBetween $60,000 And $119,000Between $54,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateIdahoHawaii
Best paying companyGoogleMeta
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

Differences between project controls specialist and construction manager education

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

Project Controls SpecialistConstruction Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project controls specialist vs construction manager demographics

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

Project Controls SpecialistConstruction Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 58.3% Female, 41.7%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between project controls specialist and construction manager duties and responsibilities

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

Construction manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage three geotechnical engineers, a general contractor , 45 sub-contractors, and consultants.
  • Manage all contractor-relate tasks from RFI submissions through payment administration.
  • Manage and coordinate architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers and subcontractors technical departments.
  • Manage complete design and construction coordination of company's retail properties throughout the Washington/Baltimore area market.
  • Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
  • Implement and maintain construction safety regulations according to OSHA requirements, and ensure environmental protection regulatory compliance with engineering standards.
  • Show more

Project controls specialist vs construction manager skills

Common project controls specialist skills
  • Project Controls, 12%
  • Project Management, 9%
  • Work Breakdown Structure, 6%
  • Primavera P6, 5%
  • Construction Management, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%
Common construction manager skills
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Construction Management, 12%
  • Construction Projects, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%

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