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The differences between project controls specialists and construction superintendents 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 superintendent. Additionally, a construction superintendent has an average salary of $87,486, which is higher than the $85,159 average annual salary of a project controls specialist.
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 superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Superintendent | |
| Yearly salary | $85,159 | $87,486 |
| Hourly rate | $40.94 | $42.06 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 21,484 | 34,822 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| 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 superintendent's role is to oversee all construction plans and operations, ensuring quality completion within a specified timeframe. Some of their responsibilities are to inspect all sites, coordinate with contractors and engineers, manage the budget and expenditure, purchase necessary materials and equipment, and make schedules. Aside from producing daily progress reports, a construction superintendent also addresses issues and concerns should there be any. Furthermore, they must implement all safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Project controls specialists and construction superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Superintendent | |
| Average salary | $85,159 | $87,486 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $119,000 | Between $61,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a project controls specialist and a construction superintendent in terms of educational background:
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Superintendent | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| 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 superintendents' demographics:
| Project Controls Specialist | Construction Superintendent | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| 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, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |