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The differences between project controls specialists and project 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 project superintendent. Additionally, a project superintendent has an average salary of $97,517, 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 project superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and general contractors.
| Project Controls Specialist | Project Superintendent | |
| Yearly salary | $85,159 | $97,517 |
| Hourly rate | $40.94 | $46.88 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 21,484 | 71,449 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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.
The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment. A construction superintendent also earns construction permits, resolving on-site emergencies and issues, and supervising staff. This position requires several skills, including a degree in construction management or a similar field, relevant experience, and in-depth knowledge of construction processes and operations.
Project controls specialists and project superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Project Controls Specialist | Project Superintendent | |
| Average salary | $85,159 | $97,517 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $119,000 | Between $71,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | The Weitz Company | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between a project controls specialist and a project superintendent in terms of educational background:
| Project Controls Specialist | Project Superintendent | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 project superintendents' demographics:
| Project Controls Specialist | Project Superintendent | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |