Project scheduler vs project controls specialist

The differences between project schedulers and project controls specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a project scheduler, becoming a project controls specialist takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a project scheduler has an average salary of $85,491, which is higher than the $85,159 average annual salary of a project controls specialist.

The top three skills for a project scheduler include project management, primavera p6 and project controls. The most important skills for a project controls specialist are project controls, project management, and work breakdown structure.

Project scheduler vs project controls specialist overview

	Project Scheduler	Project Controls Specialist
Yearly salary	$85,491	$85,159
Hourly rate	$41.10	$40.94
Growth rate	-3%	8%
Number of jobs	17,065	21,484
Job satisfaction	5	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	45	46
Years of experience	2	8

What does a project scheduler do?

A project scheduler is responsible for organizing and managing project schedules, including meetings, appointments, and other related activities involved in the operational production. Project schedulers coordinate with clients and business partners to inform them of the schedule, respond to their inquiries and concerns, and take note of their availability, especially on cancellations and reschedules. They also perform administrative and clerical tasks as needed, such as writing meeting reports, updating clients' information on the database, operating the scheduling management system software, and evaluating progress reports and project deadlines.

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.

Project scheduler vs project controls specialist salary

Project schedulers and project controls specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Project Scheduler	Project Controls Specialist
Average salary	$85,491	$85,159
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $118,000	Between $60,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Idaho
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Google
Best paying industry	Professional	Professional

Differences between project scheduler and project controls specialist education

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

	Project Scheduler	Project Controls Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project scheduler vs project controls specialist demographics

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

	Project Scheduler	Project Controls Specialist
Average age	45	46
Gender ratio	Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2%	Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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%
LGBT Percentage	11%	4%

Differences between project scheduler and project controls specialist duties and responsibilities

Project scheduler example responsibilities.

Manage WIP at outside vendors to ensure the timely completion of orders and desire priorities are achieve.
Manage multiple fee pools (CPFF, CPAF, and CPIF).
Deliver assets and manage QA segment for creative team
Make purchase requisitions in MAXIMO program, inventory, accounts payable and manage budget.
Manage daily ERP requirements for work order release to the manufacturing floor to ensure on-time delivery.
Manage logistics activities with suppliers and carry out plans to gather, box and ship material for overseas projects.

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.

Project scheduler vs project controls specialist skills

Common project scheduler skills

Project Management, 10%
Primavera P6, 8%
Project Controls, 6%
Microsoft Project, 5%
Work Breakdown Structure, 4%
Scheduling Software, 4%

Common project controls specialist skills

Project Controls, 12%
Project Management, 9%
Work Breakdown Structure, 6%
Primavera P6, 5%
Construction Management, 4%
Cost Control, 4%

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Project Scheduler vs Project Controls Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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