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Project superintendent vs construction superintendent

The differences between project superintendents 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 superintendent and a construction superintendent. Additionally, a project superintendent has an average salary of $97,517, which is higher than the $87,486 average annual salary of a construction superintendent.

The top three skills for a project superintendent include OSHA, construction management and general contractors. The most important skills for a construction superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.

Project superintendent vs construction superintendent overview

Project SuperintendentConstruction Superintendent
Yearly salary$97,517$87,486
Hourly rate$46.88$42.06
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs71,44934,822
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a project superintendent do?

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.

What does a construction superintendent do?

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 superintendent vs construction superintendent salary

Project superintendents and construction superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Project SuperintendentConstruction Superintendent
Average salary$97,517$87,486
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $133,000Between $61,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyThe Weitz CompanyColdwell Banker Morris Real Estate
Best paying industryConstructionEnergy

Differences between project superintendent and construction superintendent education

There are a few differences between a project superintendent and a construction superintendent in terms of educational background:

Project SuperintendentConstruction Superintendent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project superintendent vs construction superintendent demographics

Here are the differences between project superintendents' and construction superintendents' demographics:

Project SuperintendentConstruction Superintendent
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between project superintendent and construction superintendent duties and responsibilities

Project superintendent example responsibilities.

  • Manage design build, MEP, metal frame, dry wall, paint, high end cabinetry, turn- key project.
  • Initiate and manage RFI's between owner/engineer/architects.
  • Manage third party contractors including safety oversight, environmental design specification compliance, and similar construction specifications and requirements.
  • Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
  • Develop and establish project safety guidelines adhering to OSHA standards and daily procedures.
  • Design products in AutoCAD base on field measurements for CNC machines.
  • Show more

Construction superintendent example responsibilities.

  • Manage crew on apartment, condo and town-home remodel and restoration projects.
  • Manage the MEP coordination meetings, as well as performing mechanical superintendent duties.
  • Manage the supervising of construction and installation of HVAC restoration in historical government hospital buildings.
  • Manage complex logistics, including procuring materials and navigating space constraints, to successfully complete project amid concurrent construction of building.
  • Communicate with EOR/Architect/Construction PM/Superintendent/fab shop on all shop drawings as needed to resolve RFI's and change orders.
  • Avoid disputes & claims through comprehensive proposals, email correspondence, RFI's, & daily reporting.
  • Show more

Project superintendent vs construction superintendent skills

Common project superintendent skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Construction Management, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Construction Projects, 7%
  • Quality Standards, 7%
  • Safety Program, 6%
Common construction superintendent skills
  • OSHA, 13%
  • Construction Management, 8%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
  • Safety Program, 5%
  • Quality Standards, 5%

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