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Project superintendent vs director of construction

The differences between project superintendents and directors of construction 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 director of construction. Additionally, a director of construction has an average salary of $139,344, which is higher than the $97,517 average annual salary of a project superintendent.

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

Project superintendent vs director of construction overview

Project SuperintendentDirector Of Construction
Yearly salary$97,517$139,344
Hourly rate$46.88$66.99
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs71,44932,759
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
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 director of construction do?

A Director Of Construction is responsible for supervision of all construction-related projects. They review project progress, address issues, and adjust schedules and budgets.

Project superintendent vs director of construction salary

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

Project SuperintendentDirector Of Construction
Average salary$97,517$139,344
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $133,000Between $96,000 And $201,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyThe Weitz CompanyBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryConstructionGovernment

Differences between project superintendent and director of construction education

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

Project SuperintendentDirector Of Construction
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project superintendent vs director of construction demographics

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

Project SuperintendentDirector Of Construction
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 3.6% 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 superintendent and director of construction 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

Director of construction example responsibilities.

  • Manage overall operations for development, design, construction, leasing, facility management and marketing of properties.
  • Associate tasks include managing and producing marketing materials including RFP, RFQ, LOI and writing proposals for potential projects.
  • Coordinate with leasing and review leasing exhibits; lead architectural, MEP, structural, code, and environmental consultants.
  • Prepare IFB's, RFP's, and small purchase documentations.
  • Negotiate new HVAC maintenance contracts.
  • Major effort on rebuilding power plant and chill water distribution and HVAC.
  • Show more

Project superintendent vs director of construction skills

Common project superintendent skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Construction Management, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Construction Projects, 7%
  • Quality Standards, 7%
  • Safety Program, 6%
Common director of construction skills
  • Project Management, 14%
  • Construction Management, 11%
  • Oversight, 8%
  • Real Estate, 7%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • General Contractors, 4%

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