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Site/project manager vs construction superintendent

The differences between site/project managers 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 site/project manager and a construction superintendent. Additionally, a construction superintendent has an average salary of $87,486, which is higher than the $85,701 average annual salary of a site/project manager.

The top three skills for a site/project manager include project management, infrastructure and oversight. The most important skills for a construction superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.

Site/project manager vs construction superintendent overview

Site/Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Yearly salary$85,701$87,486
Hourly rate$41.20$42.06
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs120,28234,822
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a site/project manager do?

Site/project managers are professionals who are responsible for managing construction projects and ensuring that these projects are completed on time and within budget. These managers must make sure that the projects are following the specifications and requirements of their clients while liaising with quantity surveyors to monitor costs. They must supervise construction as well as select tools and materials to be used in completing construction projects. Site/project managers must also conduct safety inspections to ensure that construction sites are following health and safety protocols.

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.

Site/project manager vs construction superintendent salary

Site/project managers and construction superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Site/Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Average salary$85,701$87,486
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $119,000Between $61,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CityNewark, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyMetaColdwell Banker Morris Real Estate
Best paying industryFinanceEnergy

Differences between site/project manager and construction superintendent education

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

Site/Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Site/project manager vs construction superintendent demographics

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

Site/Project ManagerConstruction Superintendent
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 83.4% Female, 16.6%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.5% 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 site/project manager and construction superintendent duties and responsibilities

Site/project manager example responsibilities.

  • Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
  • Verify compliance with plans (prints), specifications, and all OSHA requirements.
  • Execute many hands-on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and site preparation aspects of projects.
  • Communicate and/or partner with other engineering disciplines (electrical, HVAC, structural and mechanical) to complete design or installation.
  • Develop and introduce a comprehensive safety program per OSHA standards.
  • Direct oversight of construction, commissioning, turnover and transition to operation of each facility.
  • 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

Site/project manager vs construction superintendent skills

Common site/project manager skills
  • Project Management, 22%
  • Infrastructure, 10%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • General Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
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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