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Site supervisor vs construction superintendent

The differences between site supervisors and construction superintendents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a site supervisor, becoming a construction superintendent takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a construction superintendent has an average salary of $87,486, which is higher than the $48,250 average annual salary of a site supervisor.

The top three skills for a site supervisor include customer service, safety procedures and incident reports. The most important skills for a construction superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.

Site supervisor vs construction superintendent overview

Site SupervisorConstruction Superintendent
Yearly salary$48,250$87,486
Hourly rate$23.20$42.06
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs20,02534,822
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4646
Years of experience-8

What does a site supervisor do?

A site supervisor oversees the work operations in a construction site, ensuring the efficiency of workflow and safety of the workforce. The tasks of a site supervisor primarily revolve around conducting inspections and assessing risks, managing and evaluating workers, and coordinating with site foreman and suppliers. They also work on producing reports and making sure that all processes adhere to the safety guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, it is also the task of the supervisor to ensure that the progress is completed within the budget and set timeline.

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 supervisor vs construction superintendent salary

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

Site SupervisorConstruction Superintendent
Average salary$48,250$87,486
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $70,000Between $61,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyHawaii
Best paying company-Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between site supervisor and construction superintendent education

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

Site SupervisorConstruction Superintendent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Site supervisor vs construction superintendent demographics

Here are the differences between site supervisors' and construction superintendents' demographics:

Site SupervisorConstruction Superintendent
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 64.1% Female, 35.9%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.3% Asian, 1.5% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage2%4%

Differences between site supervisor and construction superintendent duties and responsibilities

Site supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Supervise subcontractors and conduct onsite inspections to ensure exceptional project outcomes achieve on-time and within budget.
  • Perform mechanical tasks such as framing, drywall, HVAC, and finish carpentry.
  • Coordinate carpentry work, HVAC installs, electrical work, plumbing and other trades.
  • chain see use and experience in different roping techniques, drive and use log truck, bobcat mini skidder
  • Approve and process staff payroll and other miscellaneous financial transactions.
  • Maintain reports and ensures accuracy of necessary documentation including time management, scheduling and payroll
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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.
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Site supervisor vs construction superintendent skills

Common site supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Incident Reports, 8%
  • HR, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Site Supervision, 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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