Construction superintendents oversee the building of houses, offices, schools, roads, bridges, and other projects. Some of their key responsibilities include hiring, scheduling, safety, and meeting deadlines. This position requires outstanding leadership skills and robust communication and decision-making ability.
Sample job description
Without efficient construction superintendents, our projects wouldn’t be delivered successfully and on time. One of the most important roles a construction superintendent plays is overseeing and coordinating all of the activities of a construction site. Duties include monitoring projects from start to finish which involves budgeting, scheduling, preparing, and ensuring safe and secure construction sites. [Your Company Name] is hiring experienced construction superintendents to join our team. If you have experience in construction and are a strong, pro-active leader who performs well under pressure, this position at our company could be the perfect fit.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Estimate the cost of projects, including materials and labor
- Hire employees and create their work schedules
- Maintain daily logs at job sites
- Monitor progress on projects
- Meet deadlines
- Meet with property owners
- Order tools and supplies
- Prepare reports for projects
Education and experience
Construction superintendents need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer to hire people with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field such as construction management or architecture. Coursework should include classes in mathematics and statistics. Employers usually provide on-the-job training as well, and certification is available for those who want to enhance their career opportunities.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
- Solid analytical skills to collect and interpret data
- Ability to understand blueprints and contracts
- Outstanding decision-making skills
- Calm, professional demeanor
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- Excellent communication and leadership capabilities
- Ability to oversee and coordinate all of the activities of a construction site
- In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal construction regulations
- Deeply understand construction project management and budgeting best practices
- OSHA certified and knowledge of construction site safety, including the safe operating practices for construction equipment
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a construction specialist is $83,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $83,050 | $112,350 |
| Los Angeles, California | $93,700 | $126,750 |
| Denver, Colorado | $78,050 | $105,650 |
| Washington, DC | $95,100 | $128,650 |
| Miami, Florida | $77,700 | $105,150 |
| Orlando, Florida | $71,700 | $97,000 |
| Tampa, Florida | $72,400 | $97,950 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $75,950 | $102,750 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $87,300 | $118,100 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $94,400 | $127,700 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $75,250 | $101,800 |
| New York City, New York | $99,350 | $134,450 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $80,900 | $109,450 |
| Dallas, Texas | $78,800 | $106,600 |
| Houston, Texas | $78,050 | $105,650 |
| Seattle, Washington | $90,850 | $122,900 |
| National Average | $71,000 | $96,050 |
Typical work environment
Most construction superintendents have a main office but spend the majority of their time in a field office on site where they monitor projects and make decisions about construction activities. Their schedules may vary, but they typically work full-time. Some may be on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency at the construction site and some work more than 40 hours per week to meet tight deadlines. Besides working at the job site, a typical workday may consist of attending meetings and conducting presentations as well.
Typical hours
Construction superintendents often work regular hours, but they are usually at a job site and rarely in the office. They frequently log more than 40 hours a week and might need to be on-call in the evenings or on weekends to meet deadlines or in case of an emergency.
Available certifications
Although not required, acquiring certifications will help demonstrate your knowledge and experience as a construction superintendent. Check out the following:
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). The Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is the highest level of certification in the Constructor Certification Program. Attaining CPC certification demonstrates a high level of skill and knowledge in the ethical management of construction projects. Candidates are required to have over 8 years of qualifying experience and/or education and have passed or been exempted from Associate Constructor (AC) Level 1 of Constructor Certification Program.
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM). The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) recognizes professionals who have chosen a career in construction management. Certified construction managers are committed to excellence in construction management/project management, career development, and the pursuit of knowledge. They provide professional services which apply effective management techniques to the planning, design, and construction of a project from inception to completion to control time, cost, and quality. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a technical exam. Candidates must also complete a self-study course that covers topics related to construction managers including the manager’s role, legal issues, and risk allocation. Renewal is required every 3 years.
Career path
The first step to becoming a construction superintendent is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduates who go on to receive an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a construction-related discipline, will enjoy greater career flexibility. Most employers provide on-the-job training to supplement workers’ education. Some superintendents decide to pursue certification from organizations such as the Construction Management Association of America and the American Institute of Constructors, although this is not required.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-9021
| 2020 Employment | 448,000 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 499,400 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 11% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 51,400 increase |
Position trends
Population growth means that construction-related jobs, and superintendents, in particular, will continue to be in demand. Maintenance, improvements, and construction of roads and bridges also will create more job opportunities. The emphasis on environmentally friendly development and energy efficiency should give the industry a boost as well.
Job prospects in the construction industry tend to ebb and flow with the economy. The Construction Management Association of America offers career coaching, a learning center, and job listings for candidates.
Sample interview questions
- What motivates you at work?
- What qualities does a good construction superintendent have?
- What are your most important responsibilities as a construction superintendent?
- Do you feel you have the right skills to communicate well with suppliers?
- What was your most challenging construction project as a construction superintendent? What lessons did you learn from that project?
- How do you ensure organization on project sites?
- How do you resolve conflicts between workers to ensure efficient collaboration and timely delivery of projects?
- How do you educate on-site personnel regarding safety procedures and how do you ensure their safety?
- What is the most challenging part of budgeting for you?
- In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team?
- How did you manage daily field reports for the construction projects of previous employers?
- How do you keep workers motivated to perform accurately with changing requests, obstacles, time constraints, and budget limitations?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What was the most complex construction project you’ve been involved with?
