Job Description
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.
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 Background
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.
Skills and Competencies
- 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
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Construction Superintendent with
1 year of experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $81,000
- Tampa, Florida: $71,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $78,000
- Miami, Florida: $77,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $68,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $80,000
- Houston, Texas: $83,000
- Los Angeles, California: $88,000
- New York, New York: $80,000
- Seattle, Washington: $83,000
- Overall: $79,000
5 years of experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $98,000
- Tampa, Florida: $100,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $94,000
- Miami, Florida: $95,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $93,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $108,000
- Houston, Texas: $93,000
- Los Angeles, California: $98,000
- New York, New York: $111,000
- Seattle, Washington: $100,000
- Overall: $99,000
Similar Job Titles
- Foreman
- Architect
- Estimator
- Assistant Superintendent
- Construction Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Project Manager
- Civil Engineer
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.
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.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Construction Superintendents and Managers is expected to grow by 10 percent over the next several years, which is faster than average. High school graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree and certification will improve their career prospects.
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.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- Construction Management Association of America
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