There is immense growth potential for professionals in commercial construction. It’s an exciting industry to work in for its variety of projects and positions. Employees can advance to earn over 6 figures in construction. With the right amount of effort and perseverance, a generous salary can be achieved. Construction superintendent salaries vary depending on the geographic location and other factors. Below is a closer look at construction superintendent salary ranges and how firms can remain competitive.
Superintendents need a diverse range of skills to succeed, including some of the following:
- Leadership
- Time Management
- Operational management
- Math, budgeting, and estimating
- Efficiency and productivity
- Collaboration and team work
Some responsibilities include:
- General management – Managing people and processes to complete projects on time and on budget.
- Organizational and operational control – Superintendents control the operation of the construction site.
- Delegating responsibility – Task assignment is essential to the success of construction projects.
- Maintaining order and safety – Safety rules and guidelines have to be top of mind for superintendents.
While salary is not the only reason someone accepts a construction job, it remains a major contributing factor. As construction professionals map out their career path, they often have a desired salary in mind. To achieve a desired salary, many candidates are willing to relocate. To remain competitive construction firms must consider how to make relocation more attractive. It’s also critical to be informed about salaries across the country and the salary that candidates are looking to achieve.
Construction Superintendent Salary Ranges
(Superintendent III)
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $121.92 | $169.11 | $144.23 | $142.38 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $116.47 | $163.55 | $140.53 | $139.29 |
| Northeast | $131.89 | $171.06 | $152.45 | $155.02 |
| Northwest | $129.73 | $161.50 | $148.75 | $149.37 |
| Southeast | $120.79 | $158.41 | $141.76 | $140.22 |
| Southwest | $121.61 | $158.21 | $145.36 | $144.23 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
**Percentile multiplied by $1000 reflects annual salary
Superintendent III is typically responsible for projects in the range of $50 to $250 million. Most have between 10 to 15 years’ combined experience working their way up the ranks as a Junior Assistant. The job description is similar to that of a Superintendent II, but with a larger budget and staffing levels that require superior time management skills, leadership effectiveness, delegation, and attention to detail.
Construction Superintendent Salary Ranges
(Superintendent IV/General Superintendent)
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $146.18 | $175.99 | $160.47 | $160.68 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $147.11 | $188.23 | $167.77 | $168.80 |
| Northeast | $142.69 | $218.55 | $184.42 | $188.64 |
| Northwest | $139.91 | $201.59 | $182.37 | $187.71 |
| Southeast | $139.50 | $199.95 | $168.80 | $170.55 |
| Southwest | $140.42 | $197.07 | $166.64 | $168.49 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
**Percentile multiplied by $1000 reflects annual salary
Superintendent IV is typically responsible for projects in excess of $250 million. Most have 20+ years’ combined experience working their way up the ranks as a Junior and Mid-Level Superintendent. Job description is similar to Superintendent II and III, and with a larger budget and staffing levels; creating the need for superior time management skills, leadership effectiveness, delegation, and attention to detail. Projects are often far more complex, and the Superintendent IV often has additional executive responsibilities.
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This is an exciting time in the world of construction. With this rapid turnaround over the past few years, many construction general contractors are being forced to reevaluate their construction salaries to stay competitive. We have compiled data from 4600+ individual construction management interviews performed by our staff.
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