In commercial construction there is a huge amount of growth potential for professionals who are productive and diligent. The construction industry is an exciting place to work for its variety of projects and possibility to succeed. Professionals can advance to earn over 6 figures. If they put in the time and effort, construction professionals can achieve a generous salary. Positions as Superintendent III and IV require certain skills and experience, and their salaries vary depending on the geographic location. Below is a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to salary variability for Superintendents and how firms can remain competitive.
First let’s go over some of the skills needed for these positions. Superintendents work on site and require a certain range of skills including:
- Leadership
- Operational management
- Time Management
- Mathematics, budgeting, and estimating
- Collaboration and team work
- Efficiency and productivity
Some responsibilities include:
- General management – Managing people and processes to ensure that the project is flawlessly completed on-time.
- Organizational and operational control – They control the overall operation of the construction site.
- Delegate responsibility – Performance management and task assignment are essential to the success of any project.
- Maintaining order and safety – Safety rules and guidelines have to be top of mind.
While salary is not the only determining factor in applying for or accepting construction jobs, 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. Relocation is more common now than ever. To remain competitive construction firms must consider how to make relocation more attractive. It’s also critical to be up-to-date on salaries across the country and the salary that candidates are looking for.
Superintendent III
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $118.6 | $164.5 | $140.3 | $138.5 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $113.3 | $159.1 | $136.7 | $135.5 |
| Northeast | $128.3 | $166.4 | $148.3 | $150.8 |
| Northwest | $126.2 | $157.1 | $144.7 | $145.3 |
| Southeast | $117.5 | $154.1 | $137.9 | $136.4 |
| Southwest | $118.3 | $153.9 | $141.4 | $140.3 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
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.
Superintendent IV/General Superintendent
| Region | 20th Percentile | 80th Percentile | Mean | Median |
| Midwest | $142.2 | $171.2 | $156.1 | $156.3 |
| Mid-Atlantic | $143.1 | $183.1 | $163.2 | $164.2 |
| Northeast | $138.8 | $212.6 | $179.4 | $183.5 |
| Northwest | $136.1 | $196.1 | $177.4 | $182.6 |
| Southeast | $135.7 | $194.5 | $164.2 | $165.9 |
| Southwest | $136.6 | $191.7 | $162.1 | $163.9 |
*salaries do not reflect bonuses
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.
The construction salary data generated above is compiled from multiple industry and salary sources, coupled with real-time data compiled by The Birmingham Group. As one of the leading recruiters in the nation, construction executive search firm, The Birmingham Group, interviews over 300 construction professionals each week.
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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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