superintendent vs. General Contractor: What Are the Differences?

A superintendent is a construction professional who manages and oversees construction projects. A general contractor is a construction professional who is responsible for the overall coordination of a construction project. Both of these positions are important in the construction industry, but they have different roles and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of superintendent and general contractor, and we provide information on what you need to know to pursue each career.

What is a Superintendent?

A superintendent is a manager who oversees construction projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget and up to code. Superintendents work with the project manager, architects and engineers to develop a construction schedule and budget. They also coordinate the activities of subcontractors and construction workers. Superintendents must have strong communication and organizational skills to be successful. They also need to be able to problem-solve and make quick decisions in order to keep the construction project on track.

What is a General Contractor?

A General Contractor is a professional who is responsible for the overall coordination of a construction project. They are in charge of hiring and managing subcontractors, ordering materials, and making sure that the construction project stays on schedule and within budget. General Contractors typically have a background in construction and a network of reliable subcontractors that they work with on a regular basis. They may also be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for the construction project.

Superintendent vs. General Contractor

Here are the main differences between a superintendent and a general contractor.

Job Duties

Superintendents perform a variety of tasks to ensure the construction process runs smoothly. They’re in charge of scheduling, so they develop timelines and assign crew members to specific jobs. Superintendents also monitor progress and communicate with clients to address concerns.

General contractors are responsible for the overall management of a project, but they delegate many of the day-to-day responsibilities to their team. For example, they may hire subcontractors to complete certain parts of the project and provide direction to crews working on the site. General contractors also manage budgets and communicate with clients.

Job Requirements

Superintendents typically need a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many superintendents pursue certifications through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the Project Management Institute (PMI). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use project management software and other tools they might need on the job.

General contractors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed an apprenticeship program or have some experience in the construction industry. Many general contractors also pursue certifications through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use construction software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Superintendents work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of project they’re working on. For example, if they’re overseeing construction at an office building, they may spend most of their time in offices and meeting rooms. However, if they’re overseeing construction for a residential home, they may spend more time with the crew members to ensure that they’re completing tasks correctly.

General contractors typically work outdoors, so they often travel from job site to job site. They also have to be prepared for outdoor weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat.

Skills

Both superintendents and general contractors use a variety of skills to perform their jobs. Both need to be able to read and interpret blueprints, as well as have strong math skills to calculate budgets and project timelines. They also both need to have excellent communication skills to interact with clients, vendors and employees.

Superintendents typically benefit from having strong organizational skills, as they are responsible for managing multiple crews and ensuring that each task is completed on time and within budget. They also need to have problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise during construction. General contractors may also benefit from having strong organizational skills, but they typically need to be more adept at multitasking, as they often oversee multiple projects at one time. In addition, general contractors need to be skilled at marketing and business development, as they are responsible for acquiring new clients and projects.

Salary

The average salary for a superintendent is $75,594 per year, while the average salary for a general contractor is $69,149 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company you work for, the location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.