How much does a Project Controls Specialist make?
Becoming a Project Controls Specialist can lead to a rewarding career with a competitive salary. On average, these specialists earn around $103,659 per year. This figure varies based on experience, skills, and location. With more years in the field, professionals often see their earnings rise.
The salary for Project Controls Specialists can range from $49,950 for those just starting to $192,500 for top earners. Here are the earnings broken down by experience levels:
- Entry level: $49,950
- Early career: $62,909
- Mid-career: $75,868
- Experienced: $88,827
- Late career: $101,786
- Senior level: $114,745
- Highly experienced: $127,705
- Expert level: $140,664
- Top earners: $153,623
- Very high earners: $166,582
- Top tier earners: $179,541
- Maximum earners: $192,500
What are the highest paying cities for a Project Controls Specialist?

-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $124,757
In Los Angeles, this role involves working with major entertainment companies and tech giants. Professionals manage large-scale projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Companies like Disney and Sony offer great opportunities.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $116,399
Charlotte's growing tech sector provides a dynamic environment for those in this field. Companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy offer diverse projects. Specialists work to improve operational efficiency and project outcomes.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $113,191
Seattle’s tech-driven economy offers a bustling scene for specialists. Working with Amazon and Microsoft, professionals focus on managing budgets and timelines. The city's innovative culture enhances project success.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Amarillo, TX
Average Salary: $110,493
Amarillo’s energy industry is a key player for this role. Specialists work on projects for companies like Plains All American. They ensure projects meet financial and regulatory standards, contributing to the city’s energy sector growth.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Amarillo, TX
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $110,427
San Francisco’s tech hub provides an exciting landscape for specialists. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic projects. Professionals manage complex schedules and budgets, driving innovation.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $104,874
In Washington, D.C., this role often involves government and defense contracts. Working with firms like Lockheed Martin, specialists ensure projects meet strict timelines and budgets. The city’s political environment adds unique challenges.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Washington, DC
-
Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $103,436
Philadelphia offers a mix of industries for specialists. Working with companies like Comcast and PECO, professionals focus on optimizing project performance. The city’s rich history and diverse projects provide varied experiences.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Philadelphia, PA
-
Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $102,740
Salt Lake City’s growing tech scene and outdoor industry present unique opportunities. Specialists work with companies like Zions Bank and Ski Utah. They manage projects that balance innovation with environmental considerations.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Salt Lake City, UT
-
Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $101,885
Tampa’s diverse economy offers a range of projects. Specialists work with companies like TECO Energy and Busch Gardens. They focus on ensuring projects meet financial goals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Tampa, FL
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $101,698
San Diego’s biotech and tech industries offer exciting opportunities. Working with firms like Qualcomm and Scripps Health, specialists manage budgets and timelines. The city’s innovative environment supports project success.
Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA
What are the best companies a Project Controls Specialist can work for?

-
WSP
Average Salary: $131,452
WSP offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. These roles focus on ensuring projects stay on time and within budget. The company provides a positive work environment and career growth opportunities.
-
Fluor Corp.
Average Salary: $130,222
Fluor Corp. provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in Houston, Dallas, and San Francisco. These roles involve managing project schedules and budgets. The company emphasizes teamwork and innovation.
-
TYlin
Average Salary: $122,292
TYlin offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in Denver, Austin, and Charlotte. These roles focus on project planning and risk management. The company values employee development and a strong work ethic.
-
Marathon Petroleum
Average Salary: $121,669
Marathon Petroleum provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. These roles involve overseeing project timelines and costs. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
-
Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $119,018
Burns & McDonnell offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco. These roles focus on project coordination and budget management. The company has a solid reputation for quality and integrity.
-
Stantec
Average Salary: $106,661
Stantec provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. These roles involve managing project resources and timelines. The company supports professional growth and development.
-
Amtrak
Average Salary: $104,704
Amtrak offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York. These roles focus on project planning and execution. The company offers a stable work environment and benefits.
-
Parsons
Average Salary: $98,132
Parsons provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. These roles involve managing project schedules and budgets. The company values teamwork and innovation.
-
Xcel Energy
Average Salary: $90,147
Xcel Energy offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in Minneapolis, Denver, and San Francisco. These roles focus on ensuring projects stay on time and within budget. The company offers competitive pay and benefits.
-
Kleinfelder
Average Salary: $82,319
Kleinfelder provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in Houston, Dallas, and San Diego. These roles involve managing project resources and timelines. The company emphasizes professional development and a positive work culture.
How to earn more as a Project Controls Specialist?
Project Controls Specialists can improve their earnings through several key strategies. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends play a vital role. Specializing in high-demand areas such as construction or engineering will help attract better job offers. Building a strong professional network will open doors to new opportunities. Maintaining a robust professional portfolio showcases experience and skills, making a candidate more attractive to employers. Lastly, seeking out leadership roles within projects will likely increase earning potential.
Specialization can significantly enhance earning potential. By focusing on areas like construction or engineering, Project Controls Specialists will be in high demand. This specialization leads to more job opportunities and higher salaries. Certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Construction Professional (CCP) can also increase earning potential. These certifications validate skills and knowledge, making a candidate more valuable to potential employers.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends.
- Specialization: Focus on high-demand areas like construction or engineering.
- Networking: Build a strong professional network.
- Portfolio: Maintain a robust professional portfolio.
- Leadership: Seek out leadership roles within projects.



