How much does a Project Controls Specialist make?
Project Controls Specialists manage the financial and scheduling aspects of a project. Their work is key to keeping projects on time and within budget. This role often requires several years of experience in construction or engineering. The pay for this job can be quite good. On average, a Project Controls Specialist makes about $107,968 a year.
The salary can change based on many factors. These include experience, location, and the industry. Entry-level specialists might earn around $47,366. Those with more experience can earn over $187,578. It is common for salaries to grow as professionals gain more experience and take on bigger projects. Having specialized skills or certifications can also help boost earnings. Being in a major city or an area with high construction activity often means higher pay. Understanding these factors can help job seekers target roles that fit their career goals and financial needs.
What are the highest paying cities for a Project Controls Specialist?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $133,125
In Los Angeles, professionals manage projects for major firms such as AECOM and Bechtel. They track budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects stay on time and within budget. Opportunities thrive in the construction and aerospace sectors.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $121,845
Working in San Francisco, specialists support tech giants like Oracle and Salesforce. They ensure projects are completed on schedule and budget. The tech-driven environment offers dynamic project landscapes.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $115,925
In Washington, DC, experts focus on government contracts with companies like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. They play a key role in managing federal project timelines and expenditures. The political landscape adds to the challenge and variety of projects.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $115,727
In Charlotte, professionals work for banks and financial institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. They manage project budgets and timelines in the finance sector, ensuring projects are cost-effective and efficient.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $114,867
Albuquerque offers a unique environment for specialists, with a focus on energy projects. Companies like PNM Resources and Los Alamos National Laboratory seek their expertise. They manage projects related to energy efficiency and infrastructure.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $112,967
In Houston, specialists find plenty of opportunities in the energy sector with companies like ExxonMobil and Schlumberger. They manage large-scale projects, ensuring smooth progress and adherence to financial plans.
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Amarillo, TX
Average Salary: $112,008
Amarillo offers a mix of opportunities in oil and gas with companies like ConocoPhillips and Chevron. Professionals here manage project schedules and budgets, focusing on operational efficiency.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $111,549
In Detroit, experts work with automotive leaders like Ford and General Motors. They manage projects that require precision in budget and timing, crucial for maintaining industry standards.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $107,561
Baltimore offers a mix of opportunities in healthcare and defense with organizations like Johns Hopkins and Northrop Grumman. Specialists here ensure projects stay on track and within budget, often dealing with complex logistical challenges.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $107,236
In Raleigh, professionals support tech and research firms like IBM and SAS Institute. They manage budgets and timelines for innovative projects, helping companies stay ahead in the tech space.
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What are the best companies a Project Controls Specialist can work for?

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Omega Technical Services
Average Salary: $191,711
Omega Technical Services offers top-tier positions for Project Controls Specialists across the United States. They focus on energy, infrastructure, and construction projects. This role often involves managing budgets and timelines for large-scale projects.
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TYLin
Average Salary: $133,491
TYLin provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in various locations, including Florida, California, and Washington, D.C. They specialize in transportation, infrastructure, and environmental projects. This role involves ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
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Fluor Corporation
Average Salary: $128,674
Fluor Corporation has Project Controls Specialist opportunities in multiple countries, such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia. They focus on engineering, procurement, and construction. This role requires managing complex projects with tight deadlines.
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KBR, Inc.
Average Salary: $126,927
KBR, Inc. offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. They work on energy, government services, and industrial projects. This position involves monitoring project progress and ensuring all milestones are met.
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Granite Construction
Average Salary: $118,876
Granite Construction provides opportunities for Project Controls Specialists in various locations in the United States. They work on infrastructure, transportation, and energy projects. This role requires strong analytical skills to manage project budgets and schedules.
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Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $115,935
Burns & McDonnell has Project Controls Specialist positions across the United States. They focus on engineering and construction projects. This role involves coordinating project schedules and managing costs to ensure projects are delivered on time.
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HNTB
Average Salary: $105,816
HNTB offers Project Controls Specialist jobs in many U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. They specialize in architecture, engineering, and construction. This position requires strong organizational skills to manage project timelines.
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Trans Ash, Inc.
Average Salary: $104,545
Trans Ash, Inc. provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in California. They work on waste management and environmental projects. This role involves ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, with a focus on sustainability.
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Amtrak
Average Salary: $103,824
Amtrak offers Project Controls Specialist jobs across the United States. They focus on transportation infrastructure. This position involves managing project timelines and budgets to ensure smooth operations of rail services.
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STV
Average Salary: $98,610
STV provides Project Controls Specialist jobs in various U.S. cities, including Denver and Houston. They work on infrastructure and environmental projects. This role requires careful monitoring of project budgets and schedules to ensure successful project delivery.
How to earn more as a Project Controls Specialist?
A Project Controls Specialist plays a key role in the success of a project. To earn more in this field, one should focus on enhancing specific skills and experiences. This position requires managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Specializing in these areas can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Here are some steps to increase earnings as a Project Controls Specialist:
- Gain Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or CPM (Certified Project Manager). These credentials can make a candidate more valuable to employers.
- Expand Industry Experience: Working in different industries gives a broad skill set. This versatility can lead to higher-paying roles and promotions.
- Learn Advanced Software: Proficiency in software like Primavera P6 or MS Project is crucial. Mastering these tools can improve efficiency and open up better job opportunities.
- Develop Strong Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze data and make informed decisions can set a specialist apart. This skill is highly valued and often leads to higher pay.
- Network with Professionals: Building a professional network can lead to job leads and salary negotiations. Connecting with others in the field can provide insights into higher-paying roles.



