How much does a Project Controls Specialist make?
A Project Controls Specialist plays a key role in managing the financial aspects of projects. This role involves tracking costs, schedules, and budgets. The average yearly salary for a Project Controls Specialist is around $102,371. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
The salary range for this position can be quite broad. At the lower end, some specialists earn around $52,110 per year. As experience grows, salaries can reach up to $181,800 annually. Many factors influence these numbers, including the size of the company and the complexity of the projects.
What are the highest paying cities for a Project Controls Specialist?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $117,801
In Los Angeles, professionals in project management enjoy a dynamic environment. Companies like AECOM and Bechtel offer many opportunities. The city's diverse industries provide a rich field for project controls.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $108,719
Charlotte boasts a strong job market for project management experts. Firms such as Duke Energy and Bank of America create many openings. The city's growing economy supports a steady demand for skilled project controls.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $107,389
Seattle's tech-driven economy offers exciting opportunities for project controls specialists. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft are always on the lookout for skilled professionals. The city's innovative spirit makes it a great place to work.
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Amarillo, TX
Average Salary: $105,645
Amarillo provides a stable environment for project management careers. Companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips offer many job opportunities. The city's focus on energy and manufacturing creates a steady demand for project controls.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $105,219
San Francisco's tech industry offers many opportunities for project controls specialists. Companies like Google and Salesforce are always hiring. The city's innovative culture makes it an exciting place to work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $104,994
San Diego's diverse economy offers many opportunities for project management experts. Companies like Qualcomm and General Dynamics create many job openings. The city's strong defense and tech sectors support a steady demand for skilled project controls.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $103,476
Washington, DC, offers a unique job market for project controls specialists. Government agencies and firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman provide many opportunities. The city's political and tech sectors create a steady demand for skilled professionals.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $102,611
Salt Lake City offers a growing job market for project management experts. Companies like Zions Bank and Vivint Solar provide many job opportunities. The city's focus on tech and finance creates a steady demand for skilled project controls.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $102,244
Philadelphia's diverse economy offers many opportunities for project controls specialists. Companies like Comcast and PECO Energy create many job openings. The city's strong healthcare and tech sectors support a steady demand for skilled professionals.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $101,704
Sacramento offers a stable job market for project management experts. Companies like Blue Shield of California and the State of California provide many opportunities. The city's focus on government and healthcare creates a steady demand for skilled project controls.
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What are the best companies a Project Controls Specialist can work for?

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Fluor Corp.
Average Salary: $131,719
Fluor Corp. offers Project Controls Specialist jobs with a focus on managing project schedules, costs, and resources. They operate globally, with major projects in the United States, Middle East, and Asia.
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TYlin
Average Salary: $119,250
TYlin provides Project Controls Specialist roles that emphasize project management and engineering. They work on various projects across the United States, including infrastructure and commercial developments.
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Marathon Petroleum
Average Salary: $116,940
Marathon Petroleum offers Project Controls Specialist positions that focus on refining and logistics projects. They operate primarily in the United States, with a strong presence in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions.
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Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $107,382
Burns & McDonnell provides Project Controls Specialist jobs that involve managing engineering projects. They work on projects across the United States, including transportation, energy, and healthcare facilities.
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Amtrak
Average Salary: $106,218
Amtrak offers Project Controls Specialist roles that focus on rail infrastructure projects. They operate nationwide, with major projects in the Northeast and California.
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Stantec
Average Salary: $105,037
Stantec provides Project Controls Specialist jobs that involve managing infrastructure projects. They work on projects across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $104,932
HNTB Corporation offers Project Controls Specialist roles that focus on transportation and infrastructure projects. They operate across the United States, with a strong presence in the Midwest and West Coast.
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Parsons
Average Salary: $100,807
Parsons provides Project Controls Specialist jobs that involve managing defense and infrastructure projects. They work on projects across the United States, with a focus on national security and transportation.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $91,712
Sargent & Lundy offers Project Controls Specialist roles that focus on energy projects. They operate primarily in the United States, with a strong presence in the Midwest and Southeast.
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Amentum
Average Salary: $89,624
Amentum provides Project Controls Specialist jobs that involve managing government and defense projects. They operate across the United States, with a focus on national security and aerospace.
How to earn more as a Project Controls Specialist?
A Project Controls Specialist can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized certifications can enhance skills and knowledge, making a candidate more attractive to employers. Certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Construction Professional (CCP) can lead to higher salary offers. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends also play a crucial role in career advancement.
Experience and expertise in specific industries, such as construction or engineering, can significantly impact earning potential. Specialists who work on high-profile projects or for top-tier companies often command higher salaries. Networking and building strong professional relationships can open doors to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or project management responsibilities can lead to salary increases. Finally, negotiating salary effectively during job offers or performance reviews can also result in higher earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Project Controls Specialist:
- Obtain specialized certifications.
- Gain experience in high-demand industries.
- Build a strong professional network.
- Take on leadership roles.
- Negotiate salary effectively.



