Construction superintendent compensation varies significantly by market, experience, and project type. Nationally, the average runs around $95K annually, but that's the floor, not the ceiling.

For most of our placements across commercial, multifamily, civil, and industrial sectors, we're seeing:

Entry to mid-level superintendents: $128K, $194K base salary depending on market and complexity.

Senior/lead superintendents: $207K, $248K+ base, with top-tier Bay Area and San Diego placements reaching $250K, $290K total compensation.

High-cost markets shift the needle dramatically. San Diego placements, for example, typically command $150K, $207K base, while San Francisco ranges $163K, $225K base, often climbing to $180K, $290K+ when you factor in bonuses, truck allowance, and per diem.

The real story? Total compensation matters. A superintendent earning $180K base might actually see $220K+ with benefits and allowances. Geography, travel requirements, project scope, and your safety/schedule track record all influence final offers. We'd recommend getting specific intel for your target market and experience level.