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Assistant project manager vs project estimator

The differences between assistant project managers and project estimators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assistant project manager has an average salary of $76,020, which is higher than the $70,496 average annual salary of a project estimator.

The top three skills for an assistant project manager include project management, construction management and general contractors. The most important skills for a project estimator are project management, cost estimates, and construction projects.

Assistant project manager vs project estimator overview

Assistant Project ManagerProject Estimator
Yearly salary$76,020$70,496
Hourly rate$36.55$33.89
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs119,27956,513
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4747
Years of experience-2

What does an assistant project manager do?

An assistant project manager is an individual who works directly under a project manager to support the planning and execution of projects. Associate project managers keep track of a project's progress and communicate with stakeholders about project needs and goals. They help procure materials and other essential items to meet project goals and avoid delays in completing a project. They are also responsible for resolving complex issues that arise in a project.

What does a project estimator do?

Project estimators are professionals who are responsible for calculating the total costs that are associated with a construction project or the development of a new product. These estimators are required to monitor project cost and quality construction development while conducting formal presentations to clients about data findings, material takeoff, and project costs. They are required to work with the project management team to develop project accounting and bill-of-materials process. Project estimators must also attend pre-bid meetings and site walk to determine the scope of work and finalize proposals for review by the client.

Assistant project manager vs project estimator salary

Assistant project managers and project estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assistant Project ManagerProject Estimator
Average salary$76,020$70,496
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $104,000Between $48,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateConnecticutVermont
Best paying companySquare EnixVarian Medical Systems
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between assistant project manager and project estimator education

There are a few differences between an assistant project manager and a project estimator in terms of educational background:

Assistant Project ManagerProject Estimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Assistant project manager vs project estimator demographics

Here are the differences between assistant project managers' and project estimators' demographics:

Assistant Project ManagerProject Estimator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 65.5% Female, 34.5%Male, 86.4% Female, 13.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%4%

Differences between assistant project manager and project estimator duties and responsibilities

Assistant project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of project, and have repaired relationship/company image with USACE.
  • Achieve the highest level of recognition for project and quality management execution given by NAVFAC.
  • Manage buy-out of all in-place materials and equipment; schedule crane hoisting and concrete pumping requirements.
  • Produce & manage event logistics & corresponding media including; & digital promotions, direct mailings and digital campaigns.
  • Manage all size commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, intrusion, intercom, and sound systems.
  • Manage all aspects of the RFQ including competitive bidding process, negotiation and award of contracts to vendors nationwide.
  • Show more

Project estimator example responsibilities.

  • Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
  • Estimate costs of HVAC temperature control systems utilizing mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering plans.
  • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
  • Prepare proposals for hydroelectric retrofit and rehabilitation projects as well as various other domestic and international projects.

Assistant project manager vs project estimator skills

Common assistant project manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Construction Management, 11%
  • General Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Work Ethic, 4%
Common project estimator skills
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Cost Estimates, 8%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Renewable Energy, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%
  • Project Scope, 4%

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