Become A Chief Estimator
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Chief Estimator
- Getting Information
- Interacting With Computers
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Mostly Sitting
$69,950
Average Salary
What Does A Chief Estimator Do
How To Become A Chief Estimator
A bachelor’s degree is generally required to become a cost estimator, although some highly experienced construction workers may qualify without a bachelor’s degree.
EducationEmployers generally prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. A strong background in mathematics is essential.
Construction cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree in an industry-related field, such as construction management, building science, or engineering.
Those interested in estimating manufacturing costs typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or finance.
TrainingSome newly hired cost estimators may receive on-the-job training, depending on their experience. Training may include learning a company’s cost-estimating software and techniques.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationSome employers prefer that construction cost estimators, particularly those without a bachelor’s degree, have previous work experience in the construction industry. For example, experienced electricians and plumbers can become construction cost estimators if they have the necessary construction knowledge and math skills.
Candidates interested in becoming cost estimators can also gain experience through internships and cooperative education programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsVoluntary certification can show competence and experience in the field. In some instances, employers may require professional certification before hiring.
The following organizations offer a variety of certifications:
- American Society of Professional Estimators
- Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International
- International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association
Estimators must generally have at least 2 years of estimating experience and must pass a written exam to become certified.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Cost estimators consider and evaluate different construction and manufacturing methods and options to determine the most cost-effective solution that meets the required specifications.
Detail oriented. Cost estimators must pay attention to details, as minor changes can significantly affect the overall cost of a project or product.
Math skills. Cost estimators calculate labor, material, and equipment cost estimates for construction projects. They use software, such as spreadsheets and databases, and they need excellent math skills to accurately calculate these estimates.
Time-management skills. Cost estimators often work on fixed deadlines, so they must plan their work in advance and work efficiently and accurately.
Writing skills. Cost estimators write comprehensive reports, which often help managers make production decisions.
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Chief Estimator jobs
Chief Estimator Career Paths
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Estimator Project Manager 5.4 years
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Senior Project Manager Construction 5.2 years
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Chief Estimator 5.0 years
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Senior Estimator 4.9 years
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Estimating Manager 4.3 years
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Electrical Estimator 3.8 years
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Cost Estimator 3.6 years
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Designer/Estimator 3.6 years
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Project Estimator 3.3 years
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Construction Estimator 3.3 years
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Estimator/Project Coordinator 3.2 years
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Engineer/Estimator 3.1 years
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Estimator 3.1 years
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Project Manager 16.2%
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Senior Estimator 14.1%
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Estimator 13.9%
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Superintendent 5.4%
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Project Engineer 4.6%
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Owner 4.0%
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Vice President 3.2%
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Construction Manager 2.7%
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Estimating Manager 2.3%
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Field Engineer 2.3%
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Project Estimator 2.0%
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President/Owner 1.9%
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Foreman 1.5%
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Operations Manager 1.4%
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General Manager 1.4%
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Division Manager 1.3%
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Senior Estimator 15.0%
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Project Manager 14.5%
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Estimator 10.7%
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Construction Manager 5.2%
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Owner 4.2%
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Vice President 4.2%
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Estimating Manager 3.8%
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Operations Manager 3.1%
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Superintendent 2.9%
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Consultant 2.8%
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President/Owner 2.6%
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President 2.2%
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Business Developer 2.1%
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Director 1.8%
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Senior Manager 1.8%
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General Manager 1.8%
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Project Estimator 1.7%
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Principal 1.7%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Chief Estimator
Top Careers After Chief Estimator
Chief Estimator Demographics
Gender
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Male
90.1% -
Female
6.8% -
Unknown
3.1%
Ethnicity
-
White
81.3% -
Hispanic or Latino
9.7% -
Asian
6.8% -
Unknown
1.5% -
Black or African American
0.8%
Languages Spoken
-
Spanish
63.6% -
Russian
18.2% -
Portuguese
9.1% -
French
9.1%
Chief Estimator
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Chief Estimator Education
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Lawrence Technological University
9.1% -
University of Florida
8.0% -
Pennsylvania State University
8.0% -
Auburn University
8.0% -
Villanova University
5.7% -
Texas A&M University
4.5% -
College of DuPage
4.5% -
Glendale Community College
4.5% -
University of Phoenix
4.5% -
University of Southern Mississippi
4.5% -
Clemson University
4.5% -
Purdue University
4.5% -
Kansas State University
4.5% -
Colorado State University
4.5% -
Eastern Michigan University
3.4% -
Delaware Technical and Community College
3.4% -
University of Connecticut
3.4% -
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
3.4% -
Oregon State University
3.4% -
Hudson Valley Community College
3.4% -
Business 18.7%
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Construction Management 17.1%
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Civil Engineering 12.6%
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Engineering 6.4%
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Project Management 5.1%
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Architecture 4.3%
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Management 3.7%
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Property Management 3.7%
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Drafting And Design 2.7%
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Education 2.7%
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Accounting 2.4%
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Computer Science 2.1%
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Bachelors
39.2% -
Other
34.8% -
Masters
10.5% -
Associate
9.6% -
Certificate
4.7% -
Diploma
0.9% -
Doctorate
0.2%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Chief Estimator
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Chief Estimator Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Estimator | Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. | Woodbridge, VA | Nov 14, 2014 | $166,254 |
| Chief Estimator | Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. | Woodbridge, VA | Apr 14, 2016 | $166,254 |
| Chief Estimator | Eastern Millwork, Inc. | Jersey City, NJ | Dec 10, 2014 | $125,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Duce Construction Corporation | New York, NY | Mar 31, 2011 | $99,840 |
| Chief Estimator | FRU-Con Construction, LLC | Woodbridge, VA | Nov 14, 2011 | $95,000 - $180,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Valleycrest Companies | Orlando, FL | Jul 06, 2010 | $94,605 |
| Chief Estimator | Valleycrest Companies | Orlando, FL | Jul 06, 2009 | $90,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Eastern Millwork, Inc. | Jersey City, NJ | Nov 07, 2011 | $85,000 |
| Chief Estimator | JJO Construction, Inc. | Mentor, OH | Apr 03, 2009 | $74,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Express Stucco/Wall Services, Inc. | Kissimmee, FL | Sep 28, 2016 | $61,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Duce Construction Corporation | New York, NY | Mar 31, 2011 | $60,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Duce Construction Corporation | New York, NY | Apr 01, 2010 | $60,000 |
| Chief Estimator | Dura-Stress, Inc. | Leesburg, FL | Apr 20, 2011 | $54,000 |
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Top Skills for A Chief Estimator
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Top Chief Estimator Skills
- General Contractors
- Project Management
- Design/Build
- Liaised between general contractors, customers, and clients relative to project pricing.
- Catalyzed project management improvements through examining completed projects and delivering Lessons Learned conclusions.
- Perform estimates on engineering designs for fixed price and negotiated design/build, or bid/build projects.
- Conferred with architects and engineers for clarifications and requests for information.
- Review and evaluate competitive bid proposals.
Top Chief Estimator Employers
Duce Construction Corporation
PRS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Encompass
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