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The differences between chief estimators and construction estimators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a chief estimator and a construction estimator. Additionally, a chief estimator has an average salary of $98,498, which is higher than the $72,383 average annual salary of a construction estimator.
The top three skills for a chief estimator include construction management, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for a construction estimator are construction management, project management, and cost estimates.
| Chief Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $98,498 | $72,383 |
| Hourly rate | $47.35 | $34.80 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 24,116 | 37,047 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Chief Estimator is responsible for managing and directing the organization's estimating functions. They also develop and implement the standards and procedures of a department.
A construction estimator is responsible for determining project requirements, estimating metrics, including cost-analysis procedures and area inspection to spot potential inconsistencies, mitigate risks, and address production gaps. Construction estimators work closely with the engineers to identify construction requirements and specifications for forecasting. They also coordinate with construction suppliers and third-party vendors to negotiate pricing contracts for high-quality materials according to budget limitations. A construction estimator reports findings to management, recommending solutions and adjustments to achieve desired output and deadlines.
Chief estimators and construction estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chief Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Average salary | $98,498 | $72,383 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $142,000 | Between $50,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | Concord, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Payscale | Amazon |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a chief estimator and a construction estimator in terms of educational background:
| Chief Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between chief estimators' and construction estimators' demographics:
| Chief Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |