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Chief estimator vs electrical estimator

The differences between chief estimators and electrical 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 an electrical estimator. Additionally, a chief estimator has an average salary of $98,498, which is higher than the $70,612 average annual salary of an electrical estimator.

The top three skills for a chief estimator include construction management, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for an electrical estimator are project management, quantity take-offs, and electrical systems.

Chief estimator vs electrical estimator overview

Chief EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Yearly salary$98,498$70,612
Hourly rate$47.35$33.95
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs24,11636,760
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does a chief estimator do?

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.

What does an electrical estimator do?

Electrical estimators are electrical system professionals who are responsible for creating the approximate cost of various electrical installations for both industrial and residential projects. These estimators must analyze blueprints to determine wire lengths as well as the amount and cost of all materials and fixtures needed for their electrical projects. They are required to improve cost-estimating procedures so that they can reduce inconsistencies between the estimated and actual project costs. Electrical estimators must also participate in project biddings by completing and submitting their proposals by following established guidelines.

Chief estimator vs electrical estimator salary

Chief estimators and electrical estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chief EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average salary$98,498$70,612
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $142,000Between $48,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityConcord, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateVermontMassachusetts
Best paying companyPayscaleIntel
Best paying industryFinanceEnergy

Differences between chief estimator and electrical estimator education

There are a few differences between a chief estimator and an electrical estimator in terms of educational background:

Chief EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Chief estimator vs electrical estimator demographics

Here are the differences between chief estimators' and electrical estimators' demographics:

Chief EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack 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, 13.6% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between chief estimator and electrical estimator duties and responsibilities

Chief estimator example responsibilities.

  • Manage team of quoting specialists and control the overall quotation processes for all RFQ's.
  • Prepare equipment & HVAC installation estimates.
  • Conduct an audits program on an HVAC subcontractor that save the client $120m in back charges.
  • Develop and update Primavera scheduling and cost-control for electrical and mechanical activities in accordance with owner and general contractor planning strategies.
  • Order parts and supplies from various vendors, OEM and aftermarket.
  • Negotiate with OEM cost estimators on all new business pricing to finalize product pricing quotes.
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Electrical estimator example responsibilities.

  • Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
  • Design power, lighting, and HVAC plans.
  • Slash cost of installation and operations by implementing various MEP systems.
  • Collaborate with MEP engineering firm to prepare design-build budgets and estimates for potential clients.
  • Design and estimating duties include HVAC, refrigeration, interior and exterior lighting & power distribution.
  • Utilize AutoCAD for electrical drafting, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, and single line diagrams.
  • Show more

Chief estimator vs electrical estimator skills

Common chief estimator skills
  • Construction Management, 11%
  • Cost Estimates, 8%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Design-Build, 7%
  • General Contractors, 6%
  • Value Engineering, 6%
Common electrical estimator skills
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Quantity Take-Offs, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • Value Engineering, 5%
  • Electrical Projects, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%

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