Classifier vs estimator

The differences between classifiers and 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 classifier and an estimator. Additionally, an estimator has an average salary of $67,162, which is higher than the $34,561 average annual salary of a classifier.

The top three skills for a classifier include technical knowledge, CPC and USPTO. The most important skills for an estimator are customer service, cost estimates, and project management.

Classifier vs estimator overview

	Classifier	Estimator
Yearly salary	$34,561	$67,162
Hourly rate	$16.62	$32.29
Growth rate	6%	-2%
Number of jobs	365	12,567
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	48	47
Years of experience	2	2

Classifier vs estimator salary

Classifiers and estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Classifier	Estimator
Average salary	$34,561	$67,162
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $54,000	Between $46,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	Vermont
Best paying company	-	BlackRock
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between classifier and estimator education

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

	Classifier	Estimator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Classifier vs estimator demographics

Here are the differences between classifiers' and estimators' demographics:

	Classifier	Estimator
Average age	48	47
Gender ratio	Male, 67.3% Female, 32.7%	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	16%	4%

Differences between classifier and estimator duties and responsibilities

Classifier example responsibilities.

Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
Review and prepare agency comments on draft classification standards issue by OPM.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

Estimator example responsibilities.

Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Facilitate all product installation and replacement of equipment; including scheduling electrical, plumbing, roofing, and crane operator subcontractors.
Review and modify drawings in AutoCad.
Coordinate with MEP consultants during the project.

Classifier vs estimator skills

Common classifier skills

Technical Knowledge, 37%
CPC, 34%
USPTO, 23%
Tariff Schedule, 2%
Classification Process, 2%
Patent Applications, 1%

Common estimator skills

Customer Service, 17%
Cost Estimates, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Repair Process, 4%
Work Ethic, 4%
Construction Projects, 4%

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Classifier vs Estimator

Updated January 8, 2025

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