Construction estimator vs construction manager

The differences between construction estimators and construction managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a construction estimator, becoming a construction manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a construction manager has an average salary of $81,313, which is higher than the $72,383 average annual salary of a construction estimator.

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

Construction estimator vs construction manager overview

	Construction Estimator	Construction Manager
Yearly salary	$72,383	$81,313
Hourly rate	$34.80	$39.09
Growth rate	-2%	8%
Number of jobs	37,047	44,431
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	47	46
Years of experience	2	8

What does a construction estimator do?

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.

What does a construction manager do?

A construction manager oversees a construction site and its workers, ensuring efficiency in the workforce and overall operations. They work in an office within the construction site to meet and coordinate with architects, contractors, and clients. They must also hire the required workforce, identify and resolve issues, maintain daily reports and communication with clients, and prioritize a safe work environment. Above all, they must see that all of the required protocols are met, including the target completion time and budget.

Construction estimator vs construction manager salary

Construction estimators and construction managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Construction Estimator	Construction Manager
Average salary	$72,383	$81,313
Salary range	Between $50,000 And $104,000	Between $54,000 And $120,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Hawaii
Best paying company	Amazon	Meta
Best paying industry	Start-up	Technology

Differences between construction estimator and construction manager education

There are a few differences between a construction estimator and a construction manager in terms of educational background:

	Construction Estimator	Construction Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction estimator vs construction manager demographics

Here are the differences between construction estimators' and construction managers' demographics:

	Construction Estimator	Construction Manager
Average age	47	46
Gender ratio	Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between construction estimator and construction manager duties and responsibilities

Construction estimator example responsibilities.

Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
Supervise the installation of electronics, plumbing and penning.
Complete requests for information (RFI) and log them for future reference.
Complete estimates using spreadsheet models, cad models, similar designs and grass roots techniques.
Estimate cost of various building projects, pole barns, decks, plumbing, electrical supplies.
Gather, submit, and track relevant request for information (RFI) to project owner.

Construction manager example responsibilities.

Manage three geotechnical engineers, a general contractor , 45 sub-contractors, and consultants.
Manage all contractor-relate tasks from RFI submissions through payment administration.
Manage and coordinate architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers and subcontractors technical departments.
Manage complete design and construction coordination of company's retail properties throughout the Washington/Baltimore area market.
Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
Implement and maintain construction safety regulations according to OSHA requirements, and ensure environmental protection regulatory compliance with engineering standards.

Construction estimator vs construction manager skills

Common construction estimator skills

Construction Management, 13%
Project Management, 10%
Cost Estimates, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Quantity Take-Offs, 5%
Sage, 4%

Common construction manager skills

Project Management, 12%
Construction Management, 12%
Construction Projects, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Customer Service, 4%
Oversight, 4%

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Construction Estimator
Construction Estimator vs Construction Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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