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The differences between construction estimators and construction superintendents 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 superintendent takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a construction superintendent has an average salary of $87,486, 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 superintendent are OSHA, construction management, and project management.
| Construction Estimator | Construction Superintendent | |
| Yearly salary | $72,383 | $87,486 |
| Hourly rate | $34.80 | $42.06 |
| Growth rate | -2% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 37,047 | 34,822 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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.
A construction superintendent's role is to oversee all construction plans and operations, ensuring quality completion within a specified timeframe. Some of their responsibilities are to inspect all sites, coordinate with contractors and engineers, manage the budget and expenditure, purchase necessary materials and equipment, and make schedules. Aside from producing daily progress reports, a construction superintendent also addresses issues and concerns should there be any. Furthermore, they must implement all safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Construction estimators and construction superintendents have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Estimator | Construction Superintendent | |
| Average salary | $72,383 | $87,486 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $104,000 | Between $61,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Energy |
There are a few differences between a construction estimator and a construction superintendent in terms of educational background:
| Construction Estimator | Construction Superintendent | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| 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 construction estimators' and construction superintendents' demographics:
| Construction Estimator | Construction Superintendent | |
| Average age | 47 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| 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, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |