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Construction estimator vs electrical estimator

The differences between construction 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 construction estimator and an electrical estimator. Additionally, a construction estimator has an average salary of $72,383, which is higher than the $70,612 average annual salary of an electrical estimator.

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

Construction estimator vs electrical estimator overview

Construction EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Yearly salary$72,383$70,612
Hourly rate$34.80$33.95
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs37,04736,760
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

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 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.

Construction estimator vs electrical estimator salary

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

Construction EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average salary$72,383$70,612
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $104,000Between $48,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyAmazonIntel
Best paying industryStart-upEnergy

Differences between construction estimator and electrical estimator education

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

Construction EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction estimator vs electrical estimator demographics

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

Construction EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 84.0% Female, 16.0%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack 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, 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 construction estimator and electrical estimator 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.
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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

Construction estimator vs electrical estimator skills

Common construction estimator skills
  • Construction Management, 13%
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Cost Estimates, 8%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Quantity Take-Offs, 5%
  • Sage, 4%
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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