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Construction manager vs estimator project manager

The differences between construction managers and estimator project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a construction manager, becoming an estimator project manager takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a construction manager has an average salary of $81,313, which is higher than the $73,546 average annual salary of an estimator project manager.

The top three skills for a construction manager include project management, construction management and construction projects. The most important skills for an estimator project manager are general contractors, construction projects, and sub contractors.

Construction manager vs estimator project manager overview

Construction ManagerEstimator Project Manager
Yearly salary$81,313$73,546
Hourly rate$39.09$35.36
Growth rate8%-2%
Number of jobs44,431112,100
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4647
Years of experience82

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.

What does an estimator project manager do?

An estimator project manager is responsible for analyzing cost estimates by gathering cost information from suppliers and other third-party vendors. An estimator project manager must have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, especially with measurement accuracy and evaluating important project metrics. Estimator project managers research the general market pricing of materials and labor costs, estimate production times, and follow the project timetable without compromising the quality and the client's specifications. They create estimate reports and risk analyses to discuss with the client and the project team.

Construction manager vs estimator project manager salary

Construction managers and estimator project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction ManagerEstimator Project Manager
Average salary$81,313$73,546
Salary rangeBetween $54,000 And $120,000Between $52,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiMassachusetts
Best paying companyMetaIntel
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between construction manager and estimator project manager education

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

Construction ManagerEstimator Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction manager vs estimator project manager demographics

Here are the differences between construction managers' and estimator project managers' demographics:

Construction ManagerEstimator Project Manager
Average age4647
Gender ratioMale, 92.0% Female, 8.0%Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between construction manager and estimator project manager duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Estimator project manager example responsibilities.

  • Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
  • Prepare RFP's, manage the distribution of, and review and analyze proposals from suppliers and vendors daily.
  • Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
  • Assist other project managers and design cad drafter with projects.
  • Utilize HCSS and AGTEK software to track and provide estimates.
  • Create quotation letters & develop AutoCAD drawings to describe scope of work to customer.
  • Show more

Construction manager vs estimator project manager skills

Common construction manager skills
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Construction Management, 12%
  • Construction Projects, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Oversight, 4%
Common estimator project manager skills
  • General Contractors, 17%
  • Construction Projects, 8%
  • Sub Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Management, 6%
  • Project Scope, 5%
  • Cost Estimates, 3%

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