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Construction project engineer vs estimator project manager

The differences between construction project engineers and estimator project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a construction project engineer, becoming an estimator project manager takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an estimator project manager has an average salary of $73,546, which is higher than the $68,635 average annual salary of a construction project engineer.

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

Construction project engineer vs estimator project manager overview

Construction Project EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Yearly salary$68,635$73,546
Hourly rate$33.00$35.36
Growth rate7%-2%
Number of jobs66,147112,100
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4147
Years of experience62

What does a construction project engineer do?

A construction project engineer specializes in performing technical work while coordinating clients, managers, subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring efficient and safe operations. Moreover, their responsibilities revolve around reviewing overall construction plans and blueprints, delegating tasks, gathering data, producing progress reports, developing project objectives, and monitoring construction progress while prioritizing the budget and deadlines. They may also control project plans, assess workforce performance, and maintain daily records. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe work environment for everyone.

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 project engineer vs estimator project manager salary

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

Construction Project EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Average salary$68,635$73,546
Salary rangeBetween $53,000 And $87,000Between $52,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyAbbottIntel
Best paying industryHealth CareEnergy

Differences between construction project engineer and estimator project manager education

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

Construction Project EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCivil EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeColumbia University in the City of New YorkCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Construction project engineer vs estimator project manager demographics

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

Construction Project EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Average age4147
Gender ratioMale, 90.3% Female, 9.7%Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 11.4% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%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 Percentage5%4%

Differences between construction project engineer and estimator project manager duties and responsibilities

Construction project engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage roll-out and operation of new site CMMS system, ARCHIbus.
  • Ensure the quick responses from designers for RFI (s) for all project manage and oversee.
  • Facilitate coordination between MEP trades and manage finishes.
  • Manage QA activities and maintain up-to-date quality control system.
  • Manage and/or participate in a variety of water and wastewater assist company principles as engineering consultants for numerous municipal clients.
  • Lead teams in FDA compliance, IQ-OQ-PQ validation methods.
  • 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 project engineer vs estimator project manager skills

Common construction project engineer skills
  • Construction Management, 20%
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Construction Materials, 6%
  • Construction Projects, 6%
  • Shop Drawings, 4%
  • Meeting Minutes, 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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