Cost engineer vs estimator

The differences between cost engineers and estimators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a cost engineer, becoming an estimator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a cost engineer has an average salary of $87,901, which is higher than the $67,162 average annual salary of an estimator.

The top three skills for a cost engineer include project management, cost analysis and construction management. The most important skills for an estimator are customer service, cost estimates, and project management.

Cost engineer vs estimator overview

	Cost Engineer	Estimator
Yearly salary	$87,901	$67,162
Hourly rate	$42.26	$32.29
Growth rate	3%	-2%
Number of jobs	65,278	12,567
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	45	47
Years of experience	6	2

What does a cost engineer do?

A cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.

What does an estimator do?

Estimators work in construction and manufacturing businesses to estimate the operational costs of the company. It is the responsibility of the estimators to compile the estimates of the products and services. They prepare work for estimation through blueprints, specifications, proposals, and its associated documents. It is also expected from them to find their potential clients' needs and wants, research equipment and materials, and calculate labor costs. The organization, time management, and effective communication are the skills expected from a good estimator.

Cost engineer vs estimator salary

Cost engineers and estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cost Engineer	Estimator
Average salary	$87,901	$67,162
Salary range	Between $64,000 And $120,000	Between $46,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Rhode Island	Vermont
Best paying company	BP America Inc	BlackRock
Best paying industry	Energy	Manufacturing

Differences between cost engineer and estimator education

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

	Cost Engineer	Estimator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Georgia Institute of Technology	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Cost engineer vs estimator demographics

Here are the differences between cost engineers' and estimators' demographics:

	Cost Engineer	Estimator
Average age	45	47
Gender ratio	Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9%	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	4%

Differences between cost engineer and estimator duties and responsibilities

Cost engineer example responsibilities.

Manage and monitor SharePoint activities and update daily tasks to ensure information is documented, remains accurate and up-to-date.
Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
Create BOM for each project assuring special procedures, materials requirements and reinforcements.
Research and analyze various commodities for function to price and price to cost evaluation.
Design and install a complete integrate information management system on IBM equipment and ERP software.
Document all corporate procedures and policies instruction to establish constancy within GAAP rules and regulation.

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Estimator example responsibilities.

Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Facilitate all product installation and replacement of equipment; including scheduling electrical, plumbing, roofing, and crane operator subcontractors.
Review and modify drawings in AutoCad.
Coordinate with MEP consultants during the project.

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Cost engineer vs estimator skills

Common cost engineer skills

Project Management, 9%
Cost Analysis, 7%
Construction Management, 7%
Project Controls, 7%
Cost Data, 5%
Cost Models, 4%

Common estimator skills

Customer Service, 17%
Cost Estimates, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Repair Process, 4%
Work Ethic, 4%
Construction Projects, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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