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The differences between cost estimators and construction 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 cost estimator and a construction estimator. Additionally, a construction estimator has an average salary of $72,383, which is higher than the $69,727 average annual salary of a cost estimator.
The top three skills for a cost estimator include worksheets, risk analysis and project management. The most important skills for a construction estimator are construction management, project management, and cost estimates.
| Cost Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $69,727 | $72,383 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $34.80 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 14,570 | 37,047 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A cost estimator is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis and cost forecasting to determine the duration, budget limitations, and required resources for project construction and development. Cost estimators identify possible cost-reduction techniques by researching the market and negotiating with suppliers and vendors with high-quality deliverables. They also review project plans and blueprints to provide accurate estimation reports for reference. A cost estimator must have excellent communication and analytical skills, documenting every progress, and adjust estimation plans as needed.
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.
Cost estimators and construction estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cost Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Average salary | $69,727 | $72,383 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $102,000 | Between $50,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Amazon |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a cost estimator and a construction estimator in terms of educational background:
| Cost Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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 cost estimators' and construction estimators' demographics:
| Cost Estimator | Construction Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.0% 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, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |